Flamengo look to fly the flag for Brazil at the Club World Cup

While European clubs enter the Club World Cup as strong favourites, Flamengo are one of the few South American teams with enough quality to demand full focus from the giants. With six players called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's latest squad, the team blends youth and experience across all lines.

Placed in Group D, Flamengo face Chelsea—clear favourites to top the group, barring surprises—but the real battle could come against Los Angeles FC, the final team to qualify after filling the vacancy left by Leon. Against Esperance de Tunis, anything short of a win could complicate their path to the knockout stages.

Squad list

Players to watch

The player to watch is Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan midfielder has long been a key figure at Flamengo, and this season he has already registered 12 goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

With his ability to receive between the lines and create danger from there, he is crucial to Filipe Luis' set-up.

While De Arrascaeta sparks ideas, Gerson provides balance in midfield. The 28-year-old has previously played in Europe for Roma, Fiorentina and Marseille. Flamengo also made headlines recently with the signing of Jorginho from Arsenal, adding further pedigree to the squad.

Coach

Now managing Flamengo, former full-back Filipe Luis will face some familiar faces in this tournament. At 39, and with over 50 matches in charge of the Rio side, he has brought structure to the team—building from the back with Rossi's reliability in goal, and aiming to unleash vertical play through the flanks.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Flamengo kick off their Club World Cup campaign on Tuesday, 17 June, at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) against Esperance de Tunis, a side they have never previously faced.

Matchday 2

The Brazilian outfit will play their second match on Friday, 20 June, also at Lincoln Financial Field, against Chelsea. They have not faced the Blues before, but they do have two past meetings against English clubs: a 3-0 win over Liverpool in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final and a 1-0 loss to the same club in the 2019 Club World Cup.

Matchday 3

On Wednesday, 25 June, Flamengo will take on Los Angeles FC at Camping World Stadium (Florida). The teams have never played each other in an official match.

Possible starting XI