Why are Brazilian clubs doing so well at Club World Cup?

 

Brazilian football fans are in dreamland as four of their top clubs Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense have advanced to the last 16 of the Club World Cup with thrilling performances. This marks the first time since 2012 that Brazilian teams are seen as genuine contenders for the title. Botafogo shocked many by beating European champions PSG. Flamengo came back from 10 down to stun Chelsea 31. Meanwhile, Fluminense held Borussia Dortmund and Palmeiras played out a solid draw with Porto. These teams are playing with confidence and intensity, and it’s showing on the scoreboard. The timing of the tournament has proven perfect for these Brazilian clubs. While European teams are exhausted or just returning from their seasons, Brazil’s sides are midseason, fully fit, and strategically focused. Flamengo and Palmeiras, in particular, had made this tournament a priority, tailoring their fitness plans to peak now. The searing US heat is also playing to their advantage. While Chelsea and Manchester City have complained about training in 37°C, players like Botafogo’s Vitinho say they are used to such weather. Add in tactical evolution thanks to an influx of Portuguese and Argentine coaches and it's clear why these clubs are thriving. There’s also been a financial evolution. Brazilian clubs now have more resources to retain local stars and even bring back former European talents. Jorginho, Danilo, and Alex Sandro have all returned, boosting squad strength. Palmeiras and Botafogo will face off in an allBrazilian clash in Philadelphia, guaranteeing at least one team in the quarterfinals. Flamengo face Bayern Munich and Fluminense meet Inter Milan in upcoming blockbuster games. The tournament is turning into a showcase of Brazil’s footballing power.

While Brazilian club success at the Club World Cup is drawing huge excitement, it may not be a clear signal of national team success at the 2026 World Cup. That’s the view of respected football analyst Tim Vickery, who notes that many of the star players in these successful Brazilian clubs are actually from other South American nations. Palmeiras have Colombian midfielder Richard Rios and Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez. Fluminense’s standout is Jhon Arias from Colombia. Venezuelan Savarino was key in Botafogo’s win over PSG. This reflects a shift: just as Europe buys Brazil’s top talent, Brazil is now buying top players from the rest of South America. This talent influx, combined with better planning and coaching innovation, has boosted domestic league standards. Brazilian teams are now competitive not just regionally but globally. Their form and squad depth are products of long-term investments, foreign coaching philosophies, and the ability to hold onto or bring back talent previously lost to Europe. Renata Mendonca, a Brazilian journalist, also pointed to improved conditions for clubs to keep stars like Igor Jesus, who is expected to move to Nottingham Forest after the tournament. Having players like former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho and Juventus veterans Danilo and Alex Sandro boosts both quality and leadership. Despite this, Vickery reminds us that Brazil's club form doesn’t guarantee World Cup success. Carlo Ancelotti’s national team will have different personnel, dynamics, and challenges. However, the strength of the Brazilian league could mean stiffer competition for national team spots and potentially better preparation for those who make the cut. The atmosphere in the US is electric. Tens of thousands of Brazilian fans have traveled, giving every match a home-game feeling. The passion is real and so is the belief that Brazil is back on the global football map.

See also: Club World Cup: Who will qualified teams face in last 16?