The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues with a packed Monday schedule featuring four high-stakes matchups across the United States. Fans can look forward to a thrilling day of action as Seattle Sounders face Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami take on Palmeiras, Atlético Madrid battle Botafogo, and FC Porto clash with Al Ahly. Here’s a comprehensive preview of each matchup:
Seattle Sounders vs Paris Saint-Germain
Seattle Sounders head into their final group-stage match knowing that progression is a near-impossible task. While still mathematically alive, they need to defeat reigning UEFA Champions League winners PSG by three goals and hope Botafogo also beat Atlético Madrid, a highly unlikely scenario. Despite the slim odds, this fixture represents a historic opportunity for the Sounders. Facing one of the world’s most formidable sides at home offers a platform to create lasting memories and gain momentum for their return to MLS action.
For PSG, the focus is on a professional performance to secure top spot in Group C. Expect the French giants to come out firing early to settle the game quickly. The Sounders, meanwhile, will hope to weather the early storm and offer a spirited second-half display. If they manage to keep it competitive, it could turn into a compelling contest for neutral viewers, even if the final score ends up flattering PSG.
Inter Miami vs Palmeiras
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami aim to continue their impressive Club World Cup campaign as they face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in a crucial Group A decider. Miami made headlines with a 2-1 victory over FC Porto, the first-ever competitive win for an MLS side against a UEFA team. Meanwhile, Palmeiras earned a 2-0 win over Al Ahly after drawing their opener against Porto.
Both teams will advance with a draw, but given their competitive natures, neither is expected to settle. That said, as the match progresses, a level scoreline may prompt both sides to focus more on defense and protect their advancement. Palmeiras boast one of the stingiest defenses in the tournament, and Inter Miami showed newfound defensive resilience against Porto especially with Ben Cremaschi’s gritty midfield display alongside Sergio Busquets. While Messi’s magic always makes Miami dangerous, a tightly contested, low-scoring affair seems likely.
Atlético Madrid vs Botafogo
Atlético Madrid bounced back from a heavy 4-0 loss to PSG by beating the Seattle Sounders 3-1, thanks to a brace from Pablo Barrios and a goal from Axel Witsel. Their inconsistency remains an issue, they have scored three or more in six of their last 10 matches but have failed to score in the rest. Atleti’s fate hinges on two things: PSG beating Seattle and Atlético defeating Botafogo by at least three goals to overcome goal difference. That will be no easy task against a surging Botafogo side.
The Brazilian club stunned the football world with a 1-0 victory over PSG, marking the first South American win against a European team at the Club World Cup since 2012. That result put Botafogo atop Group B, and they now need only a draw to advance.
Coach Renato Paiva’s squad has been in red-hot form, winning 10 of their last 13 matches. Expect Igor Jesus to lead the line, with support from Savarino and Artur. A solid midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Allan, and Gregore will aim to frustrate Atlético’s attack, while Cuiabano may return from injury to bolster the defense. Although Atlético are favourites on paper, Botafogo’s form and defensive resilience could turn this into a low-scoring chess match. With five of Botafogo’s last seven games featuring under 1.5 goals, another gritty defensive display could be on the cards.
FC Porto vs. Al Ahly
FC Porto and Egyptian champions Al Ahly meet in their final Group A game, with both sides looking to finish their campaigns on a high note. Porto are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami, their first competitive loss since April, but managed to score their first goal of the tournament. Injuries remain a concern for the Portuguese club, with Martim Fernandes joining first-choice keeper Diogo Costa on the sidelines.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, have struggled in this year’s competition, losing 2-0 to Palmeiras and failing to score in either of their two matches. Despite having scored 11 goals in their last eight Club World Cup appearances, they remain winless against European opposition. Porto, with a slight edge in squad depth and quality, will be aiming to secure a morale-boosting victory. Given Al Ahly’s struggles against European clubs and offensive woes in this tournament, Porto are favoured to grind out a narrow win.