New Delhi, June 28: The much-anticipated knockout phase of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off tonight, ushering in a high-voltage Round of 16 filled with marquee matchups, emotional reunions, and continental rivalries.
The tournament, which now features 32 of the world’s top clubs in a format akin to the FIFA World Cup, is being hosted across several cities in the United States and has already captured the imagination of football fans globally.
The action begins on June 28 with an all-Brazilian clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, setting the tone for a week packed with elite football and blockbuster encounters.
Messi vs PSG: The
Reunion Everyone’s
Waiting For
One of the most talked-about fixtures of the tournament will unfold on June 29, when Inter Miami CF lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain. The spotlight, naturally, will be on Lionel Messi, who faces his former club for the first time since parting ways in 2023. The Argentine icon spent two seasons with the French giants, scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances, and helping them to multiple domestic titles.
Messi’s Inter Miami, now a force in North American football thanks to his arrival, will look to script an upset against the Parisians, who are aiming to finally win the Club World Cup—a trophy that continues to elude them.
Should Inter Miami advance and Real Madrid defeat Juventus in their Round of 16 fixture on July 2, football fans could be treated to a sensational 48th showdown between Messi and Real Madrid, a rivalry that defined an era during his time at Barcelona.
European Showdowns & Old Ties Rekindled
The draw has thrown up more fireworks. Premier League side Chelsea face Portuguese giants Benfica in an early hours clash on June 29 (1:30 AM IST). This fixture comes with its own storyline, as Enzo Fernández, now a mainstay in Chelsea’s midfield, comes up against the club that catapulted him into European stardom before his record-breaking move to Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere, defending champions Manchester City will face a stern test against Asian heavyweights Al Hilal on July 1. With several high-profile players now plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal are no pushovers and will aim to disrupt City’s bid to retain their crown.
In another headline clash, Bayern Munich take on Flamengo on June 30, after the German side slipped to second place in Group C following a shock loss to Benfica. Bayern, now eyeing redemption, face a dangerous Brazilian outfit that can be deadly on their day.
Inter Milan square off against Fluminense in another South America-Europe battle, while Borussia Dortmund—touted as dark horses in this campaign—will face Mexican side Monterrey on July 2.
The marquee clash between Real Madrid and Juventus is expected to draw global attention. Scheduled for the early hours of July 2 (12:30 AM IST), this fixture promises old-school European glamour, as two of the continent’s most storied clubs go head-to-head with a semifinal spot at stake.
The Round of 16 fixtures of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (all in IST) are as follows: Palmeiras will face Botafogo on June 28 at 9:30 PM; Benfica take on Chelsea on June 29 at 1:30 AM; Paris Saint-Germain clash with Inter Miami later that day at 9:30 PM; Flamengo go up against Bayern Munich on June 30 at 1:30 AM; Inter Milan meet Fluminense on July 1 at 12:30 AM; Manchester City lock horns with Al Hilal on July 1 at 6:30 AM; Real Madrid take on Juventus on July 2 at 12:30 AM; and Borussia Dortmund will play Monterrey on July 2 at 6:30 AM.
Where to Watch
All matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 are available for free live streaming on DAZN. However, the tournament is not being broadcast on television in India, making digital platforms the only option for Indian viewers to follow the action.
What Lies Ahead
With some of football’s biggest names and clubs set to battle it out, the knockout phase promises to be a feast of flair, intensity, and drama. Whether it’s Messi’s emotional reunion, European giants clashing, or South American teams aiming for a continental comeback, the next few days are set to deliver some of the most thrilling football of the year. (IANS)
