Quarterfinal schedule at a glance
The new-look FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has trimmed a 32-team field down to eight, and the quarterfinals are locked in. Two games on Friday, July 4, and two more on Saturday, July 5, will decide who moves within touching distance of the title. All times below were originally listed in Brazilian time (BRT, UTC−3); local U.S. Eastern time (ET, UTC−4) is included for fans on the ground.
- Friday, July 4 — Fluminense vs Al-Hilal, 4:00 PM BRT (3:00 PM ET), Camping World Stadium, Orlando
- Friday, July 4 — Palmeiras vs Chelsea, 10:00 PM BRT (9:00 PM ET), Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Saturday, July 5 — Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich, 1:00 PM BRT (12:00 PM ET), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Saturday, July 5 — Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund, 5:00 PM BRT (4:00 PM ET), MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
It’s single-elimination from here: win and advance, lose and go home. If a match is level after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and, if needed, penalties. VAR and goal-line technology are in use across all venues.
This edition marks FIFA’s first expanded Club World Cup in the United States, spread over multiple cities from June 28 to July 13. The knockout rounds will finish at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where the final is scheduled for July 13. Expect big crowds: MetLife can push past 80,000, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz tops 70,000, while Philadelphia and Orlando both sit near or above the 60,000 mark for major events.
Brazil is still in the mix with two clubs, Palmeiras and Fluminense, each facing a very different challenge. Europe sends four heavyweights with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Chelsea, while Borussia Dortmund’s high-tempo edge and Al-Hilal’s deep, well-balanced roster round out a competitive bracket. The draw has produced a blend of styles that should keep the games tight and tactical.
What to expect from each matchup
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal (Orlando): This is a first-time meeting on this stage, and it’s a genuine coin toss. Fluminense lean on possession, quick combinations, and patience. Al-Hilal are direct when they need to be, but comfortable dragging teams wide and switching play to overload the flanks. Orlando’s summer heat is a factor, so watch for hydration breaks and subs earlier than usual. Fluminense’s midfield control versus Al-Hilal’s transitions could decide this one—if the Brazilians can slow counters, they’ll like their chances; if not, Al-Hilal’s pace will hurt them.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea (Philadelphia): Call it the sequel. These clubs met in the Club World Cup decider in Abu Dhabi in early 2022, with Chelsea edging it late in extra time. Palmeiras arrive with a clear identity: compact when defending, ruthless on set pieces, and smart on second balls. Chelsea bring Premier League-level pressing and speed on the wings, but their consistency has been under the microscope in recent seasons. This one may hinge on who wins the midfield duels and who handles restarts better. Lincoln Financial Field is known for noise—set pieces could swing the tie.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich (Atlanta): There’s history here, and plenty of it. Bayern have often had the edge in their Champions League duels, yet PSG’s front line can flip a game with one moment. Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s fast surface should suit both sides. Expect Bayern to press high and try to suffocate PSG’s build-up. If PSG survive the first wave, they’ll look to isolate Bayern’s full-backs and attack the channels. Minor margins—keeper form, defensive spacing, and who finishes first—usually decide these meetings. Don’t be shocked if this one goes long.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (New Jersey): A high-profile rematch after their European final clash in 2024. Dortmund bring energy, vertical runs, and a willingness to hit space early. Madrid do what Madrid always do: control tempo when needed, then strike with precision in transition. MetLife Stadium will be packed and loud, and big-game experience matters here. Dortmund have surprised giants before, but Madrid’s knack for managing pressure late in games is unmatched. If Dortmund can turn it into a track meet, they’ll fancy it; if Madrid slow the rhythm, expect them to dictate where on the pitch the game is played.
Format and path: This tournament began with eight groups of four. The top two in each group advanced to the knockouts, and after a round of 16 we’re now at the quarterfinal stage. From here, it’s straightforward: quarterfinal winners move into the final four and position themselves for a shot at MetLife on July 13. No reseeding drama—just survive and move.
Venues and conditions: Early July in the U.S. means heat and humidity, especially in Orlando and Atlanta. FIFA’s cooling protocols kick in if the wet-bulb temperature climbs, so keep an eye out for official breaks around the half-hour marks. Pitch standards must meet FIFA regulations, and stadium crews have been cycling events to protect the surface. Travel is reasonable for teams and fans: Orlando to Philadelphia is a quick hop, Atlanta is an East Coast flight away for everyone, and New Jersey will host one of the weekend’s biggest crowds.
Styles to watch: Quarterfinal football tends to tighten. Teams often choose risk management over chaos in the first hour, then open up late. Set pieces matter more—corners and free kicks have a way of breaking stalemates. So does bench impact. Managers who time their subs well can swing the last 20 minutes, especially in this heat.
Key narratives: Brazil’s double shot is real. Palmeiras are seasoned and organized, while Fluminense offer fluidity and control—two contrasting routes to the same goal. Europe’s four bring pedigree and pressure, and each has something to prove. PSG are chasing a landmark world title. Bayern will feel they’ve got the balance to bully midfields and score in bunches. Real Madrid’s aura in knockout games still looms large. Dortmund, as ever, are dangerous when the game stretches. Al-Hilal won’t care about reputations; their structure and squad depth make them a live threat.
What fans need to know: Gates will open early due to expected large crowds, security checks, and heat precautions. Bring patience and arrive ahead of kickoff. With back-to-back fixtures across two days, the quarterfinals set the tone for the tournament’s home stretch. The best teams are here. The margins are thin. And with extra time and penalties on the table, every minute is live.
Write a comment