Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinals: Matchups, schedules, and where to watch

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted across the United States, enters its quarterfinal stage on Friday, July 4, with Brazilian clubs Palmeiras and Fluminense among the eight remaining teams. This expanded 32-team tournament, a revamped version of the previous seven-team format, will see its decisive matches broadcast live on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, Globoplay, and DAZN. Fluminense takes on Al-Hilal, while Palmeiras faces Chelsea in high-stakes clashes starting Friday, with games continuing through Saturday, July 5. The quarterfinals will determine the semifinalists, with the final set for July 13 in New Jersey. The matchups were confirmed after the round of 16, where Brazilian clubs shone, keeping South American hopes alive.

This new Club World Cup format has brought unprecedented global attention, featuring teams from every confederation. Palmeiras and Fluminense, the only Brazilian sides left, advanced after defeating Botafogo and Inter Milan, respectively, in the previous round. Their performances have set the stage for thrilling quarterfinal battles.

• Quarterfinal highlights:
  • Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal, 4:00 PM BRT, Friday.
  • Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, 10:00 PM BRT, Friday.
  • PSG vs. Bayern Munich, 1:00 PM BRT, Saturday.
  • Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid, 5:00 PM BRT, Saturday.

Journey to the quarterfinals

Palmeiras secured their spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botafogo, sealed by a Paulinho goal in extra time during a tense match in Philadelphia. The all-Brazilian clash ensured at least one South American team in the quarterfinals. Now, under coach Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras faces Chelsea, revisiting their 2022 Club World Cup final, which the English side won 2-1. The Brazilian club relies on a robust defense and rising stars like Vitor Roque to challenge the European giants.

Fluminense, meanwhile, delivered a commanding 2-0 win over Inter Milan, showcasing tactical discipline that caught analysts off guard. Coached by Renato Gaúcho, the Tricolor now faces Al-Hilal, who stunned Manchester City in a 4-3 thriller in the round of 16. With veterans like Germán Cano and dynamic players like Jhon Arias, Fluminense aims to reach the semifinals for the first time in club history.

European showdowns steal the spotlight

The quarterfinals also feature blockbuster European matchups. On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain meets Bayern Munich at 1:00 PM BRT, pitting two continental heavyweights against each other. PSG, led by Kylian Mbappé, crushed Inter Miami 4-0 in the prior round, while Bayern, powered by Harry Kane, outlasted Flamengo 4-2. This clash promises fireworks, with both teams vying for a place in the global spotlight.

The final quarterfinal pits Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid at 5:00 PM BRT, a rematch of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final. Dortmund, fresh off a win over Monterrey, leans on young talents like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to upset the odds. Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, overcame Juventus and boasts stars like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, making them favorites to advance.

• Tournament stats so far:
  • 32 teams started, split into eight groups.
  • Average of 2.8 goals per match in the round of 16.
  • Four continents represented: South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Prize money: $13.125 million per club in the quarterfinals.

Where and how to watch

The quarterfinals offer extensive viewing options for fans worldwide. In Brazil, Globo focuses on Brazilian clubs and key European games, while SporTV covers every match for subscribers. CazéTV, hosted by streamer Casimiro Miguel, provides free YouTube broadcasts with lively commentary, appealing to younger audiences. Globoplay and DAZN ensure accessibility across devices, from phones to smart TVs, catering to diverse viewing preferences.

Game times, aligned with Brasília’s time zone, are fan-friendly. Friday’s matches air in the late afternoon and evening, ideal for post-work viewing, while Saturday’s games start early afternoon, perfect for weekend audiences. All broadcasts include pre-game analysis and post-match coverage, enhancing the experience.

Matchups and path forward

The quarterfinal matchups set up intriguing semifinal possibilities. The winners of Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal and Palmeiras vs. Chelsea will clash on July 8, while the victors of PSG vs. Bayern and Dortmund vs. Real Madrid meet on July 9. The final, scheduled for July 13 in New Jersey, offers a $40 million prize for the champion, making each match a high-stakes affair.

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The expanded 32-team format has injected new energy into the tournament, with CONMEBOL securing six slots, including four Brazilian clubs (Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Botafogo) and two Argentine sides (Boca Juniors and River Plate). The early exits of Flamengo and Botafogo have shifted the pressure onto Palmeiras and Fluminense to uphold South America’s legacy.

Fan reactions and expectations

The qualification of Palmeiras and Fluminense has sparked widespread excitement in Brazil, with social media buzzing with support. Fans have praised Abel Ferreira’s tactical acumen and Fluminense’s resilience, especially after their upset over Inter Milan. Internationally, media outlets have noted the Brazilian clubs’ strong showings, particularly as Manchester City and Inter Milan fell in the round of 16.

For Palmeiras, the Chelsea matchup is a chance for redemption after 2022. Abel Ferreira, in a recent press conference, emphasized preparation over revenge, highlighting his squad’s readiness. Fluminense’s Renato Gaúcho, meanwhile, stressed focus against Al-Hilal, a team bolstered by stars like Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

• Key factors for the quarterfinals:
  • Defensive strength: Palmeiras and Fluminense have conceded few goals.
  • Attacking efficiency: Cano and Vitor Roque are Brazil’s top scoring threats.
  • Knockout experience: Chelsea and Real Madrid thrive in high-pressure games.
  • Mental edge: Representing South America adds motivation for the Brazilians.

Financial and global impact

The 2025 Club World Cup is a financial juggernaut, with each quarterfinalist earning $13.125 million, and larger sums awaiting semifinalists and the champion. For Palmeiras and Fluminense, these funds could bolster their rosters in a competitive transfer market. The tournament’s global reach, with teams from four continents, underscores FIFA’s ambition to make the Club World Cup the premier club competition.

The event also serves as a preview for the 2026 World Cup, with New Jersey’s final venue set to host that tournament’s championship match. The diverse quarterfinal lineup, featuring clubs from Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, highlights the tournament’s inclusivity, a stark contrast to the old format’s limited scope.

Tournament trivia

The 2025 Club World Cup has delivered unforgettable moments, from the opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly to shocking upsets in the round of 16. The tournament paid tribute to Liverpool’s André Silva with black armbands during the quarterfinals. The trophy, engraved with “CWC” and the names of all 32 clubs, including Palmeiras and Fluminense, symbolizes the event’s global unity.

• Notable facts:
  • Start date: June 14, in Miami.
  • Final: July 13, in New Jersey.
  • Average attendance: 45,000 per match in the round of 16.
  • Top scorer: Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund), with 5 goals.

As the quarterfinals unfold, Palmeiras and Fluminense carry Brazil’s hopes, aiming to etch their names in Club World Cup history.