The first expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup is well underway in the United States, and the tournament has already delivered plenty of surprises. With the group stage now complete, attention turns to the knockout rounds — and the matchups are anything but predictable.

FIFA Club Recap.png

Mixed Results for Europe’s Big Names

European clubs haven’t dominated in the way many expected. PSG stumbled in a 1–0 loss to Botafogo, although they managed to qualify. Atlético Madrid and Porto, on the other hand, were both eliminated early — raising fresh questions about depth and preparation at the top level.

Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have all progressed, but not without challenges. With the knockout rounds now confirmed, no side can afford to take their foot off the gas.

Brazilian Clubs Lead the Charge

South American teams are proving they’re not here to make up the numbers. Botafogo’s win over PSG was one of the standout results of the tournament so far. Flamengo and Palmeiras both topped their groups, while Fluminense looked comfortable across their three matches.

The dominance of Brazilian clubs adds weight to growing arguments about the competitiveness of CONMEBOL sides on the world stage.

Underdogs Making Headlines

Auckland City FC, the semi-professional team from New Zealand, stole headlines after drawing with Boca Juniors. Their equaliser came courtesy of Christian Gray — a full-time PE teacher — in one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.

Monterrey and Club América have also impressed, showing how seriously Liga MX clubs are taking the competition.

Round of 16 Fixtures

The knockout phase begins June 28 and runs until July 13, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Key Round of 16 ties include:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami
Flamengo vs Bayern Munich
Palmeiras vs Botafogo
Benfica vs Chelsea
Inter Milan vs Fluminense
Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey

Two matchups are still pending as the last group games wrap up.

Where to Watch and What’s Coming

All matches are streamed globally for free on DAZN, while Channel 5 is airing 23 selected games in the UK, including key knockout ties and the final. With unpredictable results, big-name clashes and serious prize money on the line, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is heating up fast.

The knockout rounds are stacked with storylines — Messi facing PSG, Bundesliga powerhouses taking on Brazilian giants, and underdogs ready to shake things up.

There’s no clear favourite. And that’s exactly what makes it unmissable.

Club World Cup 2025: Key Results, Knockout Draw, and What’s Next

Arsenal Bid for Brentford Captain Nørgaard as Midfield ...

Manchester United Close in on Zirkzee: Second Summer Si...