The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, unfolding across the United States, has delivered an electrifying Round of 16—filled with shock exits, breakout stars, and underdog triumphs.
For Nigerian viewers, StarTimes has been the window to every goal, upset, and celebration, bringing global football drama directly into homes and onto mobile screens.
Two major football powerhouses, Manchester City and Inter Milan, suffered stunning eliminations. Manchester City were ousted 4–3 in extra time by Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal in Orlando.
The Saudi team twice came from behind before sealing the win with a 112th-minute strike by Marcos Leonardo, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered a heroic performance to frustrate the European side.
In another upset, Brazilian club Fluminense beat Inter Milan 2–0, thanks to a tactically disciplined performance. Veteran defender Thiago Silva, at 40, led a compact backline, and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio kept a clean sheet, securing Fluminense’s place in the quarter-finals.
These results aren’t just surprising—they reflect a broader shift in football’s global landscape.
One key reason is the tournament’s expanded format, which now includes 32 teams, offering more clubs the chance to prove themselves on the world stage. This change has added depth and unpredictability to the competition.
Additionally, South American and Saudi Arabian clubs have entered the tournament in mid-season and a recent end-of-the-season form respectively, arriving sharper and fitter than many European sides who are just restarting after a break.
This physical advantage has been telling.
Tactical innovation has also played a major role. Many so-called underdogs have executed smart, reactive game plans—particularly focusing on tight defense and swift counter-attacks.
But above all, it’s the resilience and mental toughness of these teams—adapting to new environments, playing with heart, and believing they belong—that has turned potential into results.
Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Bayern Munich beat Flamengo 4–2 with a brace from Harry Kane. Paris Saint-Germain dominated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, winning 4–0. Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Palmeiras, and Real Madrid have also advanced, setting the stage for blockbuster quarter-final matchups.
Throughout the tournament, StarTimes Nigeria has ensured fans don’t miss a moment, with live broadcasts on its decoders and seamless mobile streaming via the StarTimes ON app.
Through its Chop Extra Promo, running until July 10, fans are enjoying more access without paying more.
According to a StarTimes official:
“Nova Bouquet subscribers are upgraded to Basic Bouquet, giving them access to selected matches on Sports Life. Basic Bouquet subscribers move up to Classic Bouquet, where they can watch most of the matches on World Football in both English and on Beta Sports for Pidgin commentary. Classic subscribers are bumped up to the Super Bouquet, unlocking full access to all matches on Sport Premium. For Super Bouquet customers, we’re adding an extra three days of viewing when they renew. It’s our way of ensuring more fans enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup without paying more.”
With exciting quarter-final clashes like Al Hilal vs. Fluminense and Bayern Munich vs. PSG, the stage is set for more surprises.
And with StarTimes leading the coverage, Nigerian fans remain fully plugged into football’s most unpredictable and unforgettable tournament yet.