Brazilian clubs dominate 2025 club world cup

Sao Paulo

Brazilian clubs have emerged as dominant forces in the 2025 Club World Cup, with all four representatives—Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense—advancing past the group stage. This marks a significant comeback for South American football on the world stage, with one Brazilian team now guaranteed a quarterfinal spot.

Flamengo and Palmeiras topped their respective groups, with Flamengo delivering the tournament’s biggest upset by defeating Chelsea 3-1. Botafogo stunned Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain in a gritty 1-0 win, while Fluminense secured a second-place finish in their group with a draw against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Botafogo will now face Palmeiras on June 28, assuring Brazil at least one quarterfinalist. Flamengo faces Bayern Munich on Sunday, and Fluminense meets Inter Milan on Monday.

Brazilian clubs have not lifted the Club World Cup since Corinthians’ 2012 win, but their current performance reflects the growing strength of South American football. Coach Renato Paiva of Botafogo said, “The cemetery of football is full of favorites,” after defeating PSG.

Foreign talent has also played a key role, with Uruguay’s Giorgián de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Venezuela’s Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo), and Colombia’s Jhon Arias (Fluminense) leading the charge. With Europe taking notice, even Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged, “We’ve opened our eyes.” The knockout stages will now test whether Brazil’s resurgence can continue on football’s biggest club stage.