Upcoming Matches of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Everything You Need to Know
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is in full swing in the United States, bringing excitement and rivalry among the planet’s top clubs. With 32 teams divided into eight groups, the tournament promises thrilling matches until the grand final on July 13. In this article, we detail the upcoming matches of the Club World Cup, focusing on the next round’s fixtures, the highlights of the Brazilian teams (Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo), and what to expect from this historic competition. Let’s dive into the schedule and expectations for the battles ahead!
The Format of the 2025 Club World Cup
Before exploring the upcoming matches, it’s important to understand how the tournament works. The 2025 edition marks the debut of FIFA’s new format, featuring 32 clubs split into eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the round of 16, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final in knockout matches. There is no third-place playoff, and the champion will take home a record-breaking prize, estimated at up to US$125 million (approximately R$713 million).
The matches are being played across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the final. The competition began on June 14 and continues through June 26 in the group stage, with the knockout phase starting on June 28.
Schedule of Upcoming Matches
The group stage is nearing its conclusion, with the third round determining the teams advancing to the knockout phase. Below, we list the matches scheduled for June 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, with times in Brasília time zone, as announced by FIFA.
June 22 (Sunday)
- 1:00 PM – Juventus vs. Wydad Casablanca (Group G)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
After a convincing debut victory, Juventus faces Wydad Casablanca, who aim to pull off an upset to keep their qualification hopes alive. The Moroccan side signed defender Guilherme Ferreira exclusively for the tournament but faces a tough challenge against the Italians. - 4:00 PM – Real Madrid vs. Pachuca (Group H)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Real Madrid, one of the title favorites, started strongly and now faces Mexico’s Pachuca, part of the same business group as León, another participant. The presence of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo is a highlight for Brazilian fans cheering for the Merengues. - 7:00 PM – RB Salzburg vs. Al Hilal (Group H)
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Al Hilal, led by Neymar (if recovered from injury), takes on RB Salzburg, who aim to establish themselves as a group surprise. This match could decide the Group H leadership if Real Madrid stumbles. - 10:00 PM – Manchester City vs. Al Ain (Group G)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
The reigning champion of the previous format, Manchester City faces Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates. With a star-studded squad, the English side is favored, but Al Ain has shown resilience in past editions.
June 23 (Monday)
- 4:00 PM – Seattle Sounders vs. PSG (Group B)
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
PSG, buoyed by a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético de Madrid in their debut, faces Seattle Sounders, who play at home. PSG captain Marquinhos highlighted Botafogo as a strong group opponent, but the focus now is on securing qualification. - 4:00 PM – Atlético de Madrid vs. Botafogo (Group B)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Botafogo, after a solid debut against Seattle Sounders, faces Atlético de Madrid in a crucial clash. Coach Renato Paiva is expected to bolster the midfield to contain the Spaniards, who seek recovery after losing to PSG. - 10:00 PM – Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras (Group A)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
One of the most anticipated matches for Brazilians! Palmeiras, who drew with Porto and Al Ahly in their opening rounds, faces Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez’s Inter Miami. Abel Ferreira is likely to rely on Raphael Veiga as a key player to overcome the American side. - 10:00 PM – Porto vs. Al Ahly (Group A)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Porto, another Group A representative, takes on Al Ahly, who are seeking their first win. Goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos, a standout in the debut against Palmeiras, will again be tasked with stopping the Egyptian attack.
June 24 (Tuesday)
- 4:00 PM – Benfica vs. Bayern Munich (Group C)
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Bayern, who crushed Auckland City 10-0 in their debut, are favorites against Benfica, who drew with Boca Juniors. Coach Vincent Kompany is expected to keep his starting lineup despite absences like Alphonso Davies. - 4:00 PM – Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors (Group C)
Location: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
After a humiliating loss to Bayern, Auckland City seeks recovery against Boca Juniors, who also need points to advance. The refereeing in Boca’s debut against Benfica sparked controversy, and the Argentines aim to move past it. - 10:00 PM – León vs. Flamengo (Group D)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Flamengo, who defeated Espérance 2-0 in their debut, faces Mexico’s León. Coach Filipe Luís is under the international spotlight, and a win could solidify Flamengo as group leaders. - 10:00 PM – Espérance vs. Chelsea (Group D)
Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Chelsea, who also won their debut (2-0 against Los Angeles FC), face Espérance, who lost to Flamengo. The match promises to be balanced, with Chelsea relying on young talents like Liam Delap.
June 25 (Wednesday)
- 4:00 PM – Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense (Group F)
Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
Fluminense, boasting the tournament’s best defense so far (zero goals conceded), faces Mamelodi Sundowns, coached by Miguel Cardoso. After defeating Ulsan HD, Fluminense aim to secure group leadership. - 4:00 PM – Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD (Group F)
Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Borussia Dortmund, who lost to Fluminense in their debut, face Ulsan HD, who also need points. This match is decisive for both teams’ qualification chances. - 10:00 PM – Inter Milan vs. River Plate (Group E)
Location: Geodis Park, Nashville
River Plate, who faced controversy with Urawa Reds in the previous round, take on Inter Milan, who aim to solidify their position. Ángel Di María is the hope for the Argentines. - 10:00 PM – Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey (Group E)
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Urawa Reds, after a controversial match against River Plate, face Monterrey, who seek their first win. This clash could determine the group’s second-placed team.
June 26 (Thursday)
- 4:00 PM – Juventus vs. Manchester City (Group G)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
One of the biggest group-stage clashes! Juventus and Manchester City vie for Group G leadership. This match could foreshadow knockout-stage battles. - 4:00 PM – Wydad Casablanca vs. Al Ain (Group G)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Wydad Casablanca and Al Ain fight for an unlikely qualification. Both need a win and a favorable combination of results. - 10:00 PM – RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid (Group H)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Real Madrid face RB Salzburg in a match that could secure their group leadership. Salzburg, meanwhile, aim to pull off an upset to advance. - 10:00 PM – Al Hilal vs. Pachuca (Group H)
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Al Hilal and Pachuca close out Group H’s group stage, with qualification chances still open depending on other results.
Highlights of the Brazilian Teams
The four Brazilian representatives—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—are among the tournament’s protagonists. Here, we analyze their performances and expectations for the upcoming matches.
Palmeiras (Group A)
Palmeiras drew their first two matches (0-0 against Porto and Al Ahly) but remain unbeaten. The clash against Inter Miami, featuring Messi and Suárez, will be their biggest test yet. Abel Ferreira is banking on defensive solidity and Raphael Veiga’s talent to secure the first win and ensure qualification.
Flamengo (Group D)
Flamengo started well, defeating Espérance 2-0, and now face León, a less traditional but dangerous opponent. A win against Chelsea in the next round will be crucial for the Rubro-Negro to top the group. Filipe Luís has earned praise for his tactical work.
Fluminense (Group F)
Fluminense is the standout Brazilian side so far, with an impeccable defense and a key win against Ulsan HD. The match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be decisive for securing group leadership, which also includes Borussia Dortmund.
Botafogo (Group B)
Botafogo had a solid debut against Seattle Sounders but face a tough challenge against Atlético de Madrid. Renato Paiva is expected to rely on tactical discipline to hold off the Spaniards and aim for points against PSG in the final round.
Where to Watch the Matches
The 2025 Club World Cup matches are being broadcast in Brazil across multiple channels and platforms, ensuring wide access for fans:
- TV Globo: Airs 25 group-stage matches, including all Brazilian team games, on free-to-air TV.
- SporTV: Broadcasts all tournament matches on pay TV.
- CazéTV (YouTube): Offers free streaming of all matches.
- DAZN and Prime Video: Provide streaming options with paid subscriptions.
For today’s matches on June 22, broadcasts begin at 1:00 PM with Juventus vs. Wydad Casablanca (CazéTV, SporTV, and DAZN).
Expectations for the Knockout Stage
With the group stage nearing its end, projections for the knockout phase are already emerging. Bayern Munich, who crushed Auckland City 10-0, and Real Madrid are the top favorites, but the Brazilian sides, particularly Fluminense and Flamengo, could spring surprises. The bracket predicts clashes between Group C (Bayern) and Group D (Flamengo) in the round of 16, potentially leading to thrilling encounters.
PSG, with their debut rout, and Manchester City, the reigning champions, are also title contenders. However, surprises like Al Hilal or River Plate cannot be ruled out, given the balance in some groups.
Curiosities and Controversies
The 2025 Club World Cup has already produced memorable moments and some controversies:
- Storms and Delays: The match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns was delayed due to a lightning storm, highlighting weather challenges in the U.S.
- Refereeing Controversy: The Boca Juniors vs. Benfica match drew criticism for its officiating, deemed “one of the worst” by analysts.
- Inter Miami as Host Representative: The selection of Inter Miami, the MLS Supporters’ Shield champion, as the U.S. representative sparked debate, but Messi’s presence boosts the tournament’s appeal.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is delivering a unique spectacle, with high-level matches and the participation of four Brazilian giants. The coming days will be decisive for determining the qualifiers, and clashes like Palmeiras vs. Inter Miami, Flamengo vs. León, and Fluminense vs. Mamelodi Sundowns promise excitement. Follow the matches on available broadcasts and cheer for your favorite team on their quest for the world title!
Stay tuned for updates, as the tournament holds even more surprises until the final on July 13. Let the next matches begin!
