The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage concluded with dramatic finishes, late goals, and some unexpected exits. Paris Saint-Germain, Palmeiras, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund were among the major clubs securing their places in the last 16, while giants like Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, and Boca Juniors were eliminated.
Club World Cup Round of 16 Takes Shape After Group Stage Drama.
Griezmann’s Goal Not Enough as Botafogo Advance
Atlético Madrid clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Botafogo thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s 87th-minute strike, but the Spanish side still bowed out of the competition. The team needed a win by at least three goals to surpass Botafogo on goal difference in Group B. Despite several chances and a dominant 23-7 shot count, Atletico fell short.
Botafogo held their ground, relying on key stops from goalkeeper John and some resilient defending. The Brazilian side’s earlier win over PSG proved decisive in clinching second place behind the French club.
PSG Top Group B, Send Seattle Sounders Home
Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from a shock loss to Botafogo with a convincing 2-0 win over hosts Seattle Sounders. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi secured the result. Seattle, despite an aggressive start and home support, were unable to find the net in their third straight defeat.
PSG finished Group B with six points and now face the runner-up from Group A in the knockout round.
Porto, Al Ahly Eliminate Each Other in Eight-Goal Thriller
In one of the tournament’s most entertaining fixtures, FC Porto and Al Ahly played out a chaotic 4-4 draw in New Jersey. Wessam Abou Ali bagged a hat trick for Al Ahly, but Porto responded with four separate equalizers, including a late goal by Pepê in the 89th minute.
Despite the spectacle, both sides exited the competition, with Palmeiras and Inter Miami advancing from Group A.
Palmeiras Rally to Top Group A; Messi’s Miami Also Progress
Inter Miami surged ahead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez, but Palmeiras struck late to earn a 2-2 draw. Goals from Paulinho and Mauricio in the final 10 minutes ensured the Brazilian side finished top of the group on goal difference.
Both teams advanced with five points, while Al Ahly and Porto were knocked out.
Auckland City Hold Boca Juniors in Shocking Result
Amateur club Auckland City pulled off a stunning 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors in steamy conditions in Nashville. The match was suspended for nearly 50 minutes due to lightning, and by the time it resumed, Boca’s hopes had faded.
Despite taking the lead via an own goal, Boca couldn’t maintain the advantage. Auckland’s Christian Gray equalized early in the second half, and VAR later denied Boca a potential winner. Boca finished third in Group C, behind Benfica and Bayern Munich.
Benfica Beat Bayern to Win Group C
Benfica stunned Bayern Munich 1-0 in sweltering heat to secure top spot in Group C. Andreas Schjelderup scored early, and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered key saves to hold the advantage.
Despite the loss, Bayern progressed in second place and now face Group D winners Flamengo in the next round.
Chelsea Beat Esperance to Seal Progress
Chelsea’s rotated squad secured a 3-0 win over Esperance de Tunis to finish second in Group D behind Flamengo. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George sealed the result. Delap’s first goal for the club came just before halftime as Chelsea advanced to face Benfica in the round of 16.
LAFC Score First Goal, Hold Flamengo to Draw
Los Angeles FC ended their tournament on a positive note with a 1-1 draw against Flamengo. Denis Bouanga scored LAFC’s only goal of the campaign before Flamengo’s Wallace Yan quickly responded. Despite the draw, Flamengo topped Group D and remained unbeaten heading into the last 16.
Dortmund Edge Ulsan to Win Group F
Borussia Dortmund topped Group F after a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, with Daniel Svensson scoring the only goal. The German side dominated early and maintained their lead through solid goalkeeping and defensive discipline.
Fluminense Complete Brazilian Quartet in Knockouts
Fluminense played out a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns to secure second place in Group F. They join Botafogo, Palmeiras, and Flamengo as the four Brazilian clubs in the round of 16. Despite creating multiple chances, Sundowns were left ruing missed opportunities.
Knockout Stage Matchups Set
With group stage action concluded, the Club World Cup round of 16 will feature several intriguing matchups:
- PSG vs Inter Miami
- Botafogo vs Palmeiras
- Benfica vs Chelsea
- Flamengo vs Bayern Munich
- Fluminense vs TBD (from Group E)
The tournament continues in Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, with fans anticipating more dramatic moments ahead.