The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is making significant progress as it moves towards the knockout stage, with the group phase nearing its completion. Excitement is in the air as teams prepare for the final matchups of the group stage, setting the stage for intense competition in the last 16. This year, one of the most anticipated clashes will see Inter Miami go head to head against UEFA Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain. The spotlight will be on Lionel Messi as he faces off against his old club, and both teams are eagerly vying for advancement into the quarter-finals.
The group standings have played a crucial role in determining the matchups in the knockout phase. In a notable twist, Bayern Munich and Chelsea both finished second in their respective groups, Group C and Group D. As a result, they will not compete against each other in the last 16, allowing them to prepare for their respective opponents. Bayern Munich will challenge Flamengo, the runners-up from Group D who topped their group impressively, whereas Chelsea will encounter Benfica, the top team from Group C that recently secured a notable 1-0 triumph over Bayern.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has successfully booked their spot in the knockout stage with one match left to play. Pep Guardiola’s team, along with Juventus, has excelled thus far, with each of them achieving victory in their opening two matches. The final game in Group G, where City faces Juventus, will decide which of these powerhouses claims the top position in the group. Contrastingly, Real Madrid finds itself in a precarious situation as they head into their final group match. Under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso, they share equal points with RB Salzburg, sitting just two points above Al-Hilal, who will be playing against Pachuca, a team looking for redemption after securing no points in their group.
This article will meticulously dissect each team’s performance throughout the tournament and provide an overview of those who have advanced, along with insights into teams that have faced elimination.
**Qualified Teams for the Last 16**
The list of teams that have successfully moved into the knockout stage features several notable clubs, such as Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Paris Saint-Germain, and Botafogo from Groups A and B. Additionally, Group C is represented by Benfica and Bayern Munich, whereas Flamengo and Chelsea have made their mark as top teams in Group D. Other entrants include Inter and Monterrey from Group E, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense from Group F, and the likes of Juventus and Manchester City from Group G.
**Teams Still in Contention for Last 16**
While both Manchester City and Juventus have progressed from Group G, the battle in Group H for qualification remains fiercely competitive. The teams still vying for a place in the last 16 include Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Al-Hilal, all of which are locked in tight competition as the group stage comes to a conclusion.
**Teams Eliminated from the Tournament**
The list of teams that have been knocked out of the tournament is extensive. Teams such as Porto, Al Ahly, Atletico Madrid, and Seattle Sounders faced early exits in Group B. Other clubs, including Boca Juniors, Auckland City, ES Tunis, and Los Angeles FC, have joined them on the list of eliminated teams, contributing to a mix of disappointments and unexpected results throughout the tournament.
**Upcoming Last 16 Fixtures**
As the knockout stage approaches, the fixtures for the last 16 are set to unfold, promising thrilling matchups. In the first round, Palmeiras will face off against Botafogo, while Benfica will go head-to-head with Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Inter Miami is highly anticipated, and Bayern Munich will take on Flamengo. Additional matches include Inter against Fluminense, while Borussia Dortmund prepares to challenge Monterrey. The tension mounts as fans eagerly await these fixtures, which will set the tone for subsequent rounds of this prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has provided excitement and drama throughout its group stage, with several teams emerging early as contenders for the title. As the knockout phase begins, the true test of skill, strategy, and resilience will play out, setting the stage for remarkable moments in football history.
