Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
Kick-off Time: 17:00
The FIFA Club World Cup kicks off its round of 16 tie on Saturday in an all-Brazilian epic encounter as Palmeiras will take on Botafogo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Both Brazilian giants will hope to take a huge step to the last eight, but which of the teams will come out victorious in this survival knockout stage?
 
1 – 0FIFA club world cup
2025/2026
Palmeiras vs Botafogo |
PALMEIRAS
Palmeiras will come into the tournament’s first round-of-16 stage as Group A winners ahead of Inter Miami, despite winning just one out of their three matches in the group stage. They kicked off their group stage game with a goalless draw against FC Porton and then went ahead to claim their first win [2-0] against Al Ahly, which spiced up courage for head coach Abel Ferreira. In the final round of the group stage, Palmeiras came from two goals down to hold Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw and qualify as group winners. The Sao Paulo side has been inconsistent with form, having managed only two wins from their last six fixtures across all competitions (W2, D2, L2).
Anibal Moreno will miss out due to a thigh injury, and Palmeiras is arguably set to name an unchanged eleven.
BOTAFOGO RJ
Botafogo qualified for the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after overcoming the odds to qualify and finished as a runner-up in Group B behind PSG. They kick off their group stage match with a 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders and then, surprisingly, beat Champions League winner PSG 1-0 in the second round to make it two wins in a row. In the final group stage game, Renato Paiva’s men suffered a 1-0 loss to Atlético Madrid but qualified based on the goal difference. Historically, they have had an upper hand in their recent head-to-head games, with Palmeiras having remained undefeated in each of their last five games, winning three and drawing twice.
Ahead of this highly anticipated clash. Botafogo are without midfielder Gregore, as he is unavailable due to suspension. They are also without fellow midfielder Jeffinho.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo RJ Head-to-Head Fact
Palmeiras and Botafogo have faced each other over 100 times in official competitions, making it one of the traditional matchups in Brazilian football. In recent meetings, Botafogo has had the upper hand, going unbeaten in their last five matches against Palmeiras.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo RJ Possible Lineup
PALMEIRAS: Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Weverton, Rocha, Gustavo Gomez, Murilo, Joaquin Piquerez; Richard Rios, Evangelista; Estevao, Veiga, Facundo Torres; Falco Lopez
Unavailable: Anibal Moreno (Injured)
BOTAFOGO RJ Predicted XI (4-3-3): John; Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barboza, Telles; Allan, Danilo, Marlon Freitas; Artur, Igor Jesus, Jefferson Savarino
Unavailable: Gregore (Suspended), Jeffinho (Injured)
Palmeiras vs Botafogo RJ Key Players to Watch:
- PALMEIRAS: Weverton, Gustavo Gomez, veiga, Falco Lopez
- BOTAFOGO RJ: Vitinho, Telles, Igor Jesus, Savanno
Palmeiras vs Botafogo RJ Prediction
Palmeiras and Botafogo clashes have always been on a tough and notable note over the time, even though Palmeiras seem to be ahead of them in the history of their encounters. Nonetheless, the ongoing CWC competition is going to be different with the teams current form so far with Botafogo surprising the audience beyond expectations lately. A win for Botafogo is possibly on the line. We see Botafogo qualify into the next round.
