Eight things to look out for in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals have arrived with storylines as rich as the talent on the pitch.

From heavyweight clashes between European giants to the remarkable resilience of clubs from outside UEFA’s stronghold, this stage of the tournament offers far more than prestige – it presents a compelling snapshot of global football’s shifting power balance.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich renew a fierce rivalry that has swung back and forth across recent Champions League campaigns.

Borussia Dortmund find themselves the underdogs against a Real Madrid side oozing with young brilliance in a rematch of the 2024 Champions League final.

And while Chelsea try to justify their heavy investment, Palmeiras aim to confirm South American supremacy. Al-Hilal and Fluminense, meanwhile, have already delivered seismic shocks and now meet in a quarter-final that captures the very ethos of this expanded competition.

With a thrilling Golden Boot race and the real possibility of a non-European finalist, every tie is laced with drama. Here are eight things to look out for in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.

1. Battle of the European Behemoths: PSG vs Bayern Munich

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This quarter-final brings a clash of continental heavyweights. Bayern have owned Paris Saint-Germain recently, winning six of their last seven competitive meetings – including their Champions League group-stage victory in November 2024 – and kept clean sheets in five of those match-ups.

But PSG are fresh off their first Champions League triumph this year and arrive having beaten Inter Miami 4-0, showcasing tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

Bayern’s 4-2 dismantling of Flamengo – built on Harry Kane’s brace and high turnovers – remains impressive.

Still, PSG’s recent European pedigree makes this a genuine showdown of two top-quality outfits.

2. Underdog Turned Over: Dortmund Facing Real Madrid

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Borussia Dortmund dodged a major scare against Monterrey in the last 16, escaping via a gritty 2-1 win. Now they meet a Real Madrid side that have looked sharper, led by dynamic midfield play and Gonzalo Garcia’s spark in attack.

Real’s possession-based structure under Xabi Alonso will face a pressure test from Dortmund’s pacey front line. Dortmund will need to seize early momentum to challenge a balanced Madrid unit. And their confidence must match their ambition if they are to upset the odds.

3. Gonzalo Garcia: Can Madrid’s New Star Shine Again?

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Garcia has been one of the revelations at this tournament. A key figure in Real Madrid’s narrow opening victory in the knockout phase, he’s now tied with several others on three goals.

His movement, vision and rate of contributing to goals — one goal or assist in every game so far – lend Madrid a fresh spark.

Yet against Dortmund, he’ll face a fast-paced side who’ll allow little time on the ball and no quarter in the penalty area. Whether or not the 21-year-old can continue his ascent in this clash could define Madrid’s path in the Club World Cup.

4. Chelsea’s Moment of Truth Against Palmeiras

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Chelsea scraped through via a 4-1 extra-time win against Benfica, where an opposition red card swung momentum in their favour. And in their only group loss to Flamengo, defensive frailties were exposed.

The spotlight now falls on their young squad – will Enzo Fernandez, Reece James, Pedro Neto and co. seize this knockout test, or will their inconsistency linger?

Palmeiras have been calm and compact, showcasing the kind of structure needed to exploit Chelsea’s weaknesses.

5. Palmeiras’ Remarkable Run Continues?

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This Brazilian outfit are flying right now. Their 1-0 extra-time victory over Botafogo was testament to discipline and grit .

Against Chelsea they’ll meet a young, talented side, but one still shaping its fighting identity.

Palmeiras’ defensive structure and physical robustness is ideally suited to these high-pressure encounters, giving them strong credentials to knock out Chelsea and reach the semis, extending their remarkable run through the tournament.

6. Far East vs. South America: Al-Hilal vs Fluminense

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This is the defining tie for the tournament’s broader narrative.

Al-Hilal stunned Manchester City 4-3 in extra time – an iconic result – and surged unbeaten into the quarter-finals.

Fluminense – fresh from knocking out Inter Milan – have been fearless and expressive at every turn.

This match truly captures the global essence of this tournament: Saudi ambition versus Brazilian artistry. The winner books a historic semi-final.

7. Tight Golden Boot Race

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With top scorer Angel Di Maria (four goals) eliminated with Benfica’s exit, the race for the Golden Boot is wide open.

Seven players are still tied on three goals: Harry Kane, Gonzalo Garcia, Serhou Guirassy, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Pedro Neto, Marcos Leonardo all enter the last eight with a chance to grab the top-scorer mantle.

Each quarter-final match features at least one of these contenders. Kane and Musiala (Bayern), Garcia (Real Madrid), Neto (Chelsea), and Marcos Leonardo (Al-Hilal) are all primed to press further.

One moment could tip tussle for the Golden Boot. Will it be a header, a rippling long-range strike, or a quick counter finish?

8. Will We See a Non-European Finalist?

One thing is clear: this tournament is no longer Europe’s playground.

With the winner of Palmeiras vs Chelsea set to take on the winner of Al-Hilal vs Fluminense in the semis, a Palmeiras victory against the Blues would guarantee a non-European finalist.

Given Europe’s early exits and the tournament’s surprises so far, a non-European winner is more than fanciful – it’s in play.

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