The group stage of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has officially concluded, setting the stage for an exciting Round of 16 featuring some of the biggest clubs from across the globe. Held across multiple U.S. cities, the tournament’s new format welcomed 32 teams for the first time—and now, only 16 remain in contention for the coveted world title.
🌍 Confirmed Round of 16 Fixtures
- June 28
- Palmeiras 🇧🇷 vs Botafogo 🇧🇷 – All-Brazilian showdown in Philadelphia
- Benfica 🇵🇹 vs Chelsea 🏴 – European clash in Charlotte
- June 29
- Paris Saint-Germain 🇫🇷 vs Inter Miami 🇺🇸 – Messi reunion vs former club in Atlanta
- Flamengo 🇧🇷 vs Bayern Munich 🇩🇪 – Continental giants meet in Miami
- June 30
- Inter Milan 🇮🇹 vs Fluminense 🇧🇷 – Tactical battle in Charlotte
- Manchester City 🏴 vs Al-Hilal 🇸🇦 – City face surprise Saudi qualifiers in Orlando
- July 1
- Real Madrid 🇪🇸 vs Juventus 🇮🇹 – European heavyweights collide in Miami
- Borussia Dortmund 🇩🇪 vs Monterrey 🇲🇽 – Speed and flair on display in Atlanta
🛣️ How They Got Here: The Group Stage Story
The path to the last 16 was packed with drama and high-quality football:
- Real Madrid topped Group H after defeating RB Salzburg and drawing Pachuca, setting up a blockbuster tie with Juventus, who finished second behind Manchester City in Group G.
- Manchester City dominated Group G with 13 goals in three games, including a 5–2 demolition of Juventus, and now face Al-Hilal, who earned second place in their group with a crucial 2–0 win over Pachuca.
- Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and Botafogo all qualified from their respective groups—showing Brazil’s dominance with four teams reaching the knockout rounds.
- PSG and Inter Miami both advanced from Group A and B respectively, setting up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament featuring Lionel Messi against his former club.
- Benfica and Chelsea progressed from a tight set of Group C and D battles, while Inter Milan and Monterrey emerged from Group E.
🏆 What’s at Stake
With the knockout bracket now complete, every match becomes a do-or-die showdown. Clubs are just four wins away from lifting the Club World Cup in this historic expanded edition. European and South American powerhouses remain favorites, but emerging sides like Al-Hilal, Monterrey, and Inter Miami are ready to upset the order.
The tournament continues to deliver top-class football and historic matchups, adding to the excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
