MIAMI –
The FIFA Club World Cup has entered its fiercest stage yet, with eight teams from three continents ready to fight for football’s global crown.
From seasoned giants like Real Madrid to surprise packages like Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, the quarterfinals bring a thrilling mix of tradition, flair, and the unexpected. This year’s tournament is being hosted across major cities in the United States, adding fresh energy and new audiences to the global showcase.
Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups and what’s at stake.
Fluminense vs Al Hilal
This will be a meeting of underdog heroes. Fluminense, one of Brazil’s oldest football clubs, stunned European finalists Inter Milan with a 2-0 win in the round of 16. Their reward? A clash with Al Hilal, the team that sent shockwaves through the football world by knocking out defending champions Manchester City in a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory.
“Beating City is massive, but we’re not done,” said Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus. “Fluminense are strong, and we respect them. But we’re going in to win.”
Palmeiras vs Chelsea
This tie offers a South American wall against European grit. Palmeiras, known for their solid backline, edged out Botafogo in a tense all-Brazilian battle. Their disciplined defence will now be tested by Chelsea, who are desperate to end a turbulent season on a high note.
“We’ve had a difficult league campaign,” said Chelsea captain Reece James, “but we still believe we can finish with silverware.”
This will also be the final game played at Lincoln Financial Field in the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich
Easily the most anticipated quarterfinal, this match brings together two heavyweights. PSG, European champions and chasing a historic four-trophy season, come face to face with Bayern Munich, who have scored a tournament-high 16 goals in just four matches.
For PSG, the trio of Mbappé, Dembele, and Vitinha must find a way past Bayern’s dynamic midfield and relentless press.
“Games like these are why we play football,” said PSG manager Luis Enrique. “We’re ready.”
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
This is more than a quarterfinal—it’s a rerun of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. Real Madrid, five-time Club World Cup winners, enter with momentum after a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus. Youngster Gonzalo García scored the only goal, and fans are hoping to see Kylian Mbappé return to top form after a brief injury layoff.
Borussia Dortmund, who edged Atletico Madrid in penalties, are no strangers to this stage. Coach Edin Terzić believes they’re ready.
“Real have history, but so do we,” he said. “This is our chance to make a mark.”
MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of 88,000, is expected to be sold out—offering a glimpse of what’s to come when the same venue hosts the 2026 World Cup final.
What Comes Next?
- Semifinal 1: Winner of Fluminense vs Al Hilal vs Winner of Palmeiras vs Chelsea
- Semifinal 2: Winner of PSG vs Bayern vs Winner of Real Madrid vs Dortmund
