Overview

• Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Monterrey on July 2 completed the quarter-final line-up alongside Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Fluminense, Al-Hilal, Palmeiras and Chelsea.
• European clubs make up five of the eight quarter-finalists, highlighting continental dominance in the competition’s later stages.
• Top seeds Manchester City, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan were eliminated early by underdog opponents, reinforcing the expanded format’s competitive balance.
• Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have each secured an estimated $54–56 million in prize money, underlining the financial stakes for participants.
• Analysts say including globally popular teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool could boost engagement in England and the United States.