The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is in full swing — and if you thought this would be just another predictable tournament, think again. With 32 clubs from all over the world battling for the global crown, football fans have been treated to unexpected upsets, wild scorelines, and breakout performances from clubs many never saw coming.
Let’s dive into what’s been happening, who’s in, who’s out, and what’s next.
First, What’s New with the 2025 Club World Cup Format?
This year’s edition is historic — it’s the first-ever expanded 32-team format, mimicking the World Cup style we usually see for national teams. Instead of just a few continental champions, now we’ve got:
- 12 teams from UEFA (Europe)
- 6 from CONMEBOL (South America)
- 4 from AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), and CONCACAF (North America)
- 1 from OFC (Oceania)
- 1 host nation representative (USA)
The tournament is being held across several cities in the United States between June 15 and July 13, 2025 — and yes, it’s HOT both on and off the pitch
Round of 16 Recap: Two Giants Crash Out!
One of the most talked-about stories so far? Two of the most formidable teams in Europe, Manchester City and Inter Milan, are eliminated from the competition. Yep — you read that right.
Manchester City 3-4 Al Hilal
In a jaw-dropping thriller, Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia stunned Pep Guardiola’s side with a late winner in the 89th minute. City’s defense struggled against Al Hilal’s quick counters, and despite goals from De Bruyne and Haaland, it wasn’t enough.
“They attacked us without hesitation. “Congratulations to them,” Guardiola remarked following the game.
Inter Milan 0-2 Fluminense
Meanwhile, Brazilian side Fluminense put in a tactical masterclass to knock out Inter Milan. Goals from Cano and Ganso sealed the deal as the Italians failed to register a single shot on target in the second half.
Who’s Through to the Quarterfinals?
As of July 1st, here are the 6 teams confirmed in the quarterfinals:
| Team | Region |
| Palmeiras | South America BR |
| Chelsea | Europe GB |
| PSG | Europe FR |
| Bayern Munich | Europe DE |
| Fluminense | South America BR |
| Al Hilal | Asia SA |
Two more spots will be decided shortly, with matches like Club América vs. Real Madrid and Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Urawa Reds still to be played.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Schedule (Tentative)
| Matchup | Date | Venue |
| Palmeiras vs Fluminense | July 4 | Miami |
| Chelsea vs PSG | July 5 | Los Angeles |
| Bayern vs TBD | July 6 | Atlanta |
| Al Hilal vs TBD | July 6 | Houston |
(We’ll update the full bracket as more results come in. Stay tuned.)
Players Who Are Stealing the Show
Several stars and underdogs are making headlines:
- Malcom (Al Hilal) – 4 goals in 3 matches
- Endrick (Palmeiras) – The 18-year-old is living up to the hype
- Mbappé (PSG) – Back to his unstoppable best
- Germán Cano (Fluminense) – Mr. Reliable for the Brazilians
It’s not just the big names. Unknown defenders, fearless midfielders, and gutsy goalkeepers are stepping up and showing the world that talent lives everywhere.
What Makes This Tournament So Wild?
The combination of summer heat, packed stadiums, different playing styles, and a knockout mentality has made the 2025 Club World Cup a chaotic delight.
- Tactics Clash: Brazilian flair vs. European precision vs. Middle Eastern explosiveness
- High Stakes: More than trophies — it’s about prestige, prize money, and legacy
- Fresh Matchups: When else will you see PSG play Fluminense or Chelsea meet Al Hilal?
This isn’t just a test of skill — it’s about adaptability, pressure, and resilience.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the massive $100M prize pool, there’s history on the line. The winner of this tournament will go down in history as the first champion of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. It’s a legacy title.
Final Thoughts
If this is what the future of club football looks like, sign us up. The 2025 Club World Cup is delivering big names, big goals, and even bigger surprises. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, this is the summer football feast we didn’t know we needed.
Don’t miss the quarterfinals — and prepare for more drama, more upsets, and maybe, just maybe, a new world champion no one expected.