PSG & Botafogo Advance as Atletico Madrid Crashes Out on Goal Difference – Club World Cup 2025 Last-16 Lineup Set

Paris Saint-Germain sealed top spot in Group B of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 2-0 win over hosts Seattle Sounders on Monday, thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. Their victory, alongside Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 win over Botafogo, ensured PSG’s lead with six points, edging rivals on goal difference.

Botafogo also qualified for the Round of 16 despite their loss in Los Angeles, claiming second place in Group B courtesy of their earlier 1-0 victory over PSG. All three teams—PSG, Botafogo, and Atletico Madrid—ended the group phase on six points, but Atletico’s heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG dropped their goal difference to -1, insufficient to advance .

Seattle Sounders exit winless after three matches, closing their tournament at the opening stage. PSG’s manager, Luis Enrique, praised his side’s resilience and effective counter-attacking, though he lamented the uneven pitch conditions that affected play.

The Round of 16, running from June 28 to July 1, will feature eight confirmed teams: European powerhouses Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester City, PSG; South American sides CR Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras; and MLS side Inter Miami . The three remaining group runners-up will round out the bracket.

Group B’s drama highlighted how small margins can decide tournament fate. PSG’s +4 goal difference topped Botafogo’s +1, leaving Atletico out despite a strong 1-0 win over Botafogo—a microcosm of football’s brutal arithmetic.

Upcoming fixtures offer high-stakes matchups: PSG will face Group A’s runners-up in Atlanta on June 29, while Botafogo takes on Group A’s winner in Philadelphia on June 28.

With the knockout phase set to intensify, football fans worldwide brace for electrifying clashes as clubs vie for global supremacy under the revamped tournament format.