Alex MacQuoid
The group stage of the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has wrapped, and all 16 clubs progressing to the knockout phase are locked in. The inaugural edition of this 32-team spectacle, held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, replaces the outdated seven-team format with a full-scale global showdown.
2025United States
Chelsea
Paris Saint GermainConfirmed Round of 16 Contenders
The following clubs have made it to the last 16:
- Palmeiras
- Inter Miami
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Botafogo
- Benfica
- Bayern Munich
- Flamengo
- Chelsea
- Inter Milan
- Monterrey
- Borussia Dortmund
- Fluminense
- Manchester City
- Juventus
- Real Madrid
- Al-Hilal
These teams advanced via group stage performance.
Round of 16 Fixtures & Schedule
The knockout stage unfolds from June 28 to July 1, featuring single-elimination ties across prominent U.S. venues:
28 June
Palmeiras – Botafogo
Benfica – Chelsea
29 June
Paris Saint-Germain – Inter Miami
Flamengo – Bayern Munich
30 June
Inter Milan – Fluminense
Manchester City – Al-Hilal
1 July
Real Madrid – Juventus
Borussia Dortmund – Monterrey
Venues for some matchups remain unspecified, but major stadiums like Lincoln Financial Field and Bank of America Stadium are already confirmed hosts.
Key Rules & Innovations
Each match is a one-off clash—no replays or third-place playoffs. Five substitutions are allowed per match, and yellow card accumulation leads to suspension, with amnesty kicking in at the semifinal stage. Referees will trial body cams, while FIFA is rolling out semi-automated offside tech powered by AI and sensor-driven ball tracking—adding a futuristic twist to decision-making.
Broadcast, Tickets & Prize Pool
Matches will be streamed free on DAZN, with U.S. coverage from TNT and Univision. Ticket prices start at $40 via FIFA.com and Ticketmaster, with many slashed due to slower-than-expected demand.
Financially, it’s a giant leap: the total prize pool is a staggering $1 billion. The champions could earn up to $97 million, while even early exits secure millions. Top European clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich are reportedly pocketing up to $29.6 million just for participation.
Controversy & Criticism
Scheduling is a hot topic. The final lands just five weeks before Europe’s top leagues resume, drawing criticism from managers like Pep Guardiola.
What’s Next?
The quarterfinals will take place on July 4–5, the semifinals on July 8–9, and the grand finale at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 13. From tactical masterclasses to potential Cinderella stories, the Club World Cup 2025 promises drama on a global scale.