The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, to be staged across the United States next summer, has reached its most tantalising juncture after the group phase produced a mouth‑watering Round of 16 draw featuring Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against his former employers Paris Saint‑Germain and a heavyweight contest between Real Madrid and Juventus.
Sixteen clubs, drawn from six confederations—advanced from the 32‑team group stage, which concluded on Thursday evening. The line‑up sees Inter Milan, Fluminense, Manchester City, Al Hilal, Palmeiras, Botafogo, Benfica, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Miami, Flamengo, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey poised for the first knock‑out hurdle.
Spanish record champions Real Madrid, seeking a historic fifth world crown, will lock horns with Massimiliano Allegri’s resurgent Juventus in the tie most likely to capture global attention. Yet almost as compelling is the reunion set for Miami, where Messi, fresh from guiding his Major League Soccer side through as group runners‑up, faces a Paris club he departed under a cloud in 2023. Luis Enrique’s Ligue 1 winners topped Group B and will arrive in Florida intent on making a statement of their own.
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Elsewhere, Brazil is guaranteed at least one quarter‑finalist after Palmeiras were paired with domestic rivals Botafogo, while Group C winners Benfica meet Premier League giants Chelsea. Bayern Munich confront Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo, and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, coached by Jorge Jesus, contend with Pep Guardiola’s treble‑winning Manchester City. Inter Milan have been drawn against Fluminense, and Borussia Dortmund will play Mexican outfit Monterrey.
The knockout schedule begins on 15 July, with quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and a 3 August final to follow at venues spanning the eastern seaboard to California. FIFA is banking on the expanded format and a constellation of star names to ignite interest ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup, which the United States will co‑host with Canada and Mexico.
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