Sports

Eight Giants, One Goal: Club World Cup Quarterfinals Set to Ignite in the US

Published

2 months ago

July 2, 2025

Nikita

Source: Camilo Arias on X {https://x.com/CamiNews93/status/1940157105136390284/photo/1}

All Eyes on America as Club World Cup Quarterfinals Take Shape

The stage is set, the gloves are off, and the world’s biggest clubs are headed for a knockout showdown across four iconic US cities. From heavyweight European clashes to South American flair and underdog dreams, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals are officially locked in.

And Joburg’s football diehards? We’re already making plans for midnight screenings, couch watch parties, and maybe a cheeky bet or two.

Real Madrid and Dortmund Headline the Draw

Dortmund’s breakout star, number 9 Serhou Guirassy, Source: BVB on X

The last team into the final eight was Borussia Dortmund, who edged past Monterrey to set up a mouth-watering clash against Real Madrid at New York’s MetLife Stadium on July 5. It’s a rematch laced with history, grit and fresh narratives, following Dortmunds Champions League Final loss to Real Madrid in 2024 and recenty 5-2 thrashing in the Champions League Group stage, especially with Xabi Alonso leading Madrid after masterminding a tense 1–0 win over Juventus.

Dortmund, meanwhile, booked their ticket thanks to a clinical showing from striker Serhou Guirassy, who’s quickly becoming the tournament’s breakout star. Fans are also looking forward to seeing the Bellingham brothers Jude and Jobe face off for the first time in what it going to be a battle for the ages.

Full Quarterfinal Fixture List

Here’s how the quarterfinal bracket looks:

Fluminense vs Al Hilal – July 4, Orlando
Palmeiras vs Chelsea – July 4, Philadelphia
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich – July 5, Atlanta
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – July 5, New York

Each of these ties carries major storylines—redemption, legacy, and the pursuit of global dominance.

Who’s Favoured and Who Might Shock the World?

PSG running riot against Inter Miami, Source: PSG on X

Real Madrid, with their galaxy of stars and winning pedigree, enter as favourites—but don’t sleep on the Bundesliga boys. Dortmund have grit, a fiery forward line, and nothing to lose.

PSG vs Bayern Munich feels like a Champions League final in disguise. Mbappé and Musiala. Two managers with a point to prove. It’s fireworks waiting to happen considering that these two have history following PSG’s loss to Bayern in the 2020 Champions League Final.

South America’s finest—Fluminense and Palmeiras—aren’t just showing up. They’re chasing history. Brazil hasn’t had a Club World Cup winner since Corinthians in 2012, and both teams are keen to change that.

Chelsea returns with unfinished business after crashing out last year. Their draw against Palmeiras promises physicality and drama. And then there’s Al Hilal, Asia’s last hope, quietly carving out a Cinderella run that’s winning hearts around the world.

South African Fans Weigh In

Back home in Jozi, the vibe is electric. Social media is flooded with predictions, hot takes and meme wars:

“Real vs Dortmund in New York? That’s a final in disguise. Madrid all day,” wrote one fan on X. “Al Hilal upsetting Fluminense would be scenes! Don’t count them out,” added another.

Streaming times might be brutal for local viewers, but that won’t stop die-hard fans from tuning in. Sports bars around Johannesburg are already advertising Club World Cup specials, with screenings expected at venues from Rosebank to Maboneng.

Why This Club World Cup Feels Different

This edition of the Club World Cup has expanded not just in format, but in ambition. With quarterfinals spread across US metropolises and global powerhouses in the mix, it feels like football’s answer to the Olympics.

For fans in South Africa—where club loyalty often stretches beyond borders—this tournament offers a rare chance to see dream matchups outside the UEFA lens. It’s also a reminder of just how global the game has become.