FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Benfica and Chelsea Progress as Bayern and ES Tunis Await Showdowns
European Giants Move Forward as FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Heats Up
The excitement around the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 feels different this year, with its new 32-team format turning every match into a must-watch. Fans have already witnessed Benfica and Chelsea carving their path forward, making headlines after dispatching strong opponents to claim their Last 16 spots.
On June 16, Benfica faced South American powerhouse Boca Juniors in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. It was a tight affair, but Benfica's relentless pressing paid off. A single goal was enough for them to edge out Boca and set up what looks like one of the most anticipated battles in the next round—against Germany’s Bayern Munich. Bayern, as always, bring swagger and European pedigree, promising a fixture packed with tension, technical skill, and plenty of storylines. The cities and fanbases across Lisbon and Munich are buzzing, each dreaming of a deeper run in the world’s biggest club tournament.
Chelsea, meanwhile, continued their run with a confident win on June 14, handing Mexico’s Club León a defeat at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. There’s no time to relax. Their next challenge will be Esperance Sportive de Tunis (ES Tunis), a club riding high after tough early rounds. For Chelsea, this match isn’t just about reaching the quarterfinals—it’s a test to see if they can live up to expectations after a patchy domestic season. For ES Tunis, it’s a rare chance to topple a European superclub on the world stage.
Flamengo Holds Steady as Tournament Intensity Grows
While focus hovers over the European titans, South America’s Flamengo made their own statement. Their 3-0 win over ES Tunis was decisive, scoring at will and shutting down any North African hopes in the process. Flamengo’s fans, famous for transforming stadiums into seas of red and black, believe their team has the firepower to go deep. Right now, their next opponent is still undecided, but their confidence couldn’t be higher after that last performance.
If you’re looking for can’t-miss matches, the group stage offers no shortage. Paris Saint-Germain, stacked with international stars, square up against Atlético Madrid at California’s Rose Bowl. This one won’t just be about attacking flair—expect serious tactical fireworks, especially with Atlético’s gritty defensive setups.
Another fixture screeches European and South American flavor: Palmeiras face FC Porto at MetLife Stadium. Palmeiras come in with that trademark Brazilian flair, while Porto are known for turning up in big tournaments. It’s hard to call who’ll take it, but both teams have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best.
The expanded format this year keeps things wild, with fresh faces clashing against old favorites. You get surprise upsets, new rivalries, and tactical approaches you wouldn’t see in more exclusive tournaments. Every game so far has shown that even the giants need to watch their backs, and no one’s flight home is booked just yet.