The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is heating up as the group stage draws to a close, setting the stage for an electrifying Round of 16 beginning June 28. This revamped tournament, hosted across multiple U.S. cities, features 32 elite clubs from around the globe competing in a format that mirrors the traditional World Cup. Fans have witnessed thrilling matches, standout performances, and intense battles for top spots within the eight groups.
Tuesday, June 24, was a pivotal day in the competition, with crucial Matchday 3 fixtures in Groups C and D that determined the final qualifiers for the knockout rounds. In Group D, Flamengo made history by becoming the first team to clinch the top spot after a dominant start. The Brazilian giants secured emphatic victories over Esperance Sportive de Tunis (2-0) and Chelsea (3-1) in their opening matches, then played to a 1-1 draw against Los Angeles FC, a team already eliminated from contention. This result confirmed Flamengo’s place as Group D winners, setting up a Round of 16 clash against Bayern Munich, the runners-up of Group C.
Meanwhile, the battle for second place in Group D came down to Chelsea and Esperance, both tied on three points with identical records of a loss to Flamengo and a win against LAFC. Chelsea asserted their dominance in the decisive match, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory with goals from Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Tyrique George. This win secured Chelsea’s passage as the group’s runner-up, earning them a Round of 16 match against Group C leaders Benfica.
Speaking about Chelsea’s qualification, the team showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the group stage. Their victory over Esperance was a statement of intent, with young talents stepping up on a big stage. Liam Delap’s goal opened the scoring, followed by crucial contributions from Adarabioyo and George, ensuring a comprehensive win that propelled the English club into the next phase.
Turning to Group C, the competition was equally fierce. Bayern Munich entered the final group matchday at the top of the table, having won their first two games. However, Benfica challenged their supremacy in a tightly contested match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Andreas Schjelderup’s early strike in the 13th minute proved decisive as Benfica edged out Bayern 1-0, claiming the top spot in Group C. Despite a second-half surge from Bayern, Benfica’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin making several crucial saves to preserve the lead.
In the other Group C fixture, Auckland City earned their first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors, though it was not enough to keep their hopes alive. This result left Bayern Munich as group runners-up, setting up their Round of 16 encounter against Flamengo. The stakes are high as these two football powerhouses prepare to clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 29.
The Round of 16 schedule promises exciting matchups. Chelsea will face Benfica on Saturday, June 28, at 4 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium, while Flamengo will meet Bayern Munich the following day at 4 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium. Both matches are expected to draw large crowds and intense global viewership, reflecting the growing stature of the Club World Cup.
Beyond the team battles, individual stars have also been lighting up the tournament. The Golden Boot race includes several top scorers from Europe, South America, and beyond. Benfica’s Ángel Di María leads the charts with three goals, tied with Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, and Al-Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto is among the notable players with two goals, alongside Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan and Flamengo’s Wallace Yan.
Adding to the star power are global icons such as Kylian Mbappe, fresh off his European Golden Shoe triumph, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi, who continues to defy age with his goal-scoring prowess. Messi, nearing 38, boasts five goals in five previous Club World Cup matches and holds three titles, underscoring the tournament’s blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans.
The Club World Cup 2025 is not only a showcase of football excellence but also a celebration of the sport’s expanding footprint in the United States. Venues like Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami have become hubs for international soccer, drawing passionate fans and creating a vibrant atmosphere. The tournament’s coverage on platforms like DAZN, TNT, truTV, and Kayo Sports ensures that fans worldwide can follow every thrilling moment.
As the competition moves into the knockout phase, the stakes rise dramatically. The Round of 16 winners will advance to the quarter-finals on July 4 and 5, followed by semi-finals on July 8 and 9. The grand finale is set for July 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the champion will be crowned after a month of intense global competition.
The list of teams progressing to the Round of 16 reflects the tournament's elite nature: Bayern Munich, CR Flamengo, Juventus Turin, Manchester City, Botafogo, Paris Saint-Germain, Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Benfica, and Chelsea have all secured their spots. The remaining six qualifiers will emerge from the other groups, completing a lineup of the world’s best clubs fighting for football supremacy.
With such a rich mix of talent, history, and competitive spirit, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is delivering on its promise to be a landmark event in the global football calendar. Fans can expect more drama, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments as the knockout rounds unfold.
The action is far from over, and as the tournament progresses, every match will carry the weight of potential glory or heartbreak. The world’s best clubs are now gearing up for the knockout battles that will define their season and etch new chapters into football history.
