Club World Cup Showdown: Ranking All 16 Qualified Teams from Bottom to Top
The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup provided exceptional entertainment as global viewers witnessed a series of captivating matchups between unfamiliar opponents.
Teams representing all six continental confederations battled fiercely for advancement to the knockout rounds of this expanded and restructured tournament, with 16 clubs from eight groups successfully qualifying.
All teams that advanced to the knockout phase now have the chance to compete for the championship trophy, though they must secure victories in four consecutive matches to claim this year's title in the United States. This presents a formidable challenge.
Below are Sports Illustrated's Club World Cup power rankings determined by each team's group stage displays.
16. Fluminense
Despite being 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense entered the tournament with minimal expectations, though they benefited from being placed in one of the competition's most manageable groups.
Facing Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD, the Brazilian club didn't require outstanding performances to claim one of the two qualifying spots.
Their disciplined defensive approach—anchored by experienced defender Thiago Silva—secured their passage to the round of 16, allowing only two goals while maintaining an undefeated record across their three group matches.
15. Al Hilal
Al Hilal began the tournament impressively by earning a draw against record UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid, though they appeared less convincing in their subsequent scoreless encounter with Salzburg. Ultimately, a victory over Pachuca in their Group H finale secured their advancement to the knockout rounds.
Nevertheless, expectations were elevated for Al Hilal before the tournament began, given their substantial financial resources and talented squad, with Club World Cup spectators still awaiting the Saudi Arabian powerhouse's peak performance.
14. Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami's Club World Cup participation sparked some controversy, yet the Herons demonstrated respectable form throughout the group stage. Though fortunate to avoid Europe's elite clubs, they validated their presence on Matchday 2 through Lionel Messi's brilliance in their triumph over Porto.
Stalemates against Al Ahly and Palmeiras were less spectacular, but maintaining an unbeaten record during the group phase deserves recognition. However, avoiding defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 seems improbable.
13. Monterrey
Monterrey established their qualification foundation through hard-earned draws against Inter Milan and River Plate in their initial two matches, but their commanding 4–0 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds in their final group encounter proved most impressive.
While the Mexican team isn't anticipated to advance far in the competition, they demonstrated defensive solidity in Group E alongside glimpses of their offensive capabilities against the Red Diamonds.
They will present challenges for Dortmund in the round of 16.
12. Palmeiras
2021 Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras shared Group A with Inter Miami and despite finishing above the Herons, their displays weren't significantly superior to those of the MLS representatives. Both teams concluded with five points, though the Brazilians possessed a slightly superior goal difference.
They possess notable attacking talent and scored twice against both Inter Miami and Al Ahly during the group stage, with Chelsea-bound Estêvão Willian representing a particularly thrilling prospect.
They benefit from facing familiar rivals Botafogo in the round of 16.
11. Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund struggled during the 2024–25 Bundesliga campaign and have yet to shine at the Club World Cup. They were neutralized by Fluminense before narrowly defeating Mamelodi Sundowns despite conceding three goals. A 1–0 victory over Ulsan HD provided an underwhelming conclusion to Group F.
The German side hopes to elevate their performance as they advance and face one of the more manageable round of 16 matchups against Monterrey. Nevertheless, Niko Kovač's team has performed considerably below expectations.
10. Juventus
Juventus delivered spectacular performances in their opening two fixtures. They scored nine goals against Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca, both opponents offering minimal resistance to Igor Tudor's squad. Their offensive display flourished during these encounters and remains their primary strength moving forward.
However, a devastating 5–2 loss to Manchester City in their final match provided a sobering reality check, with their defensive vulnerabilities likely to resurface when facing Real Madrid in the round of 16.
9. Chelsea
Chelsea opened and concluded the group stage with clean sheet wins over Los Angeles FC and Espérance de Tunis, but delivered a troubling display against Flamengo between these matches. They relinquished their one-goal lead in a 3–1 defeat that also witnessed Nicolas Jackson's dismissal.
Such concentration lapses will prove expensive in later rounds, though their loss to Flamengo prevented a round of 16 encounter with Bayern Munich. The Blues will meet Benfica for a quarterfinal spot and should be optimistic about advancing.
8. Benfica
Chelsea's round of 16 adversaries won't be easily overcome, however. Benfica collected seven points during the group stage and excelled in their final match by defeating Bayern 1–0. They also displayed resilience by recovering from a two-goal deficit in their opener against Boca Juniors.
While Benfica is unlikely to capture the championship, they will challenge any opponent in their path. Ángel Di María continues creating magic on the flank while fellow Argentine veteran Nicolás Otamendi maintains defensive stability.
7. Inter Milan
Still recovering from Champions League disappointment and Simone Inzaghi's departure, it wouldn't have been shocking if Inter faltered during the group stage. Despite a shaky opening, they regained composure in their final two matches to defeat River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Cristian Chivu continues adapting to managing one of the world's premier clubs and will be satisfied with the Nerazzurri's group stage showing. They must elevate their performance as they progress deeper, however.
6. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich's 10–0 destruction of Club World Cup underdogs Auckland City generated significant attention, but their subsequent triumph over Boca Juniors secured their round of 16 position. While disappointed by their loss to Benfica in their final group match, they implemented extensive squad rotation.
The Bundesliga titleholders have already showcased their attacking prowess and feature several Golden Boot contenders. Flamengo will be apprehensive ahead of their quarterfinal battle with Bayern.
5. Botafogo
Botafogo undeniably delivered the group stage's standout result. After defeating Seattle Sounders in their opener, they proceeded to shock European champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture through Igor Jesus's strike.
There's no disgrace in losing to Atlético Madrid, which occurred in their most recent match, and the current Copa Libertadores holders will possess tremendous confidence entering the knockout phase following an outstanding group stage campaign.
4. Paris Saint-Germain
PSG's loss to Botafogo surprised many observers, but their confidence shouldn't be shaken by an isolated defeat in a match they controlled. Their 4–0 demolition of Atlético better reflected their quality as the recent UEFA Champions League winners aim to conquer globally.
Few tournament participants can contain PSG's star-studded attacking unit, which has consistently dismantled defenses at domestic, continental and now international levels. They remain the tournament favorites, despite not being the group stage's most impressive team.
3. Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso craved victory in his debut against Al Hilal but had to settle for a frustrating draw. Expectations increased for encounters with Pachuca and Salzburg, with Real Madrid meeting the challenge through two commanding victories.
Los Blancos are still adapting to a new approach under the Spanish manager and may not reach their full potential at the Club World Cup. However, considering their squad quality, they don't necessarily need peak performance to claim the trophy.
2. Flamengo
All four Brazilian representatives advanced to the knockout phase, but Flamengo impressed most significantly. They displayed outstanding football during the group stage while earning seven points, particularly excelling in their remarkable 3–1 comeback triumph over Chelsea.
They've been unfortunate to draw Bayern in the round of 16, but the three-time Copa Libertadores champions will be confident of causing an upset, or at minimum troubling the German giants. Unfortunately, they would likely face PSG in the quarterfinals should they advance.
1. Manchester City
Man City stands as the only team to achieve perfect victory in every Club World Cup match, accomplishing this feat with remarkable ease. Following comfortable wins over Wydad AC and Al Ain—the latter featuring six goals—they delivered an equally polished performance against Juventus.
Scoring five against the Turin club sent a clear message, and discussions of Man City being 'back' are already circulating. The evidence strongly supports this possibility, and Pep Guardiola's team will enter their round of 16 clash with Al Hilal brimming with confidence.