The FIFA Club World Cup is heading towards its conclusion, with the eight remaining clubs set to compete in the quarterfinal stage this weekend. These crucial matches precede the semifinals and the final, which is scheduled to take place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium. While some prominent European teams like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City were eliminated in the Round of 16, other contenders successfully advanced to keep their championship hopes alive. Here`s a ranking of the four quarterfinal matchups set for this weekend, detailing what we can anticipate from each clash:
4. Palmeiras vs. Chelsea
Palmeiras secured their place by winning 1-0 against fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the Round of 16. They will now face Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, who advanced with a 4-1 victory over Benfica in a match significantly impacted by a nearly two-hour storm delay. Following the unusually long four-hour and 39-minute encounter, Maresca expressed his frustration, calling the situation `a joke` and `not football.` A compelling narrative for this tie involves Palmeiras striker Estevao, who is slated to join Chelsea after the tournament and could potentially play his last game for the Brazilian club against his future team. This promises to be an enticing encounter.
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Live stream: Check local streaming options
- Odds: Palmeiras +280; Draw +220; Chelsea +105
3. Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
Xabi Alonso`s Real Madrid is set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. These two clubs have a notable history, including their recent clash in the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley, where Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over the German side. Real Madrid`s star player, Jude Bellingham, will not face his brother Jobe, who joined Dortmund this summer, as the younger English midfielder is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Monterrey.
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Live stream: Check local streaming options
- Odds: Real Madrid -190; Draw +330; BVB +430
2. Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal
This quarterfinal features two teams who caused significant upsets in the Round of 16. Fluminense surprised many by knocking out the 2025 Champions League finalist Inter Milan with a 2-0 victory. Equally stunning was Simone Inzaghi`s Al-Hilal, who defeated Manchester City 4-3 in a thrilling contest. As these two surprise packages of the tournament meet on Friday, one is guaranteed a spot in the top four and will face the winner of the match between Chelsea and Palmeiras.
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Camping World Stadium — Orlando, Florida
- Live stream: Check local streaming options
- Odds: Fluminense +180; Draw +230; Al-Hilal +150
1. PSG vs. Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain will take on Bayern Munich in what is widely considered one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. The German giants face the 2024-25 Champions League winners in the quarterfinals, with the winner immediately becoming a strong favorite to lift the world title. PSG has been dominant so far, securing a convincing 4-0 win against Inter Miami in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich also showed strength with a 4-2 victory over Flamengo. This is truly a must-watch encounter.
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Live stream: Check local streaming options
- Odds: PSG +120; Draw +260; Bayern Munich +210
Dominic Ashworth