The knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the USA, runs from June 28 to July 13. It begins with the Round of 16 (June 28 – July 1), followed by the Quarter-Finals (July 4–5), Semi-Finals (July 8–9), and concludes with the Final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Matches are held across several major cities including Orlando, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. Top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Flamengo are competing in this high-stakes tournament. If matches end in a draw, extra time and penalties will decide the winner.
Knockout Stage Dates & Fixtures (Local US Times)
A clearer overview of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 knockout phase, hosted in the USA, running from late June to mid‑July:
Round of 16 (June 28 – July 1)
Sat, June 28
• 12:00 pm ET: Palmeiras vs Botafogo (Philadelphia)
• 4:00 pm ET: Benfica vs a Group D runner‑up (Charlotte)
Sun, June 29
• 12:00 pm ET: PSG vs Inter Miami (Atlanta)
• 4:00 pm ET: Flamengo vs Bayern Munich (Miami)
Mon, June 30
• 3:00 pm ET: Inter Milan vs Fluminense (Charlotte)
• 9:00 pm ET: Manchester City vs Group H runner‑up (Orlando)
Tue, July 1
• 3:00 pm ET: Group H winner vs Juventus/Man City (Miami)
• 9:00 pm ET: Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey (Atlanta)
Quarter‑Finals (July 4–5)
Fri, July 4
• 3:00 pm ET: QF1 (winner of Inter/Fluminense vs City/Group H) – Orlando
• 9:00 pm ET: QF2 (winner of Palmeiras/Botafogo vs Benfica/Chelsea) – Philadelphia
Sat, July 5
• 12:00 pm ET: QF3 (PSG/Inter Miami vs Flamengo/Bayern) – Atlanta
• 4:00 pm ET: QF4 (remaining bracket) – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Semi‑Finals (July 8–9)
• Tue, July 8 – Semi‑final 1: 3:00 pm ET, MetLife Stadium
• Wed, July 9 – Semi‑final 2: 3:00 pm ET, MetLife Stadium
Final – Sun, July 13 at 3:00 pm ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Importance of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (USA)
1. First Expanded Edition
Features 32 clubs (up from 7 in previous editions), mirroring the FIFA World Cup format.
2. Global Prestige for Clubs
Offers clubs a rare chance to compete for the title of world’s best, beyond regional competitions like UEFA Champions League or Copa Libertadores.
3. Increased Global Exposure
Helps clubs grow their international fan base and commercial reach, especially in emerging markets like the U.S.
4. High-Level Competition
Brings together champions and top performers from every continent — a rare clash of styles and strategies in club football.
5. Significance for the USA
Acts as a major test event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping to evaluate infrastructure, crowd management, and venue readiness.
6. Boost to U.S. Soccer Market
Fuels interest and investment in soccer in the U.S., supporting the growth of MLS and grassroots football.
7. Commercial & Broadcast Value
Expected to draw massive global viewership, attracting sponsorships, advertisers, and streaming deals.
8. Historic Tournament Format
Sets the stage for future Club World Cups; performance here may shape the format and prestige of future editions.
Conclusion
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a historic evolution in global club football, bringing together 32 of the world’s top teams in a competitive, World Cup-style format for the first time. It offers clubs a prestigious platform to showcase their talent on a global stage, while also serving as a crucial trial run for the USA ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With high stakes, diverse matchups, and worldwide attention, this tournament represents a major milestone in the growth and globalization of club football.
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