The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, leaving the top 16 teams to compete for the inaugural title in this new format. Following the group phase, which saw 32 teams divided into eight groups, the tournament now moves to a knockout bracket culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. We`ll rank the eight captivating Round of 16 matchups set to kick off this weekend.
8. Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
Borussia Dortmund, who secured first place in their group with two wins and a draw against Fluminense, Mamelodi, and Ulsan HD, will face Mexican side Monterrey. Monterrey was one of the surprises of the group stage, advancing from a tough group alongside Inter, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Monterrey notably earned draws against Inter (thanks to an early goal from former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos) and River Plate before clinching their spot with a crucial win against the Japanese side.
- Date: Tuesday, July 1
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Odds: BVB -140; Draw +270; Monterey +360
7. Benfica vs. Chelsea
This tie features two European clubs. Benfica topped Group C (two wins, one draw), notably winning their final group game against Bayern Munich. Chelsea, who qualified as UEFA Conference League winners, advanced from their group behind Flamengo. The two sides have a history, having met in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League final, where Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory with a late goal from Branislav Ivanovic.
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- Odds: Benfica +250; Draw +230; Chelsea +110
6. Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Brazilian group winners Flamengo are set to play German giants Bayern Munich, who finished as Group C runners-up after a 1-0 loss to Benfica. Flamengo`s performance has been a positive surprise, showcasing the strength of Brazilian clubs, as all four South American representatives advanced to the Round of 16. While two Brazilian teams face European opponents, Botafogo and Palmeiras will contest the first all-Brazilian clash of the knockout stage.
- Date: Sunday, June 29
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, Florida
- Odds: Flamengo +390; Draw +290; Bayern Munich -165
5. Inter vs. Fluminense
Adding to the European-Brazilian ties, Inter Milan faces Fluminense in what promises to be an intriguing Round of 16 encounter. The Italian giants secured their knockout spot with a 2-0 victory over River Plate on the final group matchday, featuring goals from Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, could potentially face their former coach Simone Inzaghi in the quarterfinals if his Al-Hilal side overcomes Manchester City.
- Date: Monday, June 30
- Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- Odds: Inter -145; Draw +240; Fluminense +430
4. Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
The all-Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo is one of the most captivating ties and will kick off the knockout phase on Saturday. Palmeiras finished atop Group A with five points (one win vs. Al-Ahly, two draws vs. Inter Miami and FC Porto). Botafogo advanced from a tight group containing PSG and Atletico Madrid; all three teams finished on six points, but Botafogo progressed on goal difference while the Spanish side was eliminated.
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Odds: Palmeiras +135; Draw +195; Botafogo +240
3. Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City is paired against Al-Hilal, now coached by Simone Inzaghi, who qualified with a win on the final matchday against Pachuca. The English side was the only team to win all three group matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two (both in the 5-2 win over Juventus). Al-Hilal drew their first two games against Real Madrid (1-1) and RB Salzburg (0-0) before securing qualification with a crucial win against Pachuca. The winner faces either Inter or Fluminense, potentially setting up a reunion for Inzaghi against his former club, who he managed until the 2025 Champions League final.
- Date: Monday, June 30
- Location: Camping World Stadium — Orlando, Florida
- Odds: Man City -360; Draw +480; Al-Hilal +700
2. PSG vs. Inter Miami
French giants and 2025 UEFA Champions League winners PSG are set to face Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi. Messi played for PSG from 2021 to 2023 before moving to the United States. This matchup offers a fascinating and nostalgic reunion as Messi and other former Barcelona players will meet their former coach, Luis Enrique, now managing PSG. The winner of this tie will advance to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
- Date: Sunday, June 29
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Odds: PSG -600; Draw +600; Inter Miami +1000
1. Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Undoubtedly the highlight of the Round of 16, this tie pits two historic European powerhouses against each other. Both clubs are undergoing a `summer revolution` under new managers Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and Igor Tudor (Juventus) and have shown mixed form in the group stage. Real Madrid finished first in Group H with a draw against Al-Hilal (1-1) and wins over Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Juventus secured wins against Al-Ain and Wydad before suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat to Manchester City. This promises to be an interesting test for both sides as they continue preparations for the 2025-26 season.
- Date: Tuesday, July 1
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, Florida
- Odds: Real Madrid -165; Draw +260; Juventus +480
