Club World Cup So Far: Key Takeaways From Group Stage and What’s Next In The Knockouts

‎The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage has come to an end, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying knockout phase.

‎Despite weather setbacks and fluctuating fan attendances, the tournament has delivered its fair share of shocks, standout performances, and star-studded encounters. Football fans worldwide are now eagerly awaiting the last 16 matchups, which will determine who progresses to the quarterfinals and beyond.

‎Group Stage Recap

‎The group stage witnessed an array of surprises and tactical battles. European giants like Manchester City and Juventus demonstrate their dominance, securing their spots with ease.

‎City finished perfectly with a 100% record, while Juventus also advanced comfortably. Meanwhile, South American teams, notably Brazilian sides Palmeiras, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense, impressed on the continental front, demonstrating the depth of talent down south, often challenging their European opponents.

‎In terms of standout results, Inter Miami’s victory over Porto, led by Lionel Messi, was a show that captured global attention. Messi’s magical free-kick turned the tide for Miami in Atlanta, while Botafogo’s shock victory over PSG marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.

‎Qualified Teams for the Knockouts

‎Here’s a quick overview of the teams that have secured their tickets to the knockout stage:

‎Group A: Palmeiras, Inter Miami

‎Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Botafogo

‎Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica

‎Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea

‎Group E: Inter Milan, Monterrey

‎Group F: Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense

‎Group G: Manchester City, Juventus

‎Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal

‎Notably, Manchester City and Juventus dominated Group G, both winning their matches before the final game, with City beating Juventus 5-2 to top the group and finish undefeated.

‎City will now face Al Hilal in the last 16, while Juventus is set for a daunting clash with reigning champions Real Madrid.

‎Major Upsets and Highlights

‎Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Botafogo

‎Arguably the biggest shock of the group stage saw Brazilian side Botafogo topple reigning European champions PSG.

‎Igor Jesus scored a deflected goal that proved decisive at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, while PSG’s relentless pressure couldn’t find an equalizer.

‎This marked PSG’s first defeat since May and was their first match without scoring since March, when they were blanked by Liverpool in the Champions League.

‎Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea

‎While not an upset, this result was certainly eyebrow-raising. Flamengo staged a strong comeback to beat Chelsea in Philadelphia.

‎After Pedro Neto put Chelsea ahead, Flamengo responded with two quick goals and were buoyed by the red card shown to Nicolas Jackson. Substitute Wallace Yan sealed the victory for Flamengo, managed by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis.

‎Top Scorers in the 2025 Club World Cup (after group stage):

‎Three Goals (Tied for top scorer):

‎Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

‎Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

‎Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly)

‎Angel Di Maria (Benfica)

‎Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

‎Several players trail closely on two goals, including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Lautaro Martinez, and Thomas Muller.

‎Upcoming Last 16 Matches to Watch:

‎Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami

‎All eyes will be on Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, faces his former club PSG. Messi’s two-season stint at PSG was reportedly unhappy, and fans will be eager to see him face his old team.

‎The match adds intriguing sub-plots, including Messi reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano, all now with Miami, against PSG’s manager Luis Enrique.

‎Flamengo vs Bayern Munich

‎Flamengo has been the standout team so far, topping Group D with an unbeaten record (two wins and a draw). Their dramatic comeback against Chelsea earned them a blockbuster tie against Bayern Munich, who also advanced after finishing second in Group C.

‎Bayern scored 12 goals in the group stage, with the majority coming in their opening match against Auckland City, setting the stage for an exciting clash in Miami.

‎Real Madrid vs Juventus

‎This pairing promises a high-profile clash between European giants. Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid has been impressive, remaining undefeated in Group H after a draw with Al Hilal and wins over Pachuca and Salzburg.

‎Juventus, after an impressive start, suffered a heavy defeat to Manchester City in their final group game, but both teams had already secured their knockout spots, making this an exciting fixture.