Club World Cup Group Stage Breakdown: Who Advances to the Last 16?

A comprehensive analysis of the Club World Cup group stage, highlighting key matches and teams vying for a spot in the last 16.

The Club World Cup has reached its final round of group-stage matches, with every team having played twice and plenty still to be decided. The top two sides from each group will advance to the last 16, with head-to-head records used before goal difference to separate teams level on points.

Key Matches and Scenarios

Group A

  • Inter Miami v Palmeiras, Porto v Al Ahly - Tuesday, 24 June (02:00 BST)
    • A draw would take both Inter Miami and Palmeiras into the knockout stages.
    • If either side wins, then Porto or Al Ahly could overtake the losers. However, Porto need Inter Miami to win, and Al Ahly need Palmeiras to win to have any chance.

Group B

  • Atletico Madrid v Botafogo, Seattle Sounders v PSG - Monday, 23 June (20:00 BST)
    • Botafogo only need a point against Atletico to be sure of a place in the last 16.
    • Atletico need to win and hope PSG slip up, or they would have to win by at least seven goals.

Group C

  • Auckland City v Boca Juniors, Benfica v Bayern Munich - Tuesday, 24 June (20:00 BST)
    • Bayern Munich are already through, and Auckland City are out.
    • Benfica just need a point to seal their last-16 spot.

Group D

  • Es Tunis v Chelsea, Los Angeles v Flamengo - Wednesday, 25 June (02:00 BST)
    • Flamengo are already into the last 16 as group winners, and Los Angeles are out.
    • Chelsea will go through in second place so long as they do not lose to Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Group E

  • Inter Milan v River Plate, Urawa Reds v Monterrey - Thursday, 26 June (02:00 BST)
    • The winners of Inter Milan v River Plate will go into the last 16.
    • A draw would be enough for both so long as Monterrey do not win.

Group F

  • Borussia Dortmund v Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense - Wednesday, 25 June (20:00 BST)
    • Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund both know a point in their games would take them through.

Group G

  • Juventus v Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca v Al Ain - Thursday, 26 June (20:00 BST)
    • Juventus and Manchester City are both through after winning their first two games.
    • City need to win the game between the teams to finish top.

Group H

  • Al-Hilal v Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg v Real Madrid - Friday, 27 June (02:00 BST)
    • The winners of Salzburg v Real Madrid will progress top of the group.
    • A draw between Salzburg and Real and a win for Al-Hilal would leave all three sides level on points.

Conclusion

With the group stage reaching its climax, the race for the last 16 is heating up. Teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are already in strong positions, but surprises are always possible in football. Stay tuned for the final outcomes and the thrilling knockout stages ahead.

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