What result do Atletico Madrid need against Botafogo to advance in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

With the game against Botafogo underway, many fans wonder what Atletico Madrid need to advance in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Atletico Madrid face Botafogo in a dramatic Group B finale at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in what could mark a shocking early exit from the tournament. With everything on the line, questions remain about exactly what Los Colchoneros need to reach the Round of 16.

Matchday 3 in Group B sees Atletico Madrid (3 points) take on Botafogo (6), while Paris Saint-Germain (3) meet the Seattle Sounders (0). Assuming PSG claim victory and move to six points, Atletico would be on the brink of elimination unless a very specific set of results unfolds.

Atletico Madrid, with one eye on PSG vs. Sounders

The Colchoneros cannot overtake Botafogo in the standings, but they can pull even with a win. If PSG also secure a win, all three teams would be tied with six points, triggering the first tiebreaker: head-to-head results. Since each team would have one win and one loss, goal difference in those direct matchups would determine who advances — and that puts the Spanish side at a disadvantage.

Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 loss to PSG leaves them at -4 in head-to-head goal difference. The French side, with that dominant win and a 1-0 loss to Botafogo, sit at +3. Botafogo stand at +1. Therefore, Atletico would need to beat Botafogo by three goals to advance outright, regardless of other results.

If Seattle manage to hold PSG to a draw, a simple win over the Brazilian club would be enough for Atletico to advance. And if the Sounders somehow pull off a major upset and defeat PSG, a draw would be enough for Diego Simeone’s side to move on.

However, if Atletico lose to Botafogo, their tournament run will end in the group stage — a stunning early exit from the Club World Cup. With both matches played simultaneously, the qualification picture could shift dramatically as the games unfold.