Our Palmeiras vs Botafogo preview and prediction kicks off the first clash of the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16.
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Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Preview
Palmeiras and Botafogo are poised to reignite their fierce rivalry on the grand stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as they go head-to-head in the Round of 16.
This fixture has become one of Brazilian football’s most intense matchups in recent years. The two sides were central to the 2024 Brasileirão Serie A title race and also battled in the Round of 16 of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. In that thrilling two-legged encounter, Botafogo edged out Palmeiras 4-3 on aggregate, with striker Igor Jesus — now attracting interest from Nottingham Forest — scoring in both matches.
Their most recent showdown came in the opening round of the 2025 league season, ending in a goalless draw despite the match featuring 26 shots and a combined expected goals total of 2.26.
Palmeiras are currently on a five-match winless run against Botafogo, with their last victory in this rivalry dating back to November 2023.
In the Club World Cup group stage, Palmeiras emerged as Group A winners, topping the standings on goal difference. They secured their knockout spot on Matchday 3 with a dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Inter Miami. After falling behind 2-0 to a Luis Suárez brace, Palmeiras responded by dominating the remainder of the match, firing the final 10 shots — six of them on target — to salvage a vital point.
Midfielder Raphael Veiga stood out in the group phase, creating more chances (8) than any other player in Group A, despite being on the pitch for just 115 minutes across three appearances, never exceeding 45 minutes in a single match.
Meanwhile, teenage sensation Estêvão, who is set to join Chelsea, led Palmeiras in take-ons attempted (12) and completed (6), with 11 of those efforts coming in the opposition half — four more than any teammate. He also recorded the most touches in the opponent’s box (18), showcasing his attacking intent and flair.
Botafogo surpassed expectations in Group B, finishing second behind Paris Saint-Germain to book their place in the knockout rounds. Despite falling to Atlético Madrid, crucial wins over both PSG and Seattle Sounders saw them collect six points and progress to the last 16.
Defensively, Botafogo were particularly impressive, conceding only once across their encounters with Atlético Madrid and PSG — the fewest goals allowed by any team in their opening two matches against UEFA opposition in Club World Cup history.
This highly anticipated meeting with Palmeiras marks only the second all-Brazilian fixture ever at the FIFA Club World Cup. The only previous instance came in the 2000 final under the tournament’s original format, when Corinthians and Vasco da Gama played out a 0-0 draw, with Corinthians eventually lifting the trophy after a 4-3 win on penalties.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Head-to-Head
- Palmeiras Won – 13
- Botafogo Won – 9
- Draws – 7
Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Recent Form
- Palmeiras – DWD
- Botafogo – WWL
Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Palmeiras – Team News
Palmeiras secured top spot in Group A with a spirited comeback, drawing 2-2 against Inter Miami CF after falling two goals behind. Meanwhile, Botafogo clinched second place in Group B, edging out Atlético de Madrid on goal difference despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Spanish giants.
Their contrasting paths now converge in a mouth-watering all-Brazilian showdown in the Round of 16 — a true Club World Cup Clássico. Notably, all four Brazilian representatives — Palmeiras, Botafogo, CR Flamengo, and Fluminense FC — have progressed to the knockout stage, underlining Brazil’s growing dominance on the global club stage.
Palmeiras – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Weverton
- Defenders – Agustin Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gomez, Joaquin Piquerez
- Midfielders – Emiliano Martinez, Richard Rios, Mauricio
- Forwards – Estevao, Facundo Torres, Vitor Roque
Botafogo – Team News
Botafogo will be forced to cope without midfielder Gregore, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the match against Atlético Madrid.
Botafogo – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – John
- Defenders – Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles
- Midfielders – Allan, Alvaro Montoro, Marlon Freitas
- Forwards – Artur, Jefferson Savarino, Igor Jesus
Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Prediction
While Palmeiras have enjoyed a stronger start to the 2025 Brasileirão, it’s Botafogo who have turned more heads at this year’s Club World Cup.
With their last encounter ending in a tense stalemate, it may take just a single moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the United States — and Botafogo manager Renato Paiva could be the one to outwit his fellow Portuguese tactician.
Score Prediction: Palmeiras 0-1 Botafogo
When and Where to Watch Palmeiras vs Botafogo LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16 match between Palmeiras and Botafogo is set to begin at 9:30 PM IST on Saturday, June 28, at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. The match will be available for live streaming on DAZN for FREE.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo: Squads
Palmeiras
Mateus, Marcos Rocha, Bruno Fuchs, Agustín Giay, Aníbal Moreno, Vanderlan, Felipe Anderson, Richard Ríos, Vitor Roque, Paulinho, Mayke, Micael, Marcelo Lomba, Gustavo Gómez, Facundo Torres, Mauricio, Weverton, Joaquín Piquerez, Raphael Veiga, Murilo, Lucas Evangelista, Luighi, Emiliano Martínez, Kaiky Naves, Thalys, Allan, Estêvão, José Manuel López, Luiz Benedetti.
Head Coach: Abel Ferreira
Botafogo
Raul, Vitinho, Mateo Ponte, Danilo Barbosa, Artur, Álvaro Montoro, Rwan Cruz, Jefferson Savarino, Matheus Martins, John, Alex Telles, Bastos, Nathan Fernandes, Marlon Freitas, Kayke, Alexander Barboza, Marçal, Santiago Rodríguez, Léo Linck, Allan, Gregore, Newton, Kaio Pantaleão, Jair Cunha, Gonzalo Mastriani, Cristhian Loor, David Ricardo, Cuiabano, Igor Jesus.
Head Coach: Renato Paiva
FAQs
When is the Palmeiras vs Botafogo match?
The 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16 match between Palmeiras and Botafogo is set to begin at 9:30 PM IST on Saturday, June 28, at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
Where will the game be played?
The match will be played in Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia in USA.
Who is suspended for Botafogo?
Midfielder Gregore is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament.
How did Palmeiras qualify for the knockouts?
Palmeiras topped Group A, finishing above Inter Miami on goal difference.
How did Botafogo reach the Round of 16?
Botafogo advanced as Group B runners-up, edging Atlético Madrid on goal difference.
