The Road to Glory Begins: FIFA Club World Cup Knockout Stage Kicks Off
Published Date: 28th Jun, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup has entered its knockout phase, bringing together the world's elite clubs in a battle for global supremacy. With the group stage concluding on June 27, the tournament now shifts to single-elimination matches, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 13.
Round of 16 Fixtures: High-Stakes Encounters Await
The Round of 16 promises thrilling matchups as top clubs from Europe, South America, Asia, and North America vie for a spot in the quarterfinals. Key fixtures include:
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Palmeiras vs. Botafogo – A Brazilian derby set to ignite passions.
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Benfica vs. Chelsea – A clash between two European heavyweights.
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Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami – Messi faces his former club in a star-studded encounter.
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Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich – A matchup of contrasting styles and histories.
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Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal – City's attacking prowess tested against Al-Hilal's disciplined defense.
These fixtures are scheduled across various U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami, ensuring fans nationwide can witness the action live.
Global Representation: A Diverse Field
The expanded format of the 2025 Club World Cup features 32 teams from six continents, reflecting the global nature of club football. Notably, all four Brazilian clubs—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense—have advanced to the knockout stage, showcasing the strength of South American football. European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain in contention, highlighting the tournament's competitive balance.
What to Expect
As the knockout stage unfolds, fans can anticipate high-intensity matches, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance. With a record $1 billion prize pool and up to $125 million for the winner, the stakes have never been higher. Every match is streamed live globally, with select games available on major broadcasters, ensuring widespread access to the tournament's action.
Stay tuned as the world's top clubs compete for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup title. The journey to global glory has begun.
Date: 28th Jun, 2025
