These two Brazilian rivals met as recently as 30 March, drawing 0-0 in São Paulo on the opening day of the new Brasileirão season. Overall, Botafogo are unbeaten in five meetings with Palmeiras, their longest streak for 16 years. This includes knocking the Verdão out in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 just 11 months ago, prevailing 4-3 on aggregate, en route to becoming South American champions for the very first time.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo preview
Brazilian clubs and their supporters have been the lifeblood of this summer's Club World Cup, and this match-up means at least one is guaranteed to reach the quarter-finals, but who will prevail?
Palmeiras topped Group A to get here, first holding Porto to a goalless draw in East Rutherford, before a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly got their campaign properly up and running. Then, on Monday night, Abel Ferreira's side looked set to miss out on first place, 2-0 down and struggling against Inter Miami in South Florida. Nevertheless, quick-fire goals from Paulinho and then Maurício, both coming in the final ten minutes Hard Rock Stadium, saw them pinch a point and pip Miami to top spot.
So, Palmeiras supporters are still dreaming of seeing their side become world champions for the very first time, having been beaten by Manchester United in the Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo in 1999, also reaching the Club World Cup Final in February 2022, defeated 2-1 by Chelsea after extra time in Abu Dhabi. So, can the Verdão book their place in the last eight with victory at Lincoln Financial Field?
As for Botafogo, they actually accumulated more points than their opponents in the group phase, but were forced to settle for second place. The Estrela Solitária began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders, before springing an enormous surprise, with Igor Jesus the only scorer as Fogo defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Pasadena. Thus, despite a 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl on Monday, Renato Paiva's team had already done enough to progress, going through in second place, behind PSG, by virtue of head-to-head goal difference.
Botafogo are the reigning Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores winners, capturing their first league title since 1995 and their first-ever continental crown last year. However, not a lot was expected of Fogo this summer, given that they in a group of death, having previously been demolished 3-0 by Pachuca during last December's FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Doha. Also, they are eighth 11 matches into the new Brazilian top-flight campaign, four points below their opponents in this tie in Pennsylvania.
The winners of this one will remain in Philadelphia and face either Benfica or Chelsea in the quarter-finals on Friday. So, which Brazilian team will be celebrating come full time at Lincoln Financial Field?
Palmeiras vs Botafogo head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 52.
- Palmeiras Wins: 23. Draws: 13. Botafogo Wins: 16.
Palmeiras team news
Abel Ferreira's team selections have been largely consistent throughout this tournament, with few changes forecast here too.
In a blow, centre-back Murilo hobbled of early against Inter Miami due to a hamstring injury, so Bruno Fuchs is expected to deputise. In attack, Vitor Roque got the nod for the first two group games, before José Manuel López led the line on Monday, so who will do so here? Lastly, after both Paulinho and Maurício scored off the bench in South Florida, will either come into the XI?
Palmeiras predicted lineup vs Botafogo: (4-3-3): Weverton; Giey, Gómez, Fuchs, Piquerez; Evangelista, Ríos, Estêvão, Veiga, Torres; Flaco López.
Palmeiras player to watch vs Botafogo
18 year old Estêvão Willian will depart after this tournament, having been signed by Chelsea for around €60m, meaning this could be his last-ever game for the Verdão, hoping to ensure that is not the case.
Botafogo team news
Gregore's yellow card in the 95th minute on Monday means he is suspended, a massive blow. In his absence, Newton will come into midfield, chosen over the more attacking option Santiago Rodríguez.
Botafogo predicted lineup vs Palmeiras: (5-3-2): John; Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Allan, Freitas, Newton; Artur, Savarino, Igor Jesus.
Botafogo player to watch vs Palmeiras
Igor Jesus scored the winner during Fogo's two victories at this tournament so far, netting against Seattle Sounders and PSG, so could he be the hero at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday?
Palmeiras vs Botafogo prediction
This tie is so difficult to call, but we do give the slight edge to Palmeiras, backing the Verdão to sneak through in Philly, although don't be surprised if extra time is required: Palmeiras 2-1 Botafogo.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Palmeiras vs Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Palmeiras vs Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Palmeiras vs Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Palmeiras vs Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Palmeiras vs Botafogo in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Palmeiras vs Botafogo takes place on Saturday 28 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).