Club World Cup Group Stage: Final Round Decides Last 16 Spots

The Club World Cup has reached its decisive final round of group-stage matches, with several teams vying for a spot in the last 16. While Manchester City is among the eight clubs already qualified, Chelsea needs just one point to secure their place in the knockout phase, potentially setting up a clash with Bayern Munich.

In Group A, Inter Miami and Palmeiras have both advanced after a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Palmeiras edging ahead on goal difference. Meanwhile, Porto and Al Ahly delivered a 4-4 spectacle, though neither team progressed. Palmeiras will face Botafogo on Saturday, while Inter Miami takes on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Sunday.

PSG and Botafogo have already secured their places in the last 16 from Group B. PSG topped the group after a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders, while Botafogo claimed second despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. Seattle and Atletico have been eliminated.

In Group C, Bayern Munich has qualified, while Auckland City is out. Benfica needs just one point to advance, but Boca Juniors must rely on a Benfica loss and a significant goal difference swing to progress.

Group D sees Flamengo through as group winners, with Los Angeles eliminated. Chelsea will secure second place unless they lose to Esperance Sportive de Tunis, which would allow the Tunisian side to qualify instead. Chelsea could face Bayern Munich or Benfica in the next round.

In Group E, the winner of Inter Milan versus River Plate will advance, while a draw would suffice for both teams unless Monterrey wins. Urawa Reds have already been eliminated.

Group F features Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, both needing just a point to progress. Mamelodi Sundowns can qualify with a win, while Ulsan HD is out.

Group G has Juventus and Manchester City already through. A win for City against Juventus will secure them the top spot, potentially setting up a clash with Real Madrid’s group runners-up.

Finally, in Group H, the winner of Red Bull Salzburg versus Real Madrid will top the group, with the loser eliminated if Al-Hilal defeats Pachuca. A draw between Salzburg and Real, combined with an Al-Hilal win, could lead to a complex tiebreaker scenario.

With so much at stake, the final round of group-stage matches promises high drama as teams battle for a place in the last 16.