Soccer
Sixteen things to look out for in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has already delivered drama, disruption and a glimpse into what football’s future could look like.
Gone is the single-host, single-continent format of the past. In its place is a full-blown global knockout competition, with 32 teams, shocks aplenty and a narrative that no longer belongs exclusively to Europe.
As we head into the last 16, we find Lionel Messi eyeing revenge against Paris Saint-Germain, Brazilian giants locking horns and several so-called "smaller" teams continuing to knock loudly – and convincingly – on the door of football’s elite.
With tactical intrigue, youthful stars and ageing legends alike taking centre stage, here are 16 things to watch in the first knockout phase of this new-look tournament.
1. Messi vs. PSG: A Very Personal Test
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Lionel Messi takes on his former employers in a last-16 tie dripping with drama. Inter Miami, led by their 37-year-old talisman, drew 1–1 with Al Ahly to advance, but Messi has yet to score from open play at this tournament, with his only strike so far a trademark free kick. A statement performance against PSG would be vintage Messi – and a timely reminder that he still bends football to his will.
2. Battle of Brazil: Botafogo vs. Palmeiras
We get a full-blooded Libertadores-style clash on American soil. Botafogo, who upset PSG in the group stage, meet Palmeiras in an all-Brazilian tie with serious teeth. Palmeiras have the pedigree, but big-spending Botafogo have momentum and perhaps a sense of destiny. This could be the most intense fixture of the round.
3. Guardiola vs. Inzaghi: Battle of the Minds
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Manchester City face Al-Hilal in a match-up that brings us a clash of philosophies. Guardiola’s tiki-taka purism faces the pragmatic elegance of Simone Inzaghi, whose Al-Hilal side frustrated Real Madrid in the group stage. Expect tweaks, counters and a tactical masterclass.
4. City’s New Look: Cherki’s Takes Centre Stage
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Much has been made of Manchester City’s evolution post-Kevin De Bruyne and 21-year-old Rayan Cherki is central to that. Signed from Lyon, the Frenchman has impressed in a free role just behind Erling Haaland. If he can unlock Al-Hilal’s low block, City might breeze through.
5. European Power Clash: Real Madrid vs. Juventus
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You don't often see a fixture this heavy in the round of 16. Real Madrid topped their group, but only just. Juventus arrive off the back of a thumping loss to Manchester City but they bring one of the tournament’s standout young players – Kenan Yildiz. If the 20-year-old keeps scoring, things could get uncomfortable for Madrid.
6. The Non-European Seven
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Botafogo, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, Al-Hilal, Monterrey and Inter Miami have all made it into the last 16. That’s nearly 50 per cent of the field and each with a credible shot at the quarter-finals. The Club World Cup’s global vision is no longer theoretical – it’s real and these teams are delivering.
7. Kenan Yildiz: Golden Boot in Sight?
The 20-year-old Turkish forward has scored three goals in three games for Juventus and he doesn't look like stopping. Against a Real Madrid side short on pace at the back, his movement will be critical. He may not be a household name yet, but he’s on his way.
8. Flamengo’s Surge: Can They Take Down Bayern?
Having already dumped Chelsea out in the group stage with a commanding 3-1 win, Flamengo now face Bayern Munich. Pedro and Everton Ribeiro have led a sharp, creative attack that’s grown stronger each game. If Bayern underestimate them, they may go the way of Chelsea.
9. Di Maria Still Dancing
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At 37, Angel Di Maria is rolling back the years for Benfica. With three goals to his name already, the World Cup winner’s left foot is as sharp as ever. Chelsea’s young defence will need composure and maturity beyond their years to handle him.
10. Chelsea vs. Benfica: Youth vs. Guile
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Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have been inconsistent – promising at times, panicky at others. They were hammered 3-1 by Flamengo but looked convincing in wins over ES Tunis and LAFC. Now they face a savvy Benfica side whose experience could pick holes in the Blues’ high-line pressing game.
11. Inter Milan vs. Fluminense: Chivu’s biggest test to date
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Cristian Chivu’s debut tournament as Inter coach pits his evolving style against Renato Gaucho’s stability at Fluminense. It’s a clash of classic Italian organisation versus Brazilian creativity in what could be one of the most stylish encounters of the round.
12. Dortmund vs. Monterrey: Youth vs. Grit
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Borussia Dortmund, riding domestic inconsistency, face Monterrey – a seasoned Mexican side with pedigree. It’s German fluidity against physical Liga MX intensity. Dortmund need to avoid a slip or else Monterrey’s combative style could shock them.
13. Can the Underdogs Keep Running?
Al Hilal, Monterrey and Inter Miami are all are heavy underdogs, but their wins and draws so far at the tournament have turned sceptics into believers. Will they maintain momentum or will Europe reassert dominance? The diversity of the last 16 gives this edition of the Club World Cup an unpredictable edge.
14. City’s Title to Lose?
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Manchester City, after a dominant group stage capped by a 5-2 win over Juventus, are rightly favourites. Their blend of elite finishing, depth and tactical discipline is unrivalled. But knockout football doesn’t always favour logic.
15. The US Crowds: Not Just Here for Messi
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Despite early assumptions that this tournament would draw crowds only for Inter Miami or European brands, attendance has been solid across all host cities. Monterrey against Al Ahly in Houston drew 59,000; Flamengo versus Chelsea in Orlando was a sell-out. The US is watching – and not just for Messi.
16. Heat and Humidity: The Unseen Variables
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This is mid-summer in the US. Fatigue looms large. The likes of Flamengo and Palmeiras have the advantage of being mid-season fit, while European squads battle jetlag and the hard miles of a just-finished season. Conditioning might decide a tight knockout tie.
There’s never been a Club World Cup quite like this. The 2025 edition is chaotic, colourful and – above all – competitive. Seven non-European clubs in the last 16 isn’t a fluke; it’s a reflection of the shifting tectonics of global club football. And if a few more giants fall this week, it won’t even be a shock.
This isn’t just about Messi or Guardiola. It’s about Botafogo going toe-to-toe with Palmeiras in a domestic heavyweight clash on a global stage. It’s about Kenan Yildiz doing to Real Madrid what most 20-year-olds can only dream of. And it’s about a Club World Cup that has earned its place on the football calendar.
Let the chaos continue.
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