The group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, and although there were a few weather-related interruptions and questionable crowd numbers, the event is gearing up for an exciting knockout phase. So, who will be facing whom in the Round of 16?
This summer has delivered its fair share of surprises, the most notable being reigning champions PSG suffering a stunning loss against the Brazilian team Botafogo.
The Club World Cup has also served as a thrilling platform for fans to see several high-profile signings in action, especially Jobe Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund and Rayan Cherki at Manchester City.
With the group stage now behind us, football enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to some captivating knockout encounters in the weeks to come.
Here’s a summary of the group stage highlights and what’s set to unfold in the knockout rounds.
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Which teams have advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Club World Cup?
Group A: Palmeiras, Inter Miami
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo
Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica
Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea
Group E: Inter Milan, Monterrey
Group F: Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense
Group G: Manchester City, Juventus
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal
As expected, Manchester City and Juventus smoothly advanced from Group G, both securing their spots in the knockout rounds with a match to spare before they clashed against each other. City ultimately triumphed with a commanding 5-2 victory over the Italian side, allowing them to finish the group stage as the only side with a 100 per cent record.
Pep Guardiola’s men will take on the Saudi team Al Hilal in the Round of 16, while Juventus faces the formidable challenge of Real Madrid.
European champions PSG topped Group B, where Atletico Madrid was eliminated, and are set to meet Lionel Messi in the next round as Inter Miami claimed the second spot in Group A.
Bayern Munich netted 12 goals to advance from Group C behind Benfica, and their German counterparts Borussia Dortmund led Group F.
Brazilian teams Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense have all progressed, showcasing South America’s competitiveness against the European giants.
Click here to see the complete fixture list for the Club World Cup Round of 16.
Major surprises in the 2025 Club World Cup group stage
The enigmatic Lionel Messi delivered a moment of brilliance to steer Inter Miami to a comeback victory over Porto in Atlanta. After winning a free kick just outside the Porto box, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner executed a superb shot over the wall into the corner, significantly enhancing Miami’s chances of advancing.
This spectacular goal came in response to a first-half penalty taken by Samu Aghehowa for Porto, which was equalised by Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia.
Arguably, the most astonishing upset of the group stage was Botafogo’s shock win against current European champions PSG. Igor Jesus’ deflected effort proved decisive at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, as the South American team withstood intense pressure from PSG.
This marked PSG’s first defeat since May, and they also failed to score for the first time since March, when they were shut out by Liverpool in the Champions League.
While not exactly labelled an ‘upset’, a surprising outcome saw Flamengo come from behind to defeat Chelsea, who suffered a dramatic collapse in Philadelphia. Pedro Neto opened the scoring for Chelsea only for them to concede twice and lose Nicolas Jackson to a red card in a frantic six-minute period during the second half. Substitute Wallace Yan sealed the victory for the resolute Flamengo team, managed by former Chelsea player Filipe Luis.
Top scorers of the Club World Cup 2025
Three goals:
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly)
Angel Di Maria (Benfica)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
With five players tied on three goals, the scoring picture is quite competitive after the group stage. Several big names trail closely behind on two goals, including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Lautaro Martinez, and Thomas Muller, among others.
Highlight matches in the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16
A considerable amount of attention will be on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi faces his old club PSG in the Round of 16. Messi transitioned to Miami after spending two seasons with PSG, although his time there was not particularly fruitful, as he previously admitted to feeling “unhappy” during his stay.
Now, he gets the chance to compete against his former employers in a match brimming with intriguing narratives. Messi, along with his former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Miami manager Javier Mascherano, will go head-to-head with his previous manager Luis Enrique on the opposing bench.
Flamengo has certainly caught the attention of many during the Club World Cup, having topped Group D and now facing Bayern Munich in the knockout round.
The Brazilian Serie A leaders remain unbeaten with two wins and a draw, highlighted by their comeback triumph over Chelsea.
Bayern, having finished second in Group C, will also present a heavyweight challenge in Miami, where plenty of attacking flair is expected.
The German giants scored 12 goals throughout the group stage, with ten of those coming in an opening match against Auckland City of New Zealand.
The European football powerhouses Real Madrid and Juventus will clash in what is arguably the most anticipated fixture of the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup. Under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, Madrid is currently unbeaten in Group H, having bounced back from a rather disappointing opening draw against Saudi team Al Hilal with wins against Pachuca of Mexico and Austria’s Salzburg.
On the other hand, Juventus had been looking solid until succumbing to a heavy defeat against Manchester City in their final group game, although by then both teams were already through to the knockout phases.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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