The inaugural expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States has delivered fireworks, giant-killings, and unforgettable moments. And now, we’re heading into the business end of the tournament with eight global giants left standing.
After a blockbuster Round of 16 that saw Manchester City stunned by Al Hilal and Inter Miami ruthlessly dispatched by PSG, the quarterfinals are locked in, and the road to the July 13 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is paved with heavyweight collisions and fairytale hopes.
Let’s break down the knockout picture, the drama so far, and what lies ahead.
Club World Cup Quarterfinal Fixtures (All Times in ET)
Friday, July 4
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Fluminense vs. Al Hilal – 3:00 PM | Orlando
South American flair meets Saudi resilience after both shocked European royalty. -
Palmeiras vs. Chelsea – 9:00 PM | Philadelphia
Teen sensation Estevão faces his future club as Chelsea brace for Brazil’s best.
Saturday, July 5
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Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich – 12:00 PM | Atlanta
Revenge or repeat? A 2020 UCL final rematch between continental titans. -
Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund – 4:00 PM | East Rutherford
Historic foes collide again, this time with a shot at global supremacy.
The Road to MetLife: Semi-Final Paths
The semifinals and final will all be played at MetLife Stadium, also the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.
-Tuesday, July 8
Winner of Fluminense vs. Al Hilal vs. Winner of Palmeiras vs. Chelsea — 3:00 PM
-Wednesday, July 9
Winner of PSG vs. Bayern vs. Winner of Real Madrid vs. Dortmund — 3:00 PM
-Final: Sunday, July 13
Club World Cup Final — 3:00 PM | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Quarterfinal Clash Previews
Fluminense vs Al Hilal
Underdogs? Not anymore.
Fluminense shocked Inter Milan with a 2-0 win, while Al Hilal toppled tournament favorites Manchester City 4-3 in extra time. This is a showdown of counter-attacking brilliance vs tactical grit.
“We don’t fear names. We play football. That’s how we beat City, and that’s how we’ll keep going,” — Kalidou Koulibaly, Al Hilal defender.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea
The Estevão Derby?
Chelsea overcame a stubborn Benfica 4-1 in extra time despite weather delays, but now face Palmeiras — who’ve conceded just once all tournament.
All eyes will be on 16-year-old Estevão Willian, set to join Chelsea post-tournament.
PSG vs Bayern Munich
Mbappé and PSG look unstoppable, having demolished Inter Miami 4-0. But Bayern, led by Kane and Musiala, silenced Flamengo and remain one of the few teams to beat a South American champion here.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
2022 UCL finalists Real vs. a Dortmund side brimming with belief.
Madrid’s knockout experience was on full display as they edged Juventus 1-0. Dortmund, meanwhile, eliminated Monterrey and boast the best passing accuracy in the tournament.
Notable Round of 16 Highlights:
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Al Hilal stun Man City 4-3 in AET — arguably the biggest upset of the tournament
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Chelsea survive Benfica after a two-hour weather delay
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Gianluigi Donnarumma saves two penalties as PSG demolish Inter Miami
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Real Madrid’s machine-like efficiency grinds down Juventus
Fast Facts: Club World Cup 2025
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Hosted across 12 venues in the U.S. including Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and New Jersey
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June 14 to July 13, spanning 30 days
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32 teams from 6 confederations, including debuts for U.S.-based Inter Miami and LAFC
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MetLife Stadium to host all three final matches (semifinals + final)
Aside from global bragging rights, the winner will earn a massive prize purse, potential seeding advantages in future international tournaments, and — perhaps most importantly — a place in history as the first-ever champions of the expanded Club World Cup format.
Can Chelsea’s youthful squad handle the pressure against Brazil’s best?; Will PSG finally shed their nearly-man label in international competition?
Is Al Hilal’s dream run a fluke or the start of something legendary; And can Real Madrid do what they do best — win when it matters most?
