The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is complete, and the field has narrowed to the top 16 teams competing for the title in this new-format tournament`s debut. After the initial phase involving 32 teams in eight groups, we now have a knockout bracket leading to the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium. Let`s rank the eight compelling Round of 16 matchups scheduled to kick off this weekend.
8. Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
Borussia Dortmund, having topped their group with two wins and a draw against Fluminense, Mamelodi, and Ulsan HD, will take on Mexican club Monterrey. Coached by Niko Kovac, Dortmund face a Monterrey side that advanced from a group featuring Inter, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds, marking them as a surprise of the initial phase. Monterrey notably secured draws against Inter and River Plate before clinching a crucial win against the Japanese side.
Date: Tuesday, July 1 | Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
7. Benfica vs. Chelsea
This clash features two European teams. Benfica secured the top spot in Group C by winning their final crucial match against Bayern Munich (overall: one draw, two wins). Chelsea, having qualified as UEFA Conference League winners, finished second in their group behind Flamengo. The clubs have previous history, including meeting in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League final, where Rafa Benitez`s Chelsea side won 2-1 with a late goal from Branislav Ivanovic.
Date: Saturday, June 28 | Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina.
6. Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Brazilian club Flamengo, who topped Group D, will face German champions Bayern Munich, the runners-up of Group C after their 1-0 loss to Benfica. Flamengo has been one of the tournament`s surprises, highlighting the strong performance of Brazilian teams, all four of whom advanced to the Round of 16. Two Brazilian sides will face European opponents, while Botafogo and Palmeiras play each other in the opening match of the knockout stage.
Date: Sunday, June 29 | Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida.
5. Inter vs. Fluminense
Continuing the theme of European vs. Brazilian ties, Inter Milan takes on Fluminense on Monday in what promises to be a compelling Round of 16 encounter. The Italian giants secured their knockout spot with a 2-0 victory over River Plate on the final group matchday, featuring goals from Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter side, now coached by Cristian Chivu, faces Fluminense and could potentially meet their former manager Simone Inzaghi in a later round if Al-Hilal overcomes Manchester City.
Date: Monday, June 30 | Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina.
4. Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
The Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo stands out as one of the most captivating Round of 16 ties, also serving as the opener for the knockout phase on Saturday. Palmeiras claimed the top spot in Group A with five points, earned through a win against Al-Ahly and draws against group runner-up Inter Miami and FC Porto. Botafogo advanced from a challenging group alongside PSG and Atletico Madrid; all three teams finished on six points, but Botafogo progressed to the Round of 16 based on goal difference, eliminating the Spanish side.
Date: Saturday, June 28 | Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
3. Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City are set to play Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi. Al-Hilal secured their Round of 16 spot with a win against Pachuca on the final matchday. Manchester City was the only team in the group stage to win all three matches, demonstrating dominant form with 13 goals scored and only two conceded (both in the 5-2 win over Juventus, a match where both teams had already qualified). Al-Hilal advanced after drawing their first two games against Real Madrid (1-1) and RB Salzburg (0-0) before winning their decisive final group match. The winner of this tie will face either Inter Milan or Fluminense, potentially setting up a meeting between Inzaghi and his former club, Inter, whom he coached until their 5-0 loss to PSG in the 2025 Champions League final.
Date: Monday, June 30 | Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
2. PSG vs. Inter Miami
French giants and 2025 UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi. Messi played for PSG from summer 2021 until 2023 before moving to the United States. This fascinating and potentially nostalgic matchup also sees Messi and other former Barcelona players reunited with their former coach, Luis Enrique, now at the helm of PSG. The winner of this tie will advance to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
Date: Sunday, June 29 | Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
1. Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Widely considered the top matchup of the Round of 16, this tie features two historic European powerhouses. Both teams are undergoing significant changes this summer under new managers Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and Igor Tudor (Juventus), reflected in their mixed performances in the group stage. The Spanish side secured the top spot in Group H with a draw against Al-Hilal (1-1) and wins over Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Juventus advanced after victories against Al-Ain and Wydad, despite a heavy 5-2 loss to Manchester City. This match serves as an important test for both clubs as they continue preparations for the 2025-26 season.
Date: Tuesday, July 1 | Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida.
Adrian Whitmore