Palmeiras and Botafogo bring one of Brazilian football’s fiercest modern rivalries to the global stage as they meet in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The match, set for Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, carries years of tension, comeback drama, and title-race trauma between two of Brazil’s biggest clubs. Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras arrive after topping Group A, showcasing control and cohesion, while Botafogo, fresh off a stunning upset over PSG, look like the tournament’s dark horses.
This encounter is a continuation of a heavyweight saga. From Palmeiras’ infamous 4-3 comeback in 2023 that derailed Botafogo’s title dreams, to the Alvinegro’s Libertadores revenge and long-awaited league crown in 2024, every meeting has been laden with significance. Both teams are loaded with quality and battle-hardened from recent duels, and while Palmeiras may hold the psychological edge from past heroics, Botafogo’s form and belief are at their peak.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch Palmeiras vs. Botafogo: Live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in the U.S.:
TV channel: truTV, TNT, TUDN, Univision
Live stream: DAZN, DirecTV Stream, TUDN.com, Univision Now
This game is available for live TV broadcast in the United States on truTV, TNT, and Univision. For fans who prefer to stream on the go, they can watch it live on DAZN, DirecTV Stream and Univision Now. Spanish users can watch the live telecast on TUDN and stream it on TUDN.com.
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Palmeiras vs. Botafogo start time
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET | 9:00 a.m. PT
This FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 28, from the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo predicted lineups, team news
Palmeiras are expected to stick with a familiar and fluid setup, likely deploying a front three of Kevin Torres, teenage sensation Estêvão, and José Lopez. Raphael Veiga should retain his central playmaking role just behind the attack, with the midfield pivot of Jailson Evangelista and Richard Ríos offering balance and defensive cover.
Palmeiras will be without Aníbal Moreno, Bruno Rodrigues, and Figueiredo. At the back, Abel Ferreira will lean on his trusted defensive quartet of Marcos Rocha, captain Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Joaquín Piquerez, shielding veteran goalkeeper Weverton as Verdão aim to contain Botafogo’s pace and direct play.
Palmeiras predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Weverton (GK) — Rocha, Gómez, Piquerez, Murilo — Ríos, Veiga, Evangelista — Torres, Estêvão, Lopez.
Injured: Moreno, Rodrigues, Figueiredo
Suspended: None.
Botafogo, meanwhile, are likely to go unchanged following their impressive win over Paris Saint-Germain. Igor Jesus will once again lead the line, and his rising profile, highlighted by his impending move to Nottingham Forest, adds extra intrigue.
With Jeffinho sidelined due to a knee injury, coach Artur Jorge is set to rely on the same attacking and midfield structure that brought them success, focusing on quick transitions and wide overloads to disrupt Palmeiras’ well-drilled backline. Stability and rhythm could be key for the Rio club as they eye another statement win on the global stage.
Botafogo XI (4-3-3, right to left): John (GK) — Vitinho, Telles, Barboza, Cunha — Freitas, Allan, Gregore — Artur, Jesus, Savarino.
Injured: Jeffinho
Suspended: None.
FIFA Club World Cup fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, June 28
- Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (12:00 p.m.)
- SL Benfica vs. Chelsea FC (4:00 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami CF (12:00 p.m.)
- Flamengo vs. FC Bayern München (4:00 p.m.)
Monday, June 30
- Inter Milan vs. Fluminense FC (3:00 p.m.)
- Manchester City vs. Al Hilal (9:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 1
- Real Madrid vs. Juventus (3:00 p.m.)
- Borussia Dortmund vs. CF Monterrey (9:00 p.m.)
