The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has navigated its thrilling group stage, with the initial 32-team field now whittled down to a formidable last sixteen. The opening phase, hosted across various US venues, delivered a heady mix of pulsating football, unexpected upsets, and dramatic qualifications, setting the stage for a compelling knockout phase.
Perhaps the most significant tremors of the group stage were felt by two of Europe's established elite: French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and English champions Chelsea. Both suffered surprising defeats at the hands of Brazilian clubs – Botafogo overcoming PSG, and Flamengo getting the better of Chelsea. While both European powerhouses ultimately managed to secure their passage to the last sixteen, their initial struggles served as a stark reminder of the global nature of club football's new premier tournament.
Further European casualties included Spanish stalwarts Atletico Madrid and Portuguese giants FC Porto, both of whom failed to navigate their respective groups and exited the competition prematurely. In contrast, Brazilian football enjoyed a triumphant group phase, with all four of their representatives – Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense – successfully booking their spots in the knockout rounds. However, there was heartbreak for Argentine football's traditional rivals, Boca Juniors and River Plate, both of whom were surprisingly knocked out at the first hurdle.
The sixteen teams advancing to the knockout stage include Palmeiras, Botafogo, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Flamengo, Inter Miami, Inter Milan, Fluminense, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Monterrey, Juventus, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Al Hilal.
The knockout action is set to commence on Saturday with an all-Brazilian clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo in Philadelphia. The following day, Sunday, will see Benfica take on Chelsea in Charlotte, while Paris Saint-Germain will face Inter Miami in Atlanta. As the weekend draws to a close on Monday, Flamengo are scheduled to meet Bayern Munich in Miami Gardens. The intensity continues into July 1, with Inter Milan battling Fluminense in Charlotte and Manchester City going head-to-head with Al Hilal in Orlando. Finally, the Round of Sixteen will conclude on Wednesday, featuring a blockbuster encounter between Real Madrid and Juventus in Miami Gardens, alongside Borussia Dortmund's clash with Monterrey in Atlanta.
With the stage now impeccably set, the FIFA Club World Cup truly enters its most captivating phase. Fans can anticipate a series of enthralling encounters as the world's premier club sides vie for World Cup supremacy.
