FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Round of 16 Qualified Teams
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is heating up as the tournament moves from the group stage to the exciting knockout rounds. This year’s competition, held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, features 32 top football clubs from around the world. As of now, four teams have secured their spots in the round of 16, which will take place from June 28 to July 1.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is a major football event that brings together the best club teams from every continent. Unlike past tournaments, which had only seven teams, this year’s competition has expanded to include 32 clubs. These teams are divided into eight groups of four, and each team plays three matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group advance to the round of 16, which marks the start of the knockout phase.
The round of 16 matches will run from June 28 to July 1, followed by the quarter-finals on July 4 and 5. Next, the semi-finals will take place on July 8 and 9, and the tournament will wrap up with the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The winner will be crowned the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 champion, earning a massive prize of up to $125 million from the $1 billion prize pool.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 Qualified Teams
As of June 23, 2025, only four teams have officially qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16. These teams have shown strong performances in their group stage matches, securing their places in the knockout stage. Below is the list of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 qualified teams:
- Bayern Munich (Germany)
Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s top clubs, has earned a spot in the round of 16 with impressive results in Group C. The German giants dominated their matches, including a 10-0 win over Auckland City and a 1-0 victory against Boca Juniors. Bayern’s strong attack, led by players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise, has made them a favorite to go far in the tournament. - CR Flamengo (Brazil)
CR Flamengo, a powerhouse from South America, has qualified for the round of 16 from Group D. The Brazilian club showed their strength with wins like a 2-0 victory over Espérance de Tunis and a 3-1 triumph against Chelsea. Flamengo’s solid teamwork and attacking style have helped them stand out in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. - Juventus Turin (Italy)
Juventus Turin, another European giant, has secured their place in the round of 16 from Group G. The Italian club delivered strong performances, including a 5-0 win over Al Ain and a 4-1 victory against Wydad AC. Juventus’s balanced squad and smart tactics have made them a tough opponent in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. - Manchester City (England)
Manchester City, the defending champions from 2023, have also qualified for the round of 16 in Group G. The English club showed their quality with a 2-0 win over Wydad AC and a 6-0 thrashing of Al Ain. With new players like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders joining the squad, Manchester City remains a top contender in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
While only these four teams have been confirmed so far, the remaining 12 spots in the round of 16 will be filled as the group stage concludes on June 26. Teams like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami are still in the race to qualify, making the competition even more exciting.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Are Not Playing
Two of football’s biggest stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, are notably absent from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Their absence has caught the attention of many, so what is the reason that these players are not participating.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Absence
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is not playing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, made it clear that he would not participate in the tournament. In May 2025, FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted that Ronaldo might switch clubs to join the competition, but Ronaldo quickly dismissed the idea. He said, “You can’t take part in everything,” explaining that he needed to focus on his short-term and long-term goals. Ronaldo also mentioned receiving several invitations to play but decided against it, prioritizing rest and his career with Al-Nassr. Since Al-Nassr did not qualify for the tournament, Ronaldo’s absence was confirmed.
Neymar’s Absence
Neymar, the Brazilian superstar, is also missing the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Neymar currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, a team that qualified for the tournament and is competing in Group H. However, Neymar has been sidelined by injuries for much of the past year, including a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for several months. As of June 2025, Neymar has not fully recovered, and Al-Hilal decided not to include him in their squad for the tournament. The club is focusing on players who are fit and ready to compete, leaving Neymar to continue his recovery in Saudi Arabia.
The absence of Ronaldo and Neymar is a disappointment for some, but the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 still features plenty of star power, including players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane.
How Big Teams Are Performing in FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has seen some of the world’s biggest teams deliver exciting performances in the group stage. Here’s a look at how a few top clubs are doing:
- Real Madrid (Spain): Real Madrid, the record holders with five FIFA Club World Cup titles, are competing in Group H. They started with a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Pachuca. With players like Kylian Mbappé and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid is aiming to secure a round of 16 spot and chase another title.
- Paris Saint-Germain (France): PSG, fresh off their 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, are in Group B. They began strongly with a 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid but lost 1-0 to Botafogo. PSG’s young talent, including Ousmane Dembélé, makes them a strong contender for the round of 16.
- Chelsea (England): Chelsea, in Group D, had a mixed start. They won 2-0 against LAFC but lost 3-1 to Flamengo. With a crucial match against Espérance de Tunis upcoming, Chelsea needs a win or draw to qualify for the round of 16. New signing Liam Delap is expected to play a key role.
- Inter Miami (USA): Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, opened the tournament with a 2-1 draw against Al Ahly and a 2-1 win over FC Porto in Group A. They face Palmeiras next, and a draw could secure their place in the round of 16. Messi’s presence has made Inter Miami a team to watch.
- Inter Milan (Italy): Inter Milan, in Group E, drew 1-1 with Monterrey and won 2-1 against Urawa Red Diamonds. They are in a tight race with River Plate and Monterrey for the top two spots. Inter’s strong defense and midfield give them a good chance to advance.
These big teams have shown moments of brilliance, but the Club World Cup 2025 is full of surprises, with underdogs like Botafogo and Espérance de Tunis also making their mark.
As the group stage nears its end, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to get even more thrilling. The round of 16, starting on June 28, will feature intense knockout matches, with teams battling to reach the quarter-finals. The tournament’s expanded format has brought more excitement, and the $1 billion prize pool adds extra motivation for clubs to perform at their best. With top teams like Bayern Munich, CR Flamengo, Juventus Turin, and Manchester City already qualified, the stage is set for a dramatic finish to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
FAQs About FIFA Club World Cup 2025
1. Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16?
So far, Bayern Munich, CR Flamengo, Juventus Turin, and Manchester City have qualified for the round of 16. The remaining 12 spots will be decided by June 26, 2025.
2. When do the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 knockout rounds start?
The round of 16 begins on June 28 and runs until July 1, 2025. The quarter-finals are on July 4 and 5, followed by the semi-finals on July 8 and 9, and the final on July 13.
3. Why are Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar not playing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Cristiano Ronaldo chose not to participate, focusing on his career with Al-Nassr, which did not qualify. Neymar is sidelined by injuries and was not included in Al-Hilal’s squad for the tournament.
