Club World Cup Round of 16: Messi Faces PSG, Real Madrid Takes on Juventus
The Club World Cup knockout stage is set to feature thrilling matchups, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s reunion with Paris Saint-Germain as his team, Inter Miami, faces the French giants. Additionally, Real Madrid will clash with Juventus, adding to the excitement of a tournament filled with high-stakes encounters.
Key Matchups
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
Date:Saturday, June 28, Philadelphia (1600 GMT)
All four Brazilian teams have advanced to the last 16, with Palmeiras and Botafogo set to battle it out. Botafogo, the reigning Brazilian and South American champions, previously defeated PSG in the group stage. Palmeiras, featuring young talent Estevao Willian, topped their group but will face a tough challenge against an unbeaten Botafogo in their last five meetings.
Benfica vs. Chelsea
Date:Saturday, June 28, Charlotte (2000 GMT)
Chelsea, having finished second in their group, will take on Benfica, who have veteran playmaker Angel Di Maria on their side. Chelsea’s new striker, Liam Delap, aims to continue his scoring streak after netting in the group stage.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami
Date: Sunday, June 29, Atlanta (1600 GMT)
Messi’s Inter Miami surprised many by reaching the knockout stage, but now they face a formidable PSG team that recently won their first Champions League title. While PSG is favored, Inter Miami proved they can compete, having previously defeated Porto.
Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Date: Sunday, June 29, Miami (2000 GMT)
Flamengo, fresh off a stunning victory over Chelsea, faces a challenging matchup against Bayern Munich, who boast stars like Harry Kane and Thomas Müller. Flamengo’s coach, Filipe Luis, will need a solid game plan to counter Bayern’s firepower.
Inter Milan vs. Fluminense
Date: Monday, June 30, Charlotte (1900 GMT)
Inter Milan, recent Champions League runners-up, aim to avoid an upset against Brazilian side Fluminense, who have already held Borussia Dortmund to a draw in the group stage.
Manchester City vs. Al Hilal
Date: Monday, June 30, Orlando (0100 Tuesday, July 1)
City enters the knockout phase in exceptional form, having won all three group matches and scored 11 goals in their last two outings. Al Hilal, the 2021 Asian champions, will provide a challenge but may struggle against City’s attacking prowess.
Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Date: Tuesday, July 1, Miami (1900)
This matchup pits two European powerhouses against each other, with Real Madrid holding a historical edge over Juventus, having won two Champions League finals between the clubs. After a tough defeat against Manchester City, Juventus will need to regroup quickly, while Real hopes to have Kylian Mbappe back in the lineup.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey
Date: Tuesday, July 1, Atlanta (0100 Wednesday, July 2)
Dortmund, under coach Niko Kovac, faces a Monterrey team that has impressed in the tournament. The game will be played in the comfortable confines of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, providing relief from the extreme heat.
