The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered thrilling action in the group stage, featuring unfamiliar clashes and surprising outcomes. Now, the focus shifts to the knockout phase, where 16 teams from across the globe battle for ultimate glory. Following an intense group stage, we’ve assessed the performance and form of the qualified sides to rank them from worst to best as they head into the challenging single-elimination rounds. This ranking reflects how teams navigated their initial three matches and their perceived momentum heading into the last 16.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Knockout Stage Power Rankings
The journey to lift the coveted trophy in the United States requires winning four successive matches against increasingly difficult opposition. Based on their group stage display, here’s how the remaining contenders stack up:
16. Fluminense
The Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense, scraped into the last 16, benefiting significantly from a seemingly favorable draw. Placed in a group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan HD, they didn’t need extraordinary performances to advance. Their qualification relied heavily on a disciplined defensive unit, marshaled by the experienced Thiago Silva. Fluminense conceded just two goals and remained unbeaten across their three group fixtures, a testament to their rigidity. However, expectations remain modest for the Brazilian outfit going forward in the tournament.
15. Al Hilal
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, boasting significant financial investment and a star-studded roster, began their campaign brightly with a draw against Real Madrid. However, they were less convincing in subsequent matches, including a goalless stalemate with Salzburg before finally securing knockout passage with a win over Pachuca. While they are unbeaten, the Saudi giants are yet to truly live up to their pre-tournament billing, leaving observers feeling there is more to come from their talented squad.
14. Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami’s inclusion in the Club World Cup was a point of discussion for some, but the MLS side proved they belonged during the group stage. While avoiding the European powerhouses certainly helped, Lionel Messi provided crucial moments of magic, notably in their victory over Porto. Draws against Al Ahly and Palmeiras were less impactful results, but finishing the group stage without defeat is a positive sign. Facing Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 presents a formidable challenge that they appear unlikely to overcome.
13. Monterrey
Mexican side Monterrey demonstrated resilience and attacking potential in the group stage. They earned hard-fought draws against tough opponents in Inter Milan and River Plate early on. The highlight of their campaign was a dominant 4–0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in their final group game, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Monterrey’s defense was solid throughout Group E. While not tipped for a deep run, they possess the qualities to trouble Borussia Dortmund in their upcoming last 16 tie.
12. Palmeiras
The 2021 Copa Libertadores winners, Palmeiras, navigated Group A alongside Inter Miami. Despite finishing ahead of the Herons on goal difference, their performances weren’t significantly more impressive, with both teams ending on five points. Palmeiras does possess exciting attacking threats, including Chelsea-bound youngster Estêvão Willian. They managed to score twice against both Inter Miami and Al Ahly during the group phase and hold the advantage of facing familiar domestic rivals Botafogo in the last 16.
11. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund’s form has been described as solid but unspectacular, mirroring aspects of their domestic season. In the Club World Cup, they drew with Fluminense, narrowly defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in a match where they conceded three goals, and secured progression with a minimal 1–0 win against Ulsan HD. Niko Kovač’s side hasn’t hit top gear yet. They will hope to raise their performance level in the knockout rounds, starting with a potentially tricky tie against Monterrey.
10. Juventus
Juventus made a stunning start to the tournament, dominating their opening two matches with nine goals scored against Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca. Their attack looked formidable in these encounters. However, a humbling 5–2 defeat to Manchester City in their final group game served as a stark reality check, exposing significant defensive vulnerabilities. These defensive issues will be a major concern as they prepare to face Real Madrid in a historic last 16 clash.
9. Chelsea
Chelsea’s group stage was a mixed bag. They began and ended with clean sheet victories against Los Angeles FC and Espérance de Tunis. However, sandwiched in between was a concerning 3–1 loss to Flamengo, where they surrendered a lead and saw Nicolas Jackson sent off. This lapse in concentration highlighted potential fragility. Despite this defeat, it inadvertently helped them avoid a difficult tie against Bayern Munich, setting up a last 16 match against Benfica, which they will feel confident about winning.
8. Benfica
Benfica proved they will be tough opponents for any team in the knockout stage. They secured seven points in the group stage, including an impressive 1–0 victory over Bayern Munich in their final match. They also demonstrated fighting spirit by coming back from a two-goal deficit against Boca Juniors. Veteran Argentine duo Ángel Di María, still pulling strings in attack, and Nicolás Otamendi, providing defensive solidity, are key players. They will present a stern test for Chelsea in the last 16.
7. Inter Milan
Under new management with Cristian Chivu taking the helm after Simone Inzaghi’s departure, Inter Milan showed resilience. Despite a shaky start in their opening fixture, they composed themselves to secure vital wins against River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds in their final two group games. While they progressed comfortably, the Nerazzurri will need to elevate their performance level as the competition intensity increases in the knockout rounds.
6. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich announced their presence with a dominant 10–0 victory over Auckland City. They secured their last 16 spot with a subsequent win against Boca Juniors. A loss to Benfica in their final group match came after making significant squad rotations. The Bundesliga champions have already showcased their immense attacking power, with multiple players looking like Golden Boot contenders. They face a tough battle against Flamengo in the next round.
5. Botafogo
Botafogo arguably produced the biggest shock of the group stage. After defeating Seattle Sounders in their opener, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions stunned European champions Paris Saint-Germain with a memorable 1–0 victory courtesy of Igor Jesus. While they lost to Atlético Madrid in their final game, the impressive wins against Seattle and PSG mean Botafogo enters the knockout phase with immense confidence, ready to face domestic rivals Palmeiras.
4. Paris Saint-Germain
Despite a surprising loss to Botafogo, which they largely dominated, Paris Saint-Germain remains a formidable force. Their quality was clearly demonstrated in a commanding 4–0 victory over Atlético Madrid. As reigning UEFA Champions League winners, they are aiming to add the Club World Cup title. PSG’s all-star forward line is capable of dismantling any defense in the tournament, making them one of the leading contenders, even if their group stage wasn’t flawless.
3. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently adapting to a new tactical approach under manager Xabi Alonso. They started with a draw against Al Hilal before securing two convincing wins against Pachuca and Salzburg, including a strong performance in the final group game where Alonso reportedly deployed a back three to good effect. While still finding their peak form, the sheer quality within the Real Madrid squad means they possess the capability to lift the trophy without necessarily being at their absolute best. Their route begins with a historic clash against Juventus.
2. Flamengo
Among the strong Brazilian contingent, Flamengo arguably delivered the most impressive group stage performances. They played excellent football throughout, accumulating seven points. Their standout moment was a brilliant 3–1 comeback victory against Chelsea, showcasing their attacking flair and resilience. Although they face a difficult last 16 draw against Bayern Munich, the three-time Copa Libertadores winners have shown the form and confidence needed to potentially cause an upset.
1. Manchester City
Manchester City stands alone as the only team to have won all three of their group stage matches, achieving this feat with striking dominance. Pep Guardiola’s side appears to have hit their stride, with summer signings integrating seamlessly. They scored a tournament-high 13 goals, including six against Al Ain and a statement-making five against Juventus. Their commanding form suggests they are a team back to their best. Manchester City enters their last 16 tie against Al Hilal full of momentum and confidence, appearing to be the team to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were 2025 Club World Cup knockout teams ranked?
These power rankings assess the 16 teams based on their performance and form specifically during the group stage of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Factors considered include results, goals scored and conceded, perceived difficulty of their group, and overall level of play displayed across their three matches as they head into the knockout rounds.
Which teams surprised or impressed most in the Club World Cup group stage?
Several teams stood out. Manchester City was arguably the most impressive, winning all three games convincingly and scoring a tournament-high 13 goals. Flamengo also shone, playing excellent football and securing a notable comeback win against Chelsea. Botafogo produced the biggest surprise, defeating European champions Paris Saint-Germain in a memorable victory. Fluminense’s defensive solidity helped them navigate a favorable group and exceed low pre-tournament expectations.
What are some key knockout stage matchups based on these rankings?
The last 16 features several intriguing ties derived from the group stage results. Highly anticipated clashes include Real Madrid facing Juventus, a historic European matchup. Manchester City will take on Al Hilal, while Flamengo faces a tough test against Bayern Munich. Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo also promises significant excitement, pitting domestic rivals against each other on the global stage.
The knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises intense battles as these 16 teams vie for continental supremacy. Based on their group stage displays, Manchester City leads the pack, but the single-elimination format means any team hitting top form at the right time could emerge victorious. The journey begins now.
