The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States under its newly expanded 32-team format, has entered a thrilling knockout phase after an intense group stage that showcased some of the world’s most elite football clubs. With the tournament’s Final set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the road ahead promises fierce competition, star-studded matchups, and high stakes, both in terms of prestige and the substantial prize money on offer.
Bayern Munich’s journey took a challenging turn after their narrow loss to Benfica on June 24, which saw them finish second in their group behind the Portuguese giants. This defeat means the Bavarians now face a daunting knockout path starting with a Round of 16 clash against Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo on Sunday, June 29, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. If they advance, Bayern would potentially face Paris Saint-Germain in the Quarterfinals, followed by Real Madrid in the Semifinals, and possibly Manchester City in the Final — a gauntlet reminiscent of a Champions League campaign.
This tournament has been notable for the dominance of Brazilian clubs, with all four Brazilian representatives — Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense — advancing to the Round of 16. Brazil is the only country with four teams in this stage, underscoring the strength of South American football. Palmeiras and Flamengo notably topped their groups, while Botafogo and Fluminense secured their spots as well. The presence of these clubs ensures that the knockout rounds will feature a compelling South American flair, challenging European heavyweights.
Europe, as expected, remains a dominant force with nine of its 12 teams advancing, representing six different countries. Group winners include Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich’s group rival Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Juventus. However, three European clubs — RB Salzburg, Porto, and Atletico Madrid — were surprisingly eliminated in the group phase, highlighting the tournament’s unpredictability. Chelsea’s emphatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in the Round of 16 opener on June 28 demonstrated the high level of competition and the fine margins at play.
The knockout stage began on June 28 and will run through July 1, featuring two matches per day. Fans can catch all the action streaming for free on DAZN, with select games airing on TNT and Spanish-language coverage available on Univision, TUDN, and ViX. This accessibility has helped draw global attention to the expanded format, despite some controversy surrounding it.
One of the tournament’s standout storylines is the participation of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the sole Major League Soccer club to reach the Round of 16. Messi’s presence adds star power and intrigue, especially as Inter Miami faces Paris Saint-Germain on June 29 in Atlanta. This match pits one of Europe’s titans against the American underdog, promising a captivating showdown.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s format and schedule have sparked criticism from football insiders, most notably former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. In a candid interview with German newspaper Die Welt, published on June 27, Klopp labeled the expanded Club World Cup the "worst idea ever implemented in football." He expressed concerns about the strain on players’ health, citing the packed calendar and lack of sufficient recovery time. Klopp warned, "It's too many games. I fear that next season we will see injuries like never before. If not then, they'll come during or after the Club World Cup." His comments reflect a growing debate about player welfare amid the sport’s increasing commercialization and tournament expansions.
Klopp, who ended his successful nine-year tenure with Liverpool in 2024 and now serves as head of global soccer for Red Bull, emphasized the mental and physical toll on players, stating, "There's no real recovery for those involved, neither physically nor mentally." His perspective adds a critical voice to the ongoing discussion about balancing competitive spectacle with athlete health.
The tournament’s venues span twelve stadiums across the United States, including iconic locations like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, and the final’s stage, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. These venues have hosted an electrifying group phase from June 14 to June 26, with attendance and atmosphere reflecting the growing enthusiasm for club football on American soil.
Looking ahead, the quarterfinals are scheduled for July 4 and 5, followed by the semifinals on July 8 and 9. The final showdown on July 13 will crown the Club World Cup champion, who stands to earn up to $125 million in prize money, a testament to the tournament’s lucrative new scale.
As Bayern Munich prepares to face Flamengo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Flamengo, unbeaten in their group, have shown they are no pushovers, and Bayern must summon their best to navigate this treacherous path. The clash between South American flair and European precision will be a highlight of the Round of 16, with the winner advancing to face PSG, another heavyweight with European Champion pedigree.
Other key matchups include Inter Milan versus Fluminense, Manchester City against Al Hilal, Real Madrid facing Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund taking on Monterrey. Each fixture promises intense battles as clubs from different continents vie for supremacy in this landmark edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
In sum, the 2025 Club World Cup is delivering on its promise of global club football spectacle, blending tradition with innovation amid spirited debate. The knockout rounds have kicked off with drama and determination, and as the tournament progresses, fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, witnessing a new era of football unfold.
