The FIFA Club World Cup group stage lived up to the hype, with thrilling matchups, amazing goals, and passionate fans scattered across the country. After three games, we move on to the Round of 16, where every game is a win-or-go-home scenario. Let’s take a look at the matchups you can expect over the next four days.
FIFA Club World Cup Round Of 16 Preview
June 28
Palmeiras vs Botofogo
Joga Bonito will be on full display as the two Brazilian giants clash in Philadelphia. The South American nation has impressed so far, with each of its four representatives advancing to the knockout round, and at least one is guaranteed to play in the quarterfinals.
Palmeiras conceded just twice in the group stage, winning Group A over Inter Miami based on goal difference. Botofogo caught the world’s attention when they beat the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, PSG, 1-0 at the Rose Bowl on matchday two. Don’t be surprised if this tie between two familiar foes proves to be one of the most intense games of the tournament.
Benfica vs Chelsea
Another familiar continental matchup pits the Portuguese side Benfica against London-based Chelsea FC. Chelsea has won all three previous meetings between the two sides, famously clinching the 2013 Europa League title over As Águias in Amsterdam. Still, this contest in Charlotte will be a complete toss-up.
Benfica shocked Bayern Munich by pipping them to the top spot in Group C with a 1-0 win on the final matchday. 21-year-old Andreas Schjelderup’s goal in the 13th minute proved decisive thanks to a second consecutive shutout defensively. Chelsea, on the other hand, fell to Flamengo on matchday two after a frustrating performance that included just four shots on target and a costly red card for Nicolas Jackson. The Blues could only manage second place as a result, but they’re no doubt still a dangerous team.
June 29
Inter Miami vs PSG
Messi will take on his former employers in Atlanta after Inter Miami finished second in Group A, three points ahead of FC Porto. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a sumptuous free kick on matchday two, clinching a shock 2-1 victory over the Portuguese giants, as Inter Miami became the first MLS team to defeat a European team in an official competition.
PSG’s play has left much to be desired, barely scraping through the group stage at the expense of Atletico Madrid. The loss to Botofogo was a wake-up call, but their style of intense pressing and counter-attacking should be enough to advance over Messi and co.
Bayern Munich vs Flamengo
The German champions will face the current leaders of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, as the Brazilian teams continue their dominant march through the tournament. Both teams boast strong defenses with just two goals conceded each, perhaps paving the way for a tight, cagey affair.
With momentum on their side, Flamengo will hope to pull off a second headline-making upset against Bayern. They overwhelmed their opponents in the group stage, but that will admittedly be a more difficult task in the knockout round. Bayern’s youthful speed, combined with veteran experience, will be crucial to advancing in Miami.
June 30
Inter Milan vs Fluminense
I Nerazzurri escaped an intense tie against River Plate on matchday three with three points and no suspensions after tensions boiled over several times, specifically between Denzel Dumfries and Marcos Acuña. They still managed to top their group under new manager, Cristian Chivu.
Fluminense’s pair of scoreless draws speaks to their ability to shut up shop and control the game. They managed to contain Dortmund to just three shots on target, so keep an eye out for this to turn into a slow, methodical contest won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes.
Manchester City vs Al Hilal
High-flying Manchester City will face Al Hilal in the knockout round after the Saudi League side managed to advance from a group with Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Pachuca. Their 2-0 win over Pachuca on matchday three clinched the second spot, just one point ahead of Salzburg.
Man City’s route to the knockout round was perfect, as Pep Guardiola and his side remain the only perfect team at the tournament with a 3-0-0 record. They averaged over four goals per game and conceded just twice, both to Juventus on matchday three. On paper, this is barely a speedbump for the Cityzens, but games aren’t won on paper, and if this tournament has taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen.
July 1
Dortmund vs Monterrey
These intense global matchups are precisely what this tournament was created for. Dortmund’s rock & roll football will face off against this hard-nosed and gritty Monterrey side, perfectly embodied by their talismanic captain, Sergio Ramos, for a place in the quarterfinals.
Die Schwarzgelben endured the oppressive heat in Cincinnati to secure two crucial wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan Hyundai. They scored five goals and conceded three for a decent return. Monterrey, on the other hand, managed to steal draws against both Inter Milan and River Plate while conceding just once through three games. Set pieces will be important, especially for Monterrey
Real Madrid vs Juventus
In a rematch of the 2017 Champions League Final, Los Blancos will take on La Vecchia Signora in Miami. These two teams are very familiar with each other, having faced off 21 times, but this will be the first outside of European competition.
Juventus is coming off a 5-2 loss to Manchester City on matchday three, following two strong showings against Al Ain and Wydad AC. Keep an eye on 20-year-old Turkish forward Kenan Yildiz, who scored three goals in the group stage. Real Madrid’s last two games ended 3-1 against Pachuca and 3-0 against Salzburg, both in favor of the Spanish giants. Keep that momentum going, and they’ll be rewarded with a trip to New Jersey for July 5.
