FIFA Club World Cup has seen plenty of negative press. But with shock results in the high-stakes knockout rounds, the narrative might be starting to change.

Among the stars competing in the FIFA Club World Cup are Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembélé, Weston McKennie and Denzel Dumfries, all of whom are expected to star for their countries at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup knockout-round bracket looks different than many expected entering the quarterfinals. Inter Milan and Manchester City were both knocked out of the competition, which leaves Chelsea as the only European side left in the top half of the bracket.