FIFA Club World Cup Power Rankings: Round of 16

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has entered its most compelling phase – the knockout rounds.

After a frenetic group stage featuring 32 teams from every corner of the globe, only 16 remain in contention for football’s most expansive international club title.

With heavyweights like Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich advancing alongside surprise packages such as Botafogo and Inter Miami, the last-16 promises a fascinating blend of tactical chess matches, star power and emerging storylines.

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This power ranking evaluates each of the 16 remaining clubs based on their performances so far in the tournament, the strength of their squads and their prospects heading into the business end of the competition.

From dominant group winners to last-minute qualifiers, here’s how the field stacks up heading into the knockout stage.

1. Manchester City

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Manchester City top this ranking after an extraordinary group-stage performance. They obliterated Al Ain 6-0, beat Juventus 5-2 and saw off Wydad 2-0. Rayan Cherki has injected fresh creativity in attack, while Rodri’s return has re-stabilised the midfield after his injury.

Their lethal mix of depth, flair and tactical mastery under Pep Guardiola makes them the overwhelming favourites to reach the quarter-finals – especially with Al-Hilal on the horizon, who’ll need to pull off a defensive masterclass to upset them.

2. Real Madrid

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Real Madrid carried strong form into the knockout stage, topping Group H with a 3–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg after a controlled 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal and a gritty 3-1 victory over Pachuca.

Jude Bellingham has continued to shine in the engine room, while Vini Jr has added creative spark. Facing Juventus, Madrid will rely on their European championship pedigree and tactical stability under Xabi Alonso to neutralise the youthful exuberance of Juventus’ breakout star Kenan Yildiz.

3. Juventus

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Juventus have emerged as one of the tournament’s most exciting sides. Their group stage was explosive: a 5-0 thrashing of Al Ain followed by a 4-1 demolition of Wydad, with young forward Kenan Yildiz netting a three goals. Their matchup with Real Madrid pits youthful passion against Spanish precision. If Yildiz keeps firing and Igor Tudor adopts a high-risk attacking shape, Juventus could shock the 15-time European champions.

4. Inter Milan

Inter Milan advanced from Group E with relative ease, powered by Lautaro Martinez’s clinical finishing and the team’s structured approach under new boss Christian Chivu.

Their organisation and patience make them difficult to break down, but their upcoming tie with Fluminense demands sharpness and flexibility. The Brazilian side’s flair could test Inter’s resolve, but the Italians enter as clear favourites due to their defensive solidity and tournament experience.

5. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG progressed with calm efficiency from Group B, navigating past Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and the Seattle Sounders. While they lacked explosive goal tallies, their cohesion and defensive organisation stood out.

Their squad balance makes them one of the most tactically mature teams left in the draw. The looming matchup with Inter Miami – led by their former talisman Lionel Messi –presents a narrative-heavy test. PSG will need to maintain control and tempo to ensure they don’t fall into the trap of trying to outshine Messi rather than outplay him.

6. Benfica

Benfica topped Group C with eight goals scored and only two conceded. Their balanced approach – combining smart rotations, pressing intensity and a clinical edge in the final third – has paid off.

Their last-16 clash with Chelsea is a match-up of contrasting rhythms: Benfica’s order and precision versus Chelsea’s frenetic energy and young talent. The Portuguese side will look to stay composed and take advantage of any defensive lapses.

7. Bayern Munich

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Bayern Munich’s produced the most ruthless display of the group stage when they shredded Auckland City 10-0, but a 2-1 loss to Benfica meant they finished only second in their group and showcased some frailties.

Michael Olise has had an outstanding tournament so far, scoring key goals and created chances for others. Their last-16 encounter with Flamengo – riding high after a 3–1 upset win over Chelsea – marks a crucial test. Bayern’s depth and tactical versatility should see them safely through.

8. Flamengo

Flamengo burst into the spotlight after an emphatic 3-1 dismantling of Chelsea, backed by creative dynamism and fluid movement. Pedro and Everton Ribeiro have led this charge, combining speed, technical ability and South American flair.

Their next obstacle is Bayern Munich – a talent-packed European powerhouse. If Flamengo can maintain their high-octane tempo and defensive concentration, they have genuine upset potential.

8. Botafogo

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Botafogo have become the tournament’s surprise story. Their 1-0 upset over PSG in the group stage shocked global audiences and revealed a side built on defensive commitment and collective effort.

They now face domestic rivals Palmeiras in a last-16 match-up with massive emotional stakes. Their recent form suggests belief and momentum, but they’ll need discipline to overcome Palmeiras’ experience on the big stage.

9. Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal made a strong group-stage impression, holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw before defeating Pachuca 2-0. New manager Simone Inzaghi has quickly imprinted his style upon an expensively assembled squad.

However, their reward is a daunting clash against Manchester City. Al-Hilal will need to defend heroically and exploit rare transition opportunities to have any chance of advancing.

10. Palmeiras

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Palmeiras soared through Group A with five points, blending attacking flair with defensive resilience. Chelsea-bound 18-year-old midfielder Estevao Willian has been their star, proving a calm and creative presence in tight games.

Their well-drilled system and domestic experience now face the test of a high-stakes Brazilian derby. Palmeiras will feel confident against Botafogo due to their tournament pedigree and squad depth, but the psychological pressure of a domestic clash could even the odds.

11. Borussia Dortmund

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Dortmund came through Group F with proactive pressing, inventive attacks and solid defensive organisation. Their young attackers have offered pace and unpredictability, while the backline has held firm.

Facing Monterrey, they encounter a physically strong and tactically conservative opponent. If Dortmund maintain intensity and don’t get drawn into a slow-tempo battle, they should reach the quarter-finals.

12. Chelsea

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Chelsea scraped through Group D behind Flamengo, showing flashes of attacking promise but struggling defensively. Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer have been bright spots, yet the backline remains a question mark when under pressure.

Their next test against Benfica will require greater tactical discipline and efficiency. Enzo Maresca’s side must tighten up and take their chances if they want to avoid an early exit.

10. Inter Miami

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Inter Miami earned a knockout berth by drawing 2-2 with Palmeiras and defeating Porto 2-1. Their performances have revolved around Lionel Messi’s vision and influence, even without him scoring from open play.

Messi’s link-up play, spatial intelligence and set-piece threat remain central. The clash with PSG reunites Messi with his former club and presents a defining moment for Miami. If Messi rises to the occasion and his supporting cast can hold their nerve, another shock could be on the cards.

15. Fluminense

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Fluminense secured second place in Group F thanks to their expressive, possession-heavy style and quick transitions. Their midfield has been the heart of the team, combining elegance and bite.

Against Inter Milan, they must strike a balance between ambition and caution. If they can stretch Inter’s shape and finish decisively in key moments, they might turn this tie into one of the tournament’s surprises.

16. Monterrey

Monterrey qualified from Group E by being resolute and tough to break down. Sergio Ramos has brought leadership and organisation to the backline, helping them edge tight matches.

However, facing Dortmund presents a pace and intensity level they haven’t yet encountered. Monterrey will rely on compact defending and opportunistic counters, but unless they can stifle Dortmund’s rhythm, their journey may end here.

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