The 16 teams remaining in the 2025 Club World Cup have been officially confirmed, setting the stage for intense knockout competition following the conclusion of the group stage matches. This highly anticipated tournament promises thrilling encounters as clubs vie for the coveted trophy.

Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 by dominating Group H. In their final group stage match, they thrashed RB Salzburg 3-0, with goals coming from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia. Manager Xabi Alonso praised the contributions of Arda Güler and Fede Valverde, noting their role in giving Los Blancos control, particularly in the first half. This victory solidified Real Madrid's top spot in the group with seven points from three games. They are now set to face Italian giants Juventus in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Manchester City also showcased their formidable strength, topping Group G with a flawless record. They secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Juventus in Orlando, braving the 32°C heat and a brief shower. Erling Haaland marked a significant milestone, scoring his 300th top-level career goal by scuffing home a finish in the second half. Other goals for City came from Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Savinho, while an own goal from Pierre Kalulu also contributed to their tally. Juventus managed a consolation goal from Dusan Vlahovic. The match also saw the welcome return of midfielder Rodri, who played 65 assured minutes, making his first start since a knee injury in September. His return, alongside the impressive performances of Matheus Nunes and debutant Rayan Ait-Nouri, highlighted City’s depth. By topping their group, City avoided being drawn against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the same half of the draw. Manchester City will now face Al Hilal in their last-16 fixture.

Despite the excitement surrounding the European powerhouses, all African representatives have unfortunately been eliminated from the competition. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Espérance (Tunisia), and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) failed to progress beyond the group stage. Al Ahly finished Group A with just two points from two draws and one defeat. Espérance de Tunis settled for third place in Group D after losing twice and drawing once. Wydad AC were eliminated without registering any points, having lost to Juventus, Manchester City, and Al Ain. Mamelodi Sundowns, after an initial victory against Ulsan HD, narrowly lost 4-3 to Borussia Dortmund and concluded their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Fluminense, accumulating three points but finishing third in their group.

The confirmed fixtures for the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16 are as follows: Real Madrid vs Juventus, Al Hilal vs Manchester City, Inter Milan vs Fluminense, Monterrey vs Borussia Dortmund, Benfica vs Chelsea, Palmeiras vs Botafogo (an all-Brazilian affair), Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami (dubbed the Lionel Messi Derby), and Flamengo vs Bayern Munich. These matchups promise an enthralling knockout stage for the global football spectacle.