FIFA Club World Cup 2025: How Brazilian Clubs Ended European Dominance

As the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup comes to a close, Brazil has emerged as the tournament's surprise powerhouse. All four Brazilian teams—Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense—have advanced to the knockout stage, reigniting national pride and sparking fresh hopes after years of coming up short against Europe’s elite.

These recent Copa Libertadores champions aren't just showing up—they’re making serious statements. Flamengo topped their group and grabbed global headlines with a dominant 3-1 victory over Chelsea, becoming the first team to book a spot in the next round. Botafogo stunned many by beating Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, while Fluminense also advanced as group runners-up. Palmeiras, meanwhile, finished first in their group as well, underscoring Brazil’s resurgence on the world stage.

Botafogo and Palmeiras are set for an all-Brazilian showdown in the knockout stage, guaranteeing at least one Brazilian club a place in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Flamengo will take on European giants Bayern Munich, and Fluminense is set to face Inter Milan in a high-stakes clash.

Brazil's last triumph on the global club stage came in 2012, when Corinthians defeated Chelsea in a much smaller version of the Club World Cup. Now, with the tournament expanded to 32 teams, Brazil's hopes are reignited—and the path to glory looks more promising than it has in years.

A Change in Momentum

Few anticipated Botafogo's stunning upset over PSG on June 19. Even their own supporters braced for a daunting clash against the French giants. But with a disciplined, resolute performance, Botafogo defied expectations and turned the tide in their favor. “They defended better than anyone we’ve faced this season,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

Brazilian clubs might hold a seasonal edge—while European teams are in off-season form, the Brazilians are in the thick of their campaigns. They’re also more acclimated to the sweltering heat that’s been a defining factor in matches across the U.S.

Once skeptical, Brazilian fans are now bursting with belief. After Flamengo topped their group, supporters in Philadelphia erupted into chants, boldly warning Bayern Munich of what lies ahead.

Botafogo coach Renato Paiva put it best: “The cemetery of football is full of favorites.”

South American Strength

Brazilian clubs have taken over the Copa Libertadores — and it's not by chance. They've won the last six tournaments, and five of those finals were all-Brazilian affairs. Meanwhile, historic Argentine giants like Boca Juniors and River Plate stumbled early, failing to make it out of the group stage.

This dominance goes beyond just local talent. Brazilian teams are stacked with top players from across South America. Stars like Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Uruguay, Flamengo), Jefferson Savarino (Venezuela, Botafogo), Jhon Arias (Colombia, Fluminense), and Flaco López (Argentina, Palmeiras) are key contributors — and none of them have ever played in Europe.

Even in Europe, people are taking notice. Pep Guardiola recently praised South America’s football culture, while Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted that the Libertadores has “opened our eyes” to the talent outside Europe.

Coaching has also played a major role. A wave of Portuguese managers — like Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras and Renato Paiva at Botafogo — has brought tactical discipline and a European edge to Brazilian sides, helping raise their level on the international stage.

As the knockout rounds begin, one thing is clear: Brazilian clubs aren’t just dominating — they’re setting the standard. Far from being underdogs, they’ve become the teams to beat.

Cover Credits - Goal.com