The Opening Spectacle
The expanded 32-team format kicked off in mid-June across the United States, delivering a carnival atmosphere from Miami to Seattle. Twelve host cities played host to record attendances and hydration breaks under blistering heat, showcasing how global club football has embraced a truly continental stage. Fans packed stadiums to witness stars like Lionel Messi donning Inter Miami colours for the first time on home soil, while local heroes of MLS and Liga MX clubs vied to prove their mettle. The new trophy glittered under floodlights as underdogs warmed up for their chance to upset the giants.
Group Stage: A Cauldron of Fire
Teams were divided into eight groups, each a mix of European superpowers, South American flair, and surprise dark horses. Bayern Munich tore through Group C with a 10–0 opening win over Auckland City before edging Boca Juniors and Benfica to top the section. Palmeiras and Inter Miami both finished top of their group with unbeaten records, sending waves of confidence into the knockout phase. Across the continent, fans celebrated scintillating attacking football, as 173 goals flew in over 56 matches, averaging over three per game.
Round of 16: Where Dreams Collided
The knockout curtain rose on June 28 with an extra-time gem where Palmeiras edged Botafogo 1–0 after enduring a relentless Brazilian derby at Lincoln Financial Field. Chelsea sideswept Benfica 4–1 in another extra-time thriller, rediscovering their swagger from the Premier League underdog to global contender. Paris Saint-Germain restored European pride with a commanding 4–0 dismantling of Inter Miami, dimming Messi’s homecoming spark. Flamengo’s South American carnival hit a snag as Bayern Munich’s German efficiency prevailed 4–2 in Charlotte, while Fluminense stunned reigning champions Inter Milan 2–0 to announce themselves as bona fide outsiders. The seismic shock came with Al-Hilal’s extra-time 4–3 win over Manchester City, toppling Pep Guardiola’s favourites in one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. Real Madrid’s persistent pragmatism squeaked past Juventus by a single Gonzalo Garcia strike, and Borussia Dortmund held firm to beat Monterrey 2–1, setting the stage for blockbuster quarter-final showdowns.
Contenders March On
European heavyweights have largely held court, blending medal-winning pedigree with fresh verve. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, each boasting Champions League glory, have navigated treacherous waters to remain unbeaten in the knockout rounds. Bayern Munich, underpinned by ruthless attacking depth, look primed to add a sixth Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet. Borussia Dortmund’s youthful exuberance and Brazilian flair incarnate in Fluminense’s fearless displays could produce one of the most electrifying semi-finals in memory.
Pretenders’ Farewell
Not every ticket-holder enjoyed the razzmatazz of global football’s glitziest stage. Inter Miami’s party atmosphere was extinguished by PSG’s ruthless backline in a sobering 4–0 defeat. Juventus and Monterrey fell quietly, unable to convert their offline heroics into U.S. soil triumphs. Manchester City’s high-octane wave was ground to a halt, leaving Guardiola to rue pivotal lapses in transition defence. Flamengo, Botafogo and Inter Milan, world-class in their own right, were undone by fleeting lapses and moments of individual brilliance from their opponents.
Quarter-Final Line-Up at a Glance
The last eight bring together four European giants and four seismic contenders from every confederation. Each fixture promises its own brand of glamour and gladiatorial drama.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jul 4 | Fluminense vs Al-Hilal | Camping World Stadium, Orlando |
| Fri, Jul 4 | Palmeiras vs Chelsea | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| Sat, Jul 5 | Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Sat, Jul 5 | Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
All quarter-final fixtures confirmed on July 2, 2025.
What Lies Ahead
The quarter-finals will test resolve, tactical acumen and sheer star power under the melting-pot pressures of U.S. summer. Expect dazzling raids on the flanks, no-holds-barred pressing duels, and the occasional underdog fairy tale on the back pages. As the razzmatazz builds towards the semis, every touch, tackle and tactical tweak could write a new chapter in club football folklore.
