The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup bracket has reached a thrilling stage, with the group phase concluding and the knockout rounds kicking off in the United States. This expanded tournament, featuring 32 top clubs from around the globe, runs from June 14 to July 13, 2025, and has already delivered surprises, intense matches, and standout performances. Hosted across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, the competition mirrors the FIFA World Cup format, with eight groups of four teams, where the top two advance to the round of 16. As the knockout stage unfolds, fans are buzzing about the latest developments, from unexpected upsets to star-studded clashes. Let’s dive into the most recent updates on the Club World Cup bracket and what to expect next.
Knockout Stage Kicks Off with High Stakes
The Club World Cup bracket entered its knockout phase on June 28, 2025, with Palmeiras edging out fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0 in extra time at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Paulinho’s 100th-minute goal sealed the victory, despite Palmeiras playing the final minutes with ten men after Gustavo Gómez’s red card. This match set the tone for a fiercely competitive round of 16, where European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain face tough challenges from South American and global contenders. The bracket’s structure ensures no group winner faces another winner until the quarterfinals, creating intriguing matchups like Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami and Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich on June 29.
The round of 16 continues through July 1, with key fixtures including Real Madrid vs. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey. Each match is a single-elimination tie, with extra time and penalties deciding draws, adding drama to the Club World Cup bracket. Fans are particularly excited about Inter Miami’s historic run, as the MLS side, led by Lionel Messi, became the first American team to defeat a European club (Porto) in an official competition during the group stage.
Surprises and Standout Performers
The group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup bracket delivered shocks that reshaped expectations. All four Brazilian clubs—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—advanced, with Flamengo stunning Chelsea 3-1 to top Group D. Botafogo’s upset over Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to Igor Jesus’s goal, highlighted South American strength. Meanwhile, European powerhouses like Atlético Madrid and Porto crashed out early, proving the tournament’s unpredictability. Inter Miami’s qualification as the host nation’s representative has also drawn attention, with Messi’s leadership propelling them to a round-of-16 clash against his former club, PSG.
Standout players have emerged, shaping the Club World Cup bracket’s narrative. Flamengo’s Jorginho, a recent Arsenal transfer, has been pivotal, completing 52 of 59 passes in their win over Chelsea. Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has been a rock in goal, saving his team in tight group-stage matches. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise are among the top scorers, adding firepower to their campaign. These performances hint at intense battles in the knockout rounds, where individual brilliance could decide the champion.
- Knockout Stage Start: Began June 28 with Palmeiras defeating Botafogo 1-0 in extra time.
- Major Matchups: PSG vs. Inter Miami, Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid vs. Juventus headline the round of 16.
- Surprises: Brazilian clubs dominate, with Flamengo and Botafogo upsetting European giants; Inter Miami makes MLS history.
- Venues: Matches hosted across 12 U.S. stadiums, with the final set for MetLife Stadium on July 13.
What’s Next for the Club World Cup Bracket?
The Club World Cup bracket progresses with quarterfinals on July 4-5, semifinals on July 8-9, and the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The bracket’s design splits the 16 qualifying teams into two halves, ensuring group winners face runners-up from different groups. This setup promises blockbuster encounters, such as potential quarterfinals like Palmeiras or Botafogo vs. Chelsea or Benfica. The tournament’s $1 billion prize pool, with up to $125 million for the winner, adds extra motivation. FIFA’s decision to retain original stadium names and use body cameras for referees enhances the event’s transparency and fan experience.
Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are abuzz with highlights, from Palmeiras’ gritty win to Messi’s moments of magic. Fans on X predict European dominance, with eight of 11 UEFA clubs expected to reach the quarterfinals, yet South American teams’ resilience suggests more surprises await. The absence of a third-place playoff keeps the focus on the final, where the world’s best club will be crowned.
Why This Tournament Matters
The expanded Club World Cup bracket represents a new era for club football, bringing together diverse teams from six confederations. With 12 European, six South American, and multiple Asian, African, and North American clubs, the tournament showcases global talent. Its timing, just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, makes it a perfect prelude, testing U.S. venues and fan enthusiasm. Despite concerns about player fatigue and weather challenges, the competition has exceeded expectations, with strong attendance and competitive matches. The Club World Cup bracket’s unpredictability and high stakes ensure it remains a must-watch event.
As the knockout rounds unfold, every goal, save, and tactical decision will shape the path to the final. Will a European giant like Real Madrid or Manchester City claim the title, or can a Brazilian powerhouse or underdog like Inter Miami pull off a historic upset? The answers lie in the thrilling matches ahead.
Follow every match live on DAZN, or catch select games on TBS, TNT, or Univision. Share your predictions and join the global conversation on social media to stay part of the Club World Cup excitement!