What Inter need to qualify for Club World Cup Round of 16

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 10:02 AM ET

Inter are already within touching distance of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday, and now there is a scenario where the Nerazzurri could lose their last remaining game in the groups and still qualify.

Inter fought back from a first-half 1-0 deficit to record a 2-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds at the 2025 Club World Cup on Saturday: The team’s first win of the tournament and their first since Cristian Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi as head coach.

Lautaro Martinez and Valentin Carboni came up with the late, second-half goals.

Saturday’s victory puts Inter in second place in Group E on four points, level with River Plate Plate, Inter’s upcoming opponents in the final round of group stage fixtures. CF Monterrey are in third with two points and Urawa sit in fourth on zero.

That means that an Inter victory over River Plate will mathematically secure them qualification. A draw will also be enough for the Nerazzurri to qualify, as will a loss depending on results elsewhere.

Below are all the possible scenarios that will lead to Inter qualifying for the round of 16.

What Inter need to qualify for Club World Cup knockouts

A victory over River Plate guarantees top spot
A draw is likely to still be enough to qualify. If Inter-Monterrey ends at 2-2 or a higher scoring draw, and if Monterrey beat Urawa Red Diamonds, the Nerazzurri finish top of the group with three teams on five points.
A loss keeps Inter on four points. They would need Monterrey to either draw or lose against Urawa Red Diamonds

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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