Can Botafogo cause a stir? Brazilians hope to progress at Club World Cup

The 2025 Club World Cup comes as a new challenge for Botofogo, who will take part in the competition as reigning Copa Libertadores champions. On paper, the Brazilian side will be hoping to spring a surprise or two and sneak into the next round, although it will be no easy task against two European powers in the shape of PSG and Atletico Madrid.

The ‘Fogao’ are coming off the back of a historic campaign after being crowned continental champions last term in the final against Atletico Mineiro. This further enhanced their success in the league, where they were crowned champions ahead of Palmeiras and Flamengo and won their third league title in history after a 29-year drought. This season, in the first 11 games, the team has failed to get off to a good start and, for the moment, is out of the direct access places to the Copa Libertadores.

Squad list

Players to watch

There is no doubt that the most relevant player of Botafogo's season has been Igor Jesus. The striker is the main offensive reference for the ‘Fogao’ and will be the undisputed starter for his coach. So far this season, he is the top scorer with 7 goals in 25 games played in all competitions.

Another player to watch out for at Botafogo is Jefferson Savarino. It is true that he has just come back from injury and may not be an undisputed starter, although no one doubts his quality. Despite this, he is the team's top assist man with four assists. He is one of those who faces up to the ball the most, as well as one of those who takes the most shots.

Last but not least, the veteran Alex Telles is vital for Renato Paiva. The left-back stands out for his consistency and will be a safe bet in the Brazilian team's eleven. He is in the top 3 for successful crosses into the box (20).

Coach

Botafogo is in a transitional phase after last season's Copa Libertadores success. Renato Paiva arrived in March with the difficult task of making Artur Jorge forget. Although the season has only just begun, things have not quite gone to plan. He has already managed 18 games, with 9 wins, 3 draws and 6 defeats.

In the league, they remain far from the top positions and in the Libertadores, they failed to finish as leaders (they were second). In addition, they have also had to face important departures. The Portuguese coach is committed to possession football, although on occasions he also resorts to defensive solidity in order to win games.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Botafogo will face Seattle Sounders from the USA on Monday 16 June at CenturyLink Field (Seattle). It is the first time that the ‘Fogao’ will face an American club.

Matchday 2

Botafogo face PSG at the Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) on Matchday 2. Players like Alex Telles know what it is like to face the Parisian side (he played against United in the Champions League and Al Nassr in a friendly).

Matchday 3

Botafogo close the group stage on Monday 23 June against Atletico Madrid. They have never met to date.

Possible starting XI