Partidos del Mundial de Clubes 2025: Round of 16 Schedule & TV

If you’ve been waiting for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup to hit the knockout rounds, the wait is almost over. The round of 16 kicks off on June 28, 2025, turning the tournament from group-stage jostling into single-elimination drama.

For the first time in Club World Cup history, the round of 16 is a standalone knockout stage. No more finals-only format — 32 teams actually have a chance to advance, and that changes the competitive calculus for every confederation’s representative.

Tournament edition: 21st (first with expanded format) ·
Host country: USA ·
Participating teams: 32 ·
Round of 16 matches: 8 ·
Start date of round of 16: June 28, 2025 ·
Final date: July 13, 2025

When does the round of 16 start?

The round of 16 officially begins on June 28, 2025, and runs through July 1, 2025. That’s eight matches over four days, with two matches per day during peak hours to maximize global viewership. According to DAZN’s tournament overview, the knockout phase transitions directly from the group stage, which closes on June 26.

The first round-of-16 match on June 28 sets the tone for the entire elimination phase. With 32 teams reduced to 16, the competition intensifies quickly. The exact kickoff times and venue assignments were finalized after the December 7, 2024 draw, per Wikipedia.

The pattern: early matches build the narrative, but the bracket tightens fast — teams that survive the first round face a quarterfinal just three days later.

Round of 16 match schedule

The eight round-of-16 matches are played over four days. Here are the confirmed fixtures based on the official schedule. Eight matchups, one pattern: group winners face runners-up from separate groups, avoiding teams from the same confederation where possible.

Note: Venue details for each specific round-of-16 match are still being finalized by FIFA. The tournament uses 12 venues across 11 US cities, with final assignments expected closer to the tournament date. The FIFA official tournament page will update venue information as it becomes available.

The implication: no single stadium is confirmed yet, so fans should watch FIFA’s announcements for specific match locations.

How the round of 16 pairings work

The knockout bracket pairs group winners against runners-up from different groups. Each match brings together teams that did not meet during the group stage, ensuring fresh matchups. The bracket structure ensures that no two teams from the same confederation meet until the later rounds.

The implication: For teams like Real Madrid or Palmeiras, the path becomes clearer once you see which groups produced the weakest runners-up. The round of 16 isn’t just about winning — it’s about positioning for the quarterfinals that start just three days later.

Broadcast and streaming options

Where to watch the matches depends on your region. Here’s the broadcaster breakdown. Three big packages, one catch: not every region gets free coverage, and some matches may require a DAZN subscription.

The trade-off: If you’re outside DAZN’s free regions, you’ll need a subscription or a VPN to stream the full tournament. FIFA+ will also carry select matches, but the full schedule is not yet confirmed for that platform.

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Group stage, not round of 16

One common question from fans: Is Real Madrid vs Al Hilal a round-of-16 matchup? No. According to Wikipedia’s confirmed match schedule, Real Madrid and Al Hilal met during the group stage, not the knockout rounds. Real Madrid’s path to the round of 16 depends on their group finish — if they win their group, they’d face a runner-up from another group in the round of 16.

As of now, the specific round-of-16 fixtures and venues for Real Madrid’s potential matches have not been confirmed. FIFA will announce exact pairings after the group stage concludes on June 26.

The catch: Real Madrid’s round-of-16 opponent is still unknown, so their preparation will depend on group results.

Why Barcelona is not in the tournament

Barcelona fans wondering why their team isn’t in the 2025 Club World Cup: The answer is straightforward. Barcelona did not qualify as either a UEFA Champions League winner (Real Madrid and others hold those spots) or as a continental champion from another confederation. The 32-team field draws from the past four years of continental champions, and Barcelona’s recent European results haven’t earned them a spot.

The only UEFA teams confirmed are those who won the Champions League in the qualifying window. Barcelona’s absence is a direct result of not finishing in the qualification slots during that period.

What this means: Barcelona’s omission follows the qualification rules — a fair but frustrating outcome for their supporters.

Tournament timeline at a glance

• June 15–26, 2025: Group stage
• June 28–July 1, 2025: Round of 16
• July 4–5, 2025: Quarterfinals
• July 8–9, 2025: Semifinals
• July 13, 2025: Final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Key dates based on Sports Illustrated’s tournament preview and ESPN’s schedule. All knockout matches are single elimination.

The pattern: the knockout rounds pack into two intense weeks, with no rest for winners.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• The round of 16 starts June 28, 2025 (Sports Illustrated)
• Real Madrid vs Al Hilal is a group stage match, not round of 16 (Wikipedia)
• Barcelona is not participating (Wikipedia)
• The final is July 13, 2025 at MetLife Stadium (Sports Illustrated)

What remains unclear

• Exact stadiums for some round-of-16 matches not yet announced (FIFA)
• Broadcast rights for some regions still unconfirmed (Sports Illustrated)
• Specific kickoff times for all round-of-16 matches not yet published (pending FIFA confirmation)

The implication: teams and fans alike must stay flexible as FIFA finalizes the remaining details.

The 2025 Club World Cup round of 16 is a real knockout stage for the first time, and that changes how teams prepare. For casual viewers: DAZN offers free streaming in many regions.

Fans checking the Round of 16 schedule can find a detailed breakdown of all grupos y partidos en el Mundial de Clubes 2025 groups and fixtures.

Frequently asked questions

For fans planning to watch the round of 16, the key dates are set: mark June 28 on your calendar, check DAZN or TNT Sports for coverage in your region, and watch FIFA’s official site for venue confirmations as the tournament approaches. The expanded format means more matches, more drama, and — for the first time — a real knockout stage that will define which club becomes world champion.

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