The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, and the top 16 teams are now set for the knockout phase of this expanded tournament format. From the initial 32 teams across eight groups, we now have a defined bracket leading to the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. As the Round of 16 matches begin this weekend, let`s rank the excitement level of the eight upcoming clashes.
8. Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
Ranked eighth, German giants Borussia Dortmund take on Mexican side Monterrey. Dortmund advanced by topping their group with two wins and a draw against opponents including Fluminense and Ulsan HD. Monterrey proved to be one of the surprises of the group stage, securing crucial draws against European powerhouses Inter and River Plate before winning their decisive match against Urawa Red Diamonds.
7. Benfica vs. Chelsea
This tie features a meeting between two European clubs. Benfica secured their place by finishing first in Group C, highlighted by a key victory against Bayern Munich. Chelsea, who qualified by winning the UEFA Conference League, advanced after finishing second in their group behind Flamengo. These teams have history, having previously met in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, which Chelsea won 2-1.
6. Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Impressive group winners from Group D, Brazilian side Flamengo, face German champions Bayern Munich. Bayern finished as runners-up in Group C after a defeat to Benfica. Flamengo`s strong performance underscores the success of Brazilian teams in the competition, with all four representatives reaching the knockout rounds. While two Brazilian clubs face European opposition, Botafogo and Palmeiras will play an all-Brazilian derby.
5. Inter vs. Fluminense
An intriguing encounter sees Italian giants Inter Milan face Brazilian club Fluminense. Inter secured their spot in the knockouts with a solid 2-0 win against River Plate in their final group match, featuring goals from Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Inter, currently coached by Cristian Chivu in this tournament, will need to overcome Fluminense. A potential storyline emerges with the possibility of Inter meeting Al-Hilal, managed by their former coach Simone Inzaghi, in the quarter-finals if both sides advance.
4. Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
This captivating Brazilian derby is set to kick off the knockout stage. Palmeiras secured the top spot in Group A with five points, including a win against Al-Ahly and draws against Inter Miami and FC Porto. Botafogo navigated a challenging group alongside PSG and Atletico Madrid; remarkably, all three teams finished with six points, but Botafogo advanced to the Round of 16 based on a superior goal difference, resulting in Atletico`s elimination.
3. Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City is matched against Al-Hilal. City was the only team in the tournament to achieve a perfect record in the group stage, winning all three matches, scoring an impressive 13 goals while conceding just two. Al-Hilal secured their progression after drawing their first two group games before winning their crucial final match. The winner of this tie will face either Inter or Fluminense in the quarter-finals.
2. PSG vs. Inter Miami
This highly anticipated clash pits French champions PSG, winners of the 2025 UEFA Champions League, against Inter Miami, featuring global icon Lionel Messi. Messi, who represented PSG from 2021 to 2023, and his former Barcelona teammates within the Inter Miami squad, will face their former coach, Luis Enrique, who now manages the French side, adding a unique narrative layer to this fixture. The winner of this high-profile tie will advance to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich.
1. Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Ranked as the standout fixture of the Round of 16, this match brings together two historic European football powerhouses. Both teams are navigating periods of transition this summer. Real Madrid successfully topped Group H, recording a draw against Al-Hilal and securing wins against Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Juventus also progressed after victories against Al-Ain and Wydad, despite suffering a heavy defeat to Manchester City. This encounter serves as a significant early test for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
