FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Enters Knockout Stage: Full List of Round of 16 Teams and Match Details
The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is now entering its most thrilling and competitive phase — the knockout stage, where top football clubs from around the world will go head-to-head for a chance to be crowned world champions. As the tournament transitions from the group stage to the intense round of 16, fans across the globe are bracing themselves for dramatic football action.
The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, is historic in its scale and format. This year’s tournament features 32 top-tier football clubs, divided into eight groups of four teams each. After several intense group-stage matches filled with stunning goals, tactical brilliance, and unpredictable outcomes, the top two teams from each group have now earned a spot in the round of 16 — the beginning of the do-or-die knockout phase.
Round of 16 Set to Begin on June 28
According to FIFA, the round of 16 matches are scheduled to take place from Friday, 28 June to Monday, 1 July 2025. This marks a crucial turning point in the competition as only the victors from these matches will progress to the quarter-finals. Every match from now on is a must-win, meaning teams can no longer afford to slip up.
FIFA announced:
“The best two club football teams from each of the eight groups of four will be fighting it out to keep their title hopes alive in the round of 16, taking place from 28 June to 1 July.”
The statement underscores the intensity and high stakes of the upcoming fixtures. Every team knows that one defeat will end their journey, while victory will edge them closer to eternal glory.
Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final Dates Confirmed
The quarter-final stage will follow quickly after the round of 16, taking place on 4 and 5 July 2025, as the competition narrows down to just eight clubs. These matches are expected to be even more intense, featuring only the strongest and most consistent teams.
Winners from the quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for 8 and 9 July. The two victorious clubs from the semi-finals will then go on to compete in the final match, which will be held on 13 July 2025.
The final showdown is set to be hosted at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, one of the largest and most iconic stadiums in the United States.
FIFA confirmed:
“The competition will come to a climactic end on 13 July in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA where the champion will be crowned in the final.”
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Qualified Teams for Round of 16
The group stage saw several thrilling performances and surprising exits, but 16 teams have now qualified for the knockout round. These are the clubs that have proven their quality, consistency, and determination over the group stage.
Below is the complete list of teams that have made it to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16:
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Bayern Munich – The Bundesliga giants and six-time UEFA Champions League winners are once again showing their class on the global stage. Their well-balanced squad and strong European pedigree make them one of the favorites.
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CR Flamengo – The Brazilian club has continued its tradition of success in South American football and remains a major threat to European dominance in the tournament.
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Juventus Turin – The Italian powerhouse is back on the world scene with a vengeance. With their experienced squad and tactical strength, Juventus will be aiming to go all the way.
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Manchester City – Pep Guardiola’s team is hungry for more international silverware. After dominating English football, City is aiming to cement their status as a global powerhouse.
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Botafogo – The Rio de Janeiro-based club impressed many during the group stages. Their qualification is a testament to the growing strength of Brazilian domestic football.
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – With star players and a huge fanbase, the French giants are desperate to win a major international title. This tournament could be their moment.
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Palmeiras – Another Brazilian side showing their quality, Palmeiras has been consistent and confident. Their strong domestic form has translated into international competitiveness.
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Inter Miami – Perhaps the most exciting surprise of the tournament so far, this American club, part-owned by football icon David Beckham and led by Lionel Messi, has qualified for the round of 16. Their performances have energized local fans and captured global attention.
With these eight teams confirmed so far, the competition remains wide open. Each club has shown that they are not just participating — they are here to win.
What to Expect in the Knockout Stage
The transition to the knockout phase always brings an elevated level of intensity. The group stage was about consistency and accumulating points, but the knockout round is about strategy, courage, and resilience. One bad moment can end a campaign, while one spark of brilliance can define a tournament.
Some major talking points include:
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Will Manchester City continue their dominance and reach the final for the first time?
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Can Inter Miami, a relatively young club with global stars like Lionel Messi, shock the football world?
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Will Juventus reassert Italian pride on the world stage?
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How far can the Brazilian teams go, especially with three clubs making it to the round of 16?
These questions and more will be answered in the coming days as fans witness the clash of continents and the battle of playing styles.
Host Cities and Global Fan Excitement
The United States has gone all out in hosting this prestigious event, using the tournament as a prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Stadiums across major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Atlanta have been packed with supporters cheering on their teams.
The final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is expected to be a sold-out event with fans traveling from across the world. MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of over 80,000, will be the perfect venue for what promises to be a breathtaking conclusion to this prestigious competition.
The Importance of the Club World Cup for Global Football
The FIFA Club World Cup continues to gain prestige as it grows in size and competitiveness. What used to be a brief intercontinental tournament has now become a massive global spectacle, putting top teams from Europe, South America, North America, Asia, and Africa on a level playing field.
For clubs, it is not just a chance to lift a trophy — it is an opportunity to showcase their brand, attract international fans, and prove that they are the best in the world. For players, it is a platform to impress on a global scale and boost their careers.
And for fans, the tournament delivers an unmatched experience of global football unity — a chance to see elite teams and players clash in a tournament that goes beyond borders and rivalries.
Conclusion
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has already delivered thrilling action and dramatic storylines, and with the knockout stage about to begin, football lovers are in for even more excitement. With top clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Juventus still in the mix — alongside surprises like Inter Miami and Botafogo — the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
Stay tuned to NaijaRush.com for full coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, including match previews, results, player spotlights, and exclusive analysis from a Nigerian perspective. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just enjoying the global vibe, this is one tournament you don’t want to miss!
