The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has concluded, leaving us with the top 16 teams vying for the trophy in the inaugural edition of the new format. Following the initial phase, which saw 32 teams competing across eight groups, the tournament now enters a knockout bracket culminating in the final set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium. Beginning this weekend, here`s a ranking of all eight highly anticipated Round of 16 encounters.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
German giants Borussia Dortmund are set to face Mexican side Monterrey. Dortmund advanced to the knockout stage by finishing first in their group, securing two wins and a draw against Fluminense, Mamelodi, and Ulsan HD. The team, currently coached by Niko Kovac, takes on Monterrey, who emerged as one of the first-phase surprises by qualifying from a group that included Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Monterrey notably drew against both Inter (thanks to an early goal from former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos) and River Plate before winning a crucial game against the Japanese team to progress.
Benfica vs. Chelsea
This clash features two European teams. Benfica topped Group C after winning their decisive final group match against Bayern Munich, finishing with two wins and one draw. Chelsea, having won the UEFA Conference League, qualified from their group but finished behind Flamengo. These two clubs have history, having previously met in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League final, where the side managed by Rafa Benitez claimed a 2-1 victory courtesy of a late Branislav Ivanovic goal.
Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Brazilian side Flamengo, who finished first in Group D, will square off against German champions Bayern Munich. Bayern finished as runners-up in Group C after a 1-0 loss to Benfica. Flamengo has been one of the tournament`s strong performers so far, highlighting the impressive form of Brazilian teams, all four of which reached the Round of 16. Interestingly, two Brazilian teams will face European opponents, while Botafogo and Palmeiras are set for an all-Brazilian derby that kicks off the Round of 16 schedule on Saturday.
Inter vs. Fluminense
Speaking of European sides meeting Brazilian teams, Inter Milan will take on Fluminense on Monday in what promises to be one of the Round of 16`s most compelling fixtures. The Italian giants secured their place in the knockout rounds with a 2-0 victory over River Plate on the final group stage matchday, featuring goals from Italian prospect Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. The team, now under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, faces Fluminense and could potentially encounter their former coach Simone Inzaghi in the next round if Al-Hilal eliminates Manchester City.
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
The Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo stands out as one of the most captivating matches of the Round of 16, and it will also open the knockout stage schedule on Saturday. Palmeiras finished atop Group A with five points, securing one win against Al-Ahly and drawing against Inter Miami (who finished second) and FC Porto. Botafogo advanced from a group that also included PSG and Atletico de Madrid, where all three teams finished with six points. Botafogo progressed to the Round of 16 based on goal difference, while the Spanish side was eliminated.
Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City will face Al-Hilal, the team now coached by Simone Inzaghi, who qualified for the Round of 16 after a win against Pachuca on the final matchday. The English club was the only team in the tournament to win all three of its group stage matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two in their 5-2 victory over Juventus on the last day (both teams had already qualified). The Saudi team drew its first two matches against Real Madrid (1-1) and RB Salzburg (0-0) before securing a crucial win against Pachuca to advance. The winner of this tie will play either Inter Milan or Fluminense, potentially setting up a reunion for Inzaghi with the team he managed until their 5-0 loss to PSG in the 2025 Champions League final.
PSG vs. Inter Miami
The French giants, champions of the 2025 UEFA Champions League, are set to meet Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi. Messi previously played for PSG from 2021 to 2023 before moving to the United States. Messi and his former Barcelona teammates will also face their former coach, Luis Enrique, who is now at the helm of PSG, adding a fascinating and nostalgic layer to this matchup. The victorious side will advance to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Undoubtedly the premier matchup of the Round of 16, this pits two historic European powerhouses against each other in the first knockout round. Both clubs are undergoing significant changes this summer under new managers Xabi Alonso and Igor Tudor, and have experienced mixed results in the tournament thus far. The Spanish side topped Group H with one draw (1-1) against Al-Hilal and wins against Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Juventus defeated Al-Ain and Wydad but suffered a 5-2 loss to Manchester City. This encounter represents a significant test for both teams, highlighting the ongoing work needed ahead of the 2025-26 season.
