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Latin American Teams Take Over the 2025 Club World Cup
As the 2025 Club World Cup heats up across the United States, Latin American teams aren’t just participating, they’re dominating.
From Miami to Los Angeles, the atmosphere has been electric, fueled by over 200,000 passionate fans traveling from South America and beyond. In Miami, North Beach has become a makeshift haven for Boca Juniors’ supporters, with 50,000 fans flooding the streets and beaches, bringing the energy of La Bombonera. New York’s Times Square turned green with Palmeiras fans, while Flamengo’s faithful painted Philadelphia red and black, taking over landmarks like the Art Museum Park and the Liberty Bell. River Plate’s supporters have also been making their presence felt in Los Angeles and Seattle.
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Fans Bring the Soul, Clubs Bring the Game
More than just a spectacle in the stands, Latin American clubs are delivering on the field. Out of 32 matches played so far in the group stage, several South American teams have emerged as frontrunners. Four Brazilian teams, Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense, are leading their groups, showcasing not just talent but depth and cohesion.
Flamengo’s 3-1 win over Chelsea and Botafogo’s 1-0 victory against PSG are particularly significant. The last time a CONMEBOL club beat a UEFA giant was when Corinthians defeated Chelsea in the 2012 final. Now, it’s happening more often, suggesting a shift in competitive balance.
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Other noteworthy results include:
- Boca Juniors 2-2 Benfica
- Palmeiras 0-0 Porto
- Fluminense 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
- Bayern Munich 2-1 Boca Juniors
- Inter Miami 2-1 Porto (first-ever Concacaf win against a UEFA club)
- Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan
Table Talk
After two rounds of group play, only four teams have secured spots in the round of 16: Bayern Munich, Flamengo, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Flamengo is the only team confirmed as a group winner so far.
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On the flip side, seven teams are already out: Auckland City (NZ), LAFC (USA), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Ulsan (Korea), Al Ain (UAE), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Pachuca (Mexico).
River Plate leads Group E but faces a crucial final match against Inter Milan, leaving a chance for Monterrey to advance. Boca, third in Group C behind Bayern and Benfica, needs a win and favorable results to advance.
Beyond the Field
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, has praised the enthusiasm and turnout of South American fans, sharing multiple posts of their lively celebrations. He even hinted at the possibility of Brazil hosting the 2029 Club World Cup, acknowledging the immense contribution of Latin American teams and supporters.
As financial disparities between continents persist, South American clubs are proving that heart, skill, and tactical intelligence can bridge the gap. With high stakes and pride on the line, they’re not just representing their nations but they’re redefining global club soccer. Stay tuned. The best may be yet to come.
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