The FIFA Club World Cup is approaching its concluding stages, with the remaining eight teams set to compete in the quarterfinals this weekend. These matches precede the semifinals and the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium. While prominent European clubs such as Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City exited in the Round of 16, others successfully advanced, keeping their aspirations for the title alive. Here is a ranking of the four upcoming quarterfinal encounters and a look at what each promises:
4. Palmeiras vs. Chelsea
Palmeiras secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating another Brazilian side, Botafogo, with a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16. They will face Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, who comfortably won their Round of 16 tie against Benfica with a 4-1 scoreline. The match against Benfica was notably interrupted by severe storms, causing a suspension of approximately two hours and extending the game duration significantly. Coach Maresca expressed his frustration afterward, stating, “I think it`s a joke, to be honest. It`s not football. It`s completely something new. I struggle to understand. I can understand if it`s security reasons, but if you suspend seven or eight games, then it`s probably not the right place to do the competition.” Adding intrigue to this matchup, Palmeiras striker Estevao, who is slated to join Chelsea at the end of this summer tournament, might potentially play his final game for the Brazilian club against his future team. An enticing clash awaits.
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Odds: Palmeiras +280; Draw +220; Chelsea +105
3. Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, is set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. These two European giants have a history of significant encounters, including the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley, where Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over the German side. For this match, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham will not be playing against his brother Jobe, who recently joined Dortmund this summer, as the younger English midfielder is unavailable after receiving a yellow card against Monterrey.
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Odds: Real Madrid -190; Draw +330; BVB +430
2. Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal
This quarterfinal pits together the two most significant surprise packages from the Round of 16. Fluminense caused an upset by knocking out the 2025 Champions League finalists Inter Milan with a convincing 2-0 victory. Simultaneously, Simone Inzaghi`s Al-Hilal delivered a shock to the football world by defeating Manchester City 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. As these two unexpected contenders meet on Friday, one is guaranteed a spot in the tournament`s top four and will face the winner of the tie between Chelsea and Palmeiras.
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Camping World Stadium — Orlando, Florida
- Odds: Fluminense +180; Draw +230; Al-Hilal +150
1. PSG vs. Bayern Munich
PSG is set to meet Bayern Munich in what is widely regarded as one of the marquee matchups of the tournament. The German giants will face the winners of the 2024-25 Champions League in this quarterfinal clash. The winner of this highly anticipated game will significantly bolster their aspirations to become world champions. PSG has shown dominant form throughout the tournament so far, securing a decisive 4-0 win against Inter Miami in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich also progressed effectively, defeating Flamengo 4-2. This is undoubtedly a match football fans won`t want to miss.
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Odds: PSG +120; Draw +260; Bayern Munich +210
