The knockout stage of the FIFA Club world Cup is here! After an intense group phase, the field has narrowed to 16 elite teams, all vying for global supremacy. This article provides the complete picture of the bracket, detailing the Round of 16 matchups, laying out the full schedule, and exploring the potential paths clubs could take to reach the final.
Get ready for high-stakes, single-elimination soccer. The competition promises thrilling clashes, potential upsets, and the chance to see some of the world’s biggest clubs go head-to-head on U.S. soil.
The Road to the Knockout Stage: Key Developments
The group stage delivered plenty of drama and surprises. While many European heavyweights advanced as expected, the tournament saw notable exits. Perhaps the biggest shock was Brazilian side Botafogo stunning Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. This unexpected result reshaped one corner of the bracket significantly.
Other teams falling short included MLS representatives Seattle Sounders and LAFC. Their elimination leaves Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi, as the sole Major League Soccer club still standing. They successfully navigated their group, setting up a highly anticipated clash in the Round of 16.
A strong contingent of European teams dominates the knockout phase, with 10 clubs from UEFA making the cut. South America is also well-represented, with three formidable Brazilian teams still in contention: Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense. The diverse representation from around the globe highlights the expanded nature of this tournament.
Several teams impressed during the group phase. Manchester City, in particular, showcased their attacking prowess, finishing as the highest-scoring team with 13 goals. Their performance, alongside Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, has cemented their status as perceived favorites to go deep in the competition. However, knockout football is notoriously unpredictable, and anything can happen on any given day.
Setting the Stage: The Round of 16 Matchups
The bracket is divided into two sides, left and right, outlining the path to the final. Here are the confirmed Round of 16 fixtures:
Left Side of the Bracket
Inter Milan (Italy) vs. Fluminense (Brazil)
Manchester City (England) vs. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Palmeiras (Brazil) vs. Botafogo (Brazil) – A fascinating Brazilian derby!
Benfica (Portugal) vs. Chelsea (England)
Right Side of the Bracket
Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs. Inter Miami (USA) – The Messi factor meets his former club!
Flamengo (Brazil) vs. Bayern Munich (Germany) – A heavyweight European-South American battle.
Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Juventus (Italy)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs. Monterrey (Mexico)
These matchups feature intriguing narratives, including potential Champions League final rematches further down the line and clashes between continental champions.
Full Club World Cup Knockout Stage Schedule
Mark your calendars! The knockout rounds begin on June 28th. All times listed are Eastern Time (ET), and specific venues across the United States are hosting these crucial matches.
Round of 16 Schedule
Saturday, June 28, 12:00 p.m. ET: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field)
Saturday, June 28, 4:00 p.m. ET: Benfica vs. Chelsea (Charlotte, NC – Bank of America stadium)
Sunday, June 29, 12:00 p.m. ET: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami (Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Sunday, June 29, 4:00 p.m. ET: Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (Miami Gardens, FL – Hard Rock Stadium)
Monday, June 30, 3:00 p.m. ET: Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium)
Monday, June 30, 9:00 p.m. ET: Manchester City vs. Al Hilal (Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium) – Note: Man City’s manager Pep Guardiola faces Simone Inzaghi, who he previously faced in the 2023 Champions League final.
Tuesday, July 1, 3:00 p.m. ET: Real Madrid vs. Juventus (Miami Gardens, FL – Hard Rock Stadium)
Tuesday, July 1, 9:00 p.m. ET: Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
This stacked schedule means exciting football action for over a week as teams fight for a place in the quarterfinals.
Mapping the Path: Potential Quarterfinal Clashes
The winners of the Round of 16 ties will advance to the Quarterfinals, creating potential heavyweight matchups. Here’s how the bracket lays out the potential fixtures:
Potential Quarterfinal Matchups
Left Side Potential Quarterfinals
Winner of Inter Milan / Fluminense vs. Winner of Manchester City / Al Hilal
Winner of Palmeiras / Botafogo vs. Winner of Benfica / Chelsea
Right Side Potential Quarterfinals
Winner of Paris Saint-Germain / Inter Miami vs. Winner of Flamengo / Bayern Munich
Winner of Real Madrid / Juventus vs. Winner of Borussia Dortmund / Monterrey
These potential matchups offer tantalizing prospects. Could we see a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan? Or perhaps a clash between Messi’s Inter Miami and the winner of the Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich tie? The possibilities are endless and dependent on teams navigating their Round of 16 challenges.
Quarterfinal Schedule
The Quarterfinals are scheduled across two days:
Friday, July 4 (3:00 p.m. ET and 9:00 p.m. ET)
Saturday, July 5 (12:00 p.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET)
Specific venues for these matches include Camping World Stadium (Orlando), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ).
Beyond the Quarters: Semifinals and Final
The tournament path continues beyond the first two knockout rounds.
Semifinals Schedule
The two Semifinal matches will both be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 9, 3:00 p.m. ET
The Grand Finale
The climax of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium, near New York City.
- Final: Sunday, July 13, 3:00 p.m. ET (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ)
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Hosting the expanded Club World Cup is a significant event for the United States, serving as a crucial test run and engaging American audiences ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to Watch the Club World Cup
Catch all the action live! Every match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is available for streaming on DAZN. Additionally, select games will be broadcast on television networks like TNT, TBS, and TruTV.
If you prefer streaming services that carry these channels, options include YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and MAX. Check local listings for specific match broadcasts on TNT, TBS, or TruTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are considered favorites to win the FIFA Club World Cup?
Based on their dominant group stage performances and overall squad strength, teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are widely seen as the primary favorites to lift the trophy. Manchester City notably led the group stage in scoring. However, strong European sides like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Juventus, as well as top South American contenders like Flamengo and Palmeiras, are also expected to challenge deeply. The unpredictable nature of knockout football means upsets are always possible.
Where can I watch the FIFA Club World Cup matches?
All matches from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup are available to stream live on DAZN. In the United States, you can also watch select games broadcast on TNT, TBS, and TruTV. These channels are accessible through various cable and satellite providers, as well as live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and MAX.
When and where is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final?
The grand finale of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled for Sunday, July 13th, at 3:00 p.m. ET. The championship match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This venue is hosting multiple knockout round games, including both semifinals, leading up to the final showdown.
Conclusion
The FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage is set, promising an exciting run of matches as the world’s top clubs battle for ultimate bragging rights. From the highly anticipated Round of 16 clashes, including a fascinating Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami tie, to the potential heavyweight quarterfinal showdowns, the path to the final is filled with drama. Keep this guide handy for the complete bracket, schedule, and details on how to follow all the action live from venues across the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13th.
