The group stage of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, leaving us with the top 16 teams battling for the inaugural title in this new format. Following the group stage, which featured 32 teams initially divided into eight groups, a knockout bracket is now set. This bracket will lead up to the final on July 13th at MetLife Stadium. With the eight Round of 16 fixtures confirmed, let`s rank these upcoming matches, which begin this weekend.
8. Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
Borussia Dortmund faces Mexican side Monterrey. The German giants advanced after topping their group with two wins and a draw against Fluminense, Mamelodi, and Ulsan HD. Coached by Niko Kovac, Dortmund meets a Monterrey team that surprisingly navigated a tough group alongside Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Monterrey impressed, drawing with Inter Milan in their opener (thanks to a goal from former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos) and River Plate before winning their decisive match against the Japanese side.
7. Benfica vs. Chelsea
Two European clubs clash as Benfica takes on Chelsea. Benfica secured first place in Group C by winning their crucial final game against Bayern Munich (finishing with two wins and a draw). Chelsea, who qualified by winning the UEFA Conference League, finished behind Flamengo in their group. These teams have history, notably meeting in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, where Rafa Benitez`s Chelsea won 2-1 with a late Branislav Ivanovic goal.
6. Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Brazilian side Flamengo, winners of Group D, will face German champions Bayern Munich. Bayern finished as Group C runners-up after a 1-0 loss to Benfica. Flamengo has been one of the standout teams, highlighting the strength of Brazilian clubs, all four of which reached the Round of 16. Two Brazilian teams face European opponents, while Botafogo and Palmeiras play each other in an all-Brazilian tie that kicks off the knockout stage.
5. Inter Milan vs. Fluminense
In another interesting clash between a European and a Brazilian side, Inter Milan meets Fluminense on Monday. The Italian giants secured their knockout spot with a 2-0 victory over River Plate on the final matchday, featuring goals from Italian wonderkid Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Inter, now coached by Cristian Chivu, will face Fluminense in the Round of 16. Intriguingly, they could potentially face former coach Simone Inzaghi in the next round if Al-Hilal eliminates Manchester City.
4. Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
The Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo is one of the most captivating ties and will kick off the knockout stage on Saturday. Palmeiras topped Group A with five points from a win against Al-Ahly and draws against Inter Miami (who finished second) and FC Porto. Botafogo advanced from a difficult group containing PSG and Atletico Madrid. All three teams finished on six points, but Botafogo progressed due to a better goal difference, eliminating the Spanish side.
3. Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City takes on Al-Hilal, the team now coached by Simone Inzaghi, who secured their spot by winning their final group match against Pachuca. The English champions were the only team in the tournament to win all three group games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two (both in a 5-2 win vs. Juventus, a match where both were already through). Al-Hilal drew their first two games against Real Madrid (1-1) and RB Salzburg (0-0) before winning their decisive game against Pachuca to qualify. The winner of this match faces either Inter Milan or Fluminense, setting up a potential reunion between Inzaghi and his former Inter Milan side, who he managed until the 2025 Champions League final.
2. PSG vs. Inter Miami
French giants and 2025 UEFA Champions League winners PSG will meet Lionel Messi`s Inter Miami. Messi, who played for PSG from 2021 to 2023 before moving to the U.S., and his former Barcelona teammates will face their former coach, Luis Enrique, now managing PSG. This matchup offers a fascinating and nostalgic storyline. The winning side will advance to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
1. Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Easily the highlight of the Round of 16, this clash pits two historic European powerhouses against each other. Both clubs are undergoing significant changes this summer under new managers Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and Igor Tudor (Juventus), and have shown mixed form so far in the tournament. Real Madrid topped Group H with a draw against Al-Hilal (1-1) and wins over Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Juventus defeated Al-Ain and Wydad before a heavy 5-2 loss to Manchester City. This tie will be an intriguing test for both teams, highlighting the work still needed during the summer break ahead of the 2025-26 season.
