The chase of global club football dominance is at its peak as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup advances through its high-stakes knockout phase in the United States.
With no room left for slip-ups, each remaining contender understands that any defeat at this point means elimination and the end of their dreams for international glory.
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This edition of the tournament—featuring a record 32 teams from around the world—was launched with enormous fanfare.
Following the intense group stage, where the top two teams from each of the eight groups earned progression, the competition has now been whittled down to just eight sides preparing for the quarterfinals.
Among the notable casualties is Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old’s hopes of equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time Club World Cup goal record were dashed as his team was convincingly beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea remain alive in the tournament and are widely considered leading candidates to take the crown.
However, the demanding weather conditions have added a layer of difficulty, with officials enforcing hydration breaks due to extreme heat—a factor that has visibly affected even the most elite players.
Beyond prestige, the ultimate winner of this tournament will earn the privilege of wearing FIFA’s official champions badge on their shirts for the next four years, along with a sizable cash reward.
Quarterfinal fixtures confirmed so far include:
Palmeiras vs Chelsea
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich
