Palmeiras and River Lead South America’s Hopes in 2025 Club World Cup

The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams and a demanding group stage, offers a mixed outlook for South American clubs. According to 365scores, five teams from the region—Palmeiras, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Botafogo, and Fluminense—will compete, though not all face equal paths to the knockout rounds.

Palmeiras emerges as the most promising contender. The Brazilian champions landed in a favorable group alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami, offering a strong shot at reaching the Round of 16. If they do, they’re likely to face either Atlético Madrid or PSG—a tough matchup, but Abel Ferreira’s squad has the form and depth to compete.

River Plate, led by Marcelo Gallardo, was drawn into a tougher group with Inter Milan, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Advancing as the group’s second-best team is plausible, with Fluminense or Borussia Dortmund likely waiting in the Round of 16. River’s experience and consistency give them a fighting chance.

Botafogo, despite being the reigning Libertadores champions, faces a brutal draw with PSG, Atlético Madrid, and Seattle Sounders. Boca Juniors, meanwhile, enters the tournament after a quiet international year and must navigate a group that includes Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Auckland City. Chelsea could be next if they somehow progress.

Fluminense’s group—Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Mamelodi Sundowns—is more manageable, but their reward for advancing could be a clash with Inter Milan, a serious hurdle.

While all eyes will be on the tournament's new format, Palmeiras and River appear best positioned to carry South America’s hopes deep into the competition.