After about 10 days of thrilling action, we have finally reached the backend of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. For many of us, it is disappointing to see our representatives in Auckland City sent home, but it was not without a fight, as they managed to force a draw against the historic Argentinian side Boca Juniors. Regardless, most of the heavy hitters have progressed to the next round of the tournament, and some did so in surprising fashion, having failed to top their group.
With all that said, we are now at the knockout stage, where everything from the past is irrelevant. From this point on, teams need to play each game like it is their last for a chance at the lucrative payday awaiting the champions.
To me, there is no better way to preview these games than by pointing out a few of our best bets, so let’s get started.
Fourth-ranked Palmeiras from São Paulo will face off against fellow Brazilian side Botafogo, who are currently sitting in eighth place in their domestic season. Both teams will be eager to extend their stay away from Brazil and continue progressing in a tournament that has put their clubs in the global spotlight, as they are set to face another European giant in the next round.
This is likely to be a feisty matchup, as we have seen throughout the competition that Brazilian sides bring intensity and flair when they step onto the pitch. Neither team is likely to go down without a fight. Players like Estêvão and Vitor Roque from Palmeiras will hope to leave their mark on the match, while Igor Jesus, who has been in scintillating form for Botafogo, could also find the back of the net. For that reason, I believe both teams are likely to score in this all-Brazilian battle.
An exciting game in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup will see Chelsea and the likes of Enzo Fernández take on his former club, Benfica, as they look to advance to the quarter-finals with the tournament starting to heat up. Like many big games, and especially with both teams coming off long European seasons, it is hard to call a clear winner given the quality on both sides.
However, a bet I like in this showdown is over 2.5 total goals. Both teams have shown they can find the back of the net consistently. While Benfica did not concede against German giants Bayern Munich, they still allowed 2.24 expected goals (xG), meaning they gave up plenty of chances but Bayern did not bring their shooting boots that day.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have already scored six goals in their last three matches, which bodes well for this bet having solid potential.
The last game of the round is all about the storylines, as Messi faces his former club PSG, who are coming off what may be the best season in the history of the Parisian club. Messi, on the other hand, has revolutionized MLS by taking the league by storm and making waves in this tournament. He scored a stunning free kick to win one of Inter Miami’s group games and helped secure a draw against the top team in their group, Palmeiras.
PSG have continued to cruise through every challenge they face, including a dominant 4–0 win over Atlético Madrid. That form leads me to believe they should do the same in this match, scoring multiple goals and winning comfortably. Still, who’s to say Lionel Messi or Luis Suárez won’t produce a moment of brilliance and find the back of the net? Meaning this reunion could be a high scoring one.
Flamengo may feel hard done by, as they won their group but, because Benfica upset Bayern Munich, they have ended up drawing one of the largest clubs in the world in the Round of 16 and will come in as heavy underdogs in this match. I have watched them play in the tournament, and the team that is currently at the top of the Brazilian Serie A will look to continue being a thorn in the side of the big sides in this competition.
Bayern, on the other hand, outside of their 10-0 win against Auckland City, haven’t looked like themselves since that result and probably won’t be feeling as confident as usual. Given that, I don’t want to call the game’s outcome, but under 3.5 goals seems reasonable with the hard-nosed Flamengo team turning up with plenty of confidence and resolve against a Bayern side, apart from Michael Olise, that isn’t quite firing at the moment.
Second-place Serie A side Inter Milan will be looking to avenge their almost-great season, having missed out on the domestic title by just one point and recently losing a Champions League final to PSG. The Club World Cup has given them a fresh opportunity, and they handled the group stage well by going undefeated and finishing at the top of their group.
Fluminense, on the other hand, come in as major underdogs. They narrowly secured second place in their group to progress into the knockout phase of the tournament. Inter Milan will be aiming to clear their next hurdle, as winning this tournament could be a major step in healing some of the wounds from last season. That motivation is why I believe they will take care of this matchup in normal time.