Started from the bottom, now we’re here. That’s the simplest way to describe South American clubs’ accomplishments at the 2025 Club World Cup. They were once written off as underdogs, but they have turned heads and scored important wins.
The European clubs walked into the competition with the weight of their reputation. They walked in with known names and bigger egos. They came in with the thought that the tournament would follow the usual script, but it seems like other continents have something else in mind.
South America Takes Center Stage
Out of the six South American teams that qualified for the Club World Cup, four teams still remain in the round of 16. This is impressive on its own, but even more so when you look at who some of them have beaten. Flamengo played against Chelsea, leaving a 3–1 score in its wake. The match showed their controlled rhythm, discipline, and tactical play. Botafogo also had a victory over PSG and eliminated Atletico Madrid to qualify for the round of 16. Not many fans would have predicted some of the group stage matches on betting sites. But for those who saw ahead, it was a great time, because odds are always high for the underdogs. For fans wanting to add an extra layer of excitement, using a Fliff promo code can provide bonus coins, making it easier to get involved with social betting during the knockout matches.
Conditioned for the Moment
This new tournament represents a perfect opportunity for South American club football. South American teams have pushed harder because they are currently in the middle of their season. Their local leagues are active, and so players are in top shape and ready to compete. European clubs face a different situation. Many teams arrived just weeks into their preparation period, with players who lack match fitness and intensity. This fitness gap is huge and plays a major role in this important tournament that moves quickly between games.
The warm weather also suits them better than their opponents. They are in peak season form and full of energy. But the weather and fitness advantage tell only part of the story. These teams also brought the right mindset. They arrived with a clear focus and strong determination to succeed.
Financial Rewards
Another motivation for the South American teams is the prize money involved in the tournament. Clubs will earn more as they progress through the tournament’s seven-match format. Teams received USD2 million for each win and USD1 million for each draw across their three group stage matches.
The financial rewards also grow in the knockout rounds—USD7.5 million awarded for reaching the Round of 16 and USD13.125 million for the Quarter-Final. Teams who reach the Semi-Final will earn USD21 million, and USD30 million for reaching the Final. The winner of the tournament goes home with a whopping sum of USD40 million.
It’s also important to note that teams receive a fixed participation fee. European teams currently earn the highest, between USD12.81 and 38.19 million per club, while South American teams are guaranteed USD15.21 million each. If they do well in this tournament, they can look to up their participation earnings.
Fan Impact Across the Stadium
South American supporters have been very obvious throughout the tournament. With many games in US cities or at odd times that did not attract huge local crowds, the Brazilian-Argentine fans turned up in huge numbers.
Flamengo fans painted the city of Philadelphia red and black, turning Lincoln Financial into a mini-Maracanã. Two hours west, River Plate fans were in a state of deafening chants and flag-waving in the coliseum, creating an environment that felt far from neutral. The scenes in Seattle and Miami were similar: Flares-and-drums-jerseys-and-energies! Football enthusiasm is also rising elsewhere, as seen with recent announcements about the Texas Longhorns football schedule, showcasing growing fan engagement in the sport worldwide.
This gave South American players some psychological push, some way of not feeling like they were playing away but were instead around family. It was sinus-clogging pressure for the opposite side. When every pass was booed, and every South American goal went into an uproar, this was not football. This was personal.
Squad Depth and Managerial Confidence
It’s easy to assume South American clubs rely on just one or two-star players. But this tournament proved otherwise. What you’re seeing is depth and trust.
Retake Flamengo, coach Filipe Luís made seven changes to the starting XI in one of the group matches, and they still looked smooth. Why? Because the bench isn’t just a backup.
What The Number Says
Flamengo scored six goals in their group stage campaign. On the other hand, Botafogo has maintained an extremely tight defense by conceding just one goal in three games.
Even more interesting is the uniformity displayed by all six South American clubs. Statistically, they have had better passes completed versus recoveries made, and have, more often than not, outperformed their adversaries within acceptable margins in deciding matches.
The Knockout Threat
“We aimed for the Round of 16 first, but that is not our final goal,” said Fluminense midfielder Jhon Arias on Wednesday after his team drew 0–0 with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
The four Brazilian clubs still in the competition share similar hopes for the knockout rounds.
Botafogo will play against Palmeiras on Saturday. This match ensures that at least one Brazilian team advances to the Quarterfinals. Flamengo meets Bayern Munich on Sunday, while Fluminense takes on Inter Milan on Monday. Flamengo and Palmeiras finished first in their groups.
Corinthians was the most recent Brazilian club to win the World Club Championship when they defeated Chelsea in 2012. That competition had a much smaller format compared to the current 32-team event that includes clubs across five continents.
Bigger Than This Tournament
The strong performance of South American clubs in this tournament is a welcome addition to world football. Brazilian teams have proven they can compete with Europe’s best when conditions are equal. This success goes beyond just one competition. It shows that South American football has the talent and organization to challenge the traditional power structure. As these clubs continue to invest in their squads and infrastructure, they are building a foundation for long-term success. The 2025 Club World Cup may be remembered as the moment when South American football announced its return to the global stage. These results will likely inspire other clubs across the continent to raise their standards and compete at the highest level.
