According to Opta, the Brazilian league ranks sixth globally in strength, behind England, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France, based on the average club strength index.

However, Brazilian clubs are making a surprising impact at the Club World Cup, particularly in Group B. Botafogo leads the group with two wins, ahead of European giants PSG and Atletico Madrid, and Seattle Sounders (USA). They will only be eliminated if they lose to Atletico by three or more goals in the final match on Tuesday, 24/6 at 2 a.m. Hanoi time.

Botafogo players celebrate after their 1-0 victory over PSG in the second round of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California, USA, on the evening of 19/6/2025. _Photo: Reuters_

Portuguese coach Renato Paiva is the inspiration at Botafogo. Before the match against PSG, he stated, "The football graveyard is full of highly-rated teams".

The reigning Brazilian champions played tight defense and defeated the new Champions League winners 1-0, thanks to a lone goal from striker Igor Jesus. In the post-match press conference, Paiva confidently declared, "We finished off PSG".

Brazil's most decorated club, Palmeiras, also leads Group A, ahead of Inter Miami, Porto, and Al Ahly (Egypt). After drawing 0-0 with Porto in their opening match, Abel Ferreira's squad then defeated Al Ahly 2-0. In the final group stage match, they need only a draw against Lionel Messi's team at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, 24/6, to advance to the round of 16.

Palmeiras holds the record with 12 Brazilian championships, including four titles in the past 9 years. In both of their matches, 18-year-old winger Estevao Willian was named "Man of the Match." After this tournament, Estevao will join Chelsea.

Palmeiras players celebrate a goal during their 2-0 victory over Al Ahly in the second round of Group A at Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on 19/6/2025. _Photo: Reuters_

Chelsea is also participating in the Club World Cup but is currently second in Group D after losing 1-3 to Flamengo. Flamengo is the strongest non-European club at present, ranked 42nd in the world, according to Opta. After two Group D matches, Filipe Luis's team has victories over Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) and Chelsea. They are also the first team to secure a spot in the round of 16, a round early.

Luis, 39, is a former Chelsea defender but reached the peak of his career at Atletico. He returned to Brazil to play in 2019, playing for five more seasons before retiring and becoming the team's coach. In 49 matches leading Flamengo, Luis has only lost three. The young coach admits to pursuing an attacking style of play.

The remaining Brazilian representative in the tournament, Fluminense, is also leading Group F, ahead of Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Ulsan Hyundai. They drew 0-0 with Dortmund in their opening match, then defeated Ulsan 4-2. In their final match, Renato Gaucho's team needs only a draw against Mamelodi at 2 a.m. on Thursday, 26/6 to advance.

Of the four Brazilian teams in the tournament, Fluminense is the only one outside the world's top 100, at 127th. Their last Brazilian championship was in 2012. However, they won the South American championship in 2023. 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva is the second-oldest player in the tournament, after teammate and goalkeeper Fabio Lopes (44).

Compiled by Hoang An