Palmeiras Clash with Botafogo: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Two legendary Brazilian clubs, Palmeiras and Botafogo, are set to reignite their fierce competition as they launch the Club World Cup elimination phase.
Under Abel Ferreira's guidance, Palmeiras secured the top spot in Group A through draws against Porto and Inter Miami, coupled with a dominant victory over Al Ahly. The Green team displayed impressive form throughout the group phase and could have arguably won all three encounters.
Botafogo earned their second-place finish in Group B primarily due to their stunning triumph over Champions League winners PSG. With six points accumulated, they managed to eliminate Atlético Madrid from the competition. Renato Paiva's squad proved they could compete effectively against two elite European clubs.
The Palmeiras versus Botafogo matchup has evolved into a contemporary Brazilian football rivalry. Palmeiras achieved a remarkable 14-point recovery to deny Botafogo the 2023 league championship. The Lone Star would claim their vengeance in 2024, defeating the Green team for the league title while also ousting them from the Copa Libertadores on their path to their inaugural tournament victory.
These represent two of South America's finest teams with mutual animosity, creating an enticing all-Brazilian encounter to commence the round of 16.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup showdown.
What Time Does Palmeiras vs. Botafogo Kick-Off?
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Last Meeting: Palmeiras 0–0 Botafogo (Mar. 30, 2025) - Brazilian Serie A
Current Form (All Competitions)
Palmeiras | Botafogo |
|---|---|
Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras – 6/23/25 | Atlético Madrid 1–0 Botafogo – 6/23/25 |
Palmeiras 2–0 Al Ahly – 6/19/25 | PSG 0–1 Botafogo – 6/19/25 |
Palmeiras 0–0 Porto – 6/15/25 | Botafogo 2–1 Seattle Sounders – 6/15/25 |
Cruzeiro 2–1 Palmeiras – 6/1/25 | Botafogo 3–2 Ceará – 6/5/25 |
Palmeiras 6–0 Sporting Cristal – 5/29/25 | Santos 0–1 Botafogo – 6/1/25 |
How to Watch Palmeiras vs. Botafogo on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Palmeiras Team News
The Green team maintained their core starting eleven throughout most of the group phase, and Ferreira will likely continue with this approach for the knockout round.
The primary concern lies in defense, where regular center-back Murilo Cerqueira sustained a thigh problem against Inter Miami and will be unavailable for the remainder of the Club World Cup. Bruno Fuchs stepped in during the Miami match and is expected to start against Botafogo.
In attack, ex-Barcelona striker Vitor Roque will rejoin the starting lineup after José López's underwhelming performance in the previous outing. He'll be supported by Facundo Torres and the promising Estêvão Willian, who might be playing his last match for the club before his Chelsea move—or could potentially face the Blues in the quarterfinals.
Richard Ríos and Raphael Veiga will offer midfield support as Palmeiras aims to break their five-match winless run against Botafogo.
Palmeiras Predicted Lineup vs. Botafogo
Palmeiras predicted lineup vs. Botafogo (4-2-3-1): Wéverton; Giay, Gómez, Fuchs, Piquerez; Moreno, Ríos; Estêvão, Veiga, Torres; Roque
Botafogo Team News
Botafogo received unfortunate news with the suspension of key central midfielder Gregore due to yellow card accumulation. The Lone Star could bring in former Everton player Allan alongside Marlon Freitas in the midfield partnership.
Defensively, Alexander Barboza and Jair Cunha have formed one of the tournament's most effective center-back combinations, allowing just one goal during the group stage. The Lone Star's defensive solidity serves as the cornerstone of their recent achievements.
The talented Jefferson Savarino will pose a constant threat on the left flank and will seek to link up with Igor Jesus, who has emerged as one of the competition's standout strikers.
Despite finishing second in their group, the Lone Star faced significantly stronger opposition and enter the Palmeiras clash with valuable experience from tough battles.
Botafogo Predicted Lineup vs. Palmeiras
Botafogo predicted lineup vs. Palmeiras (4-4-2): John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Allan, Freitas, Artur, Savarino; Mastriani, Jesus
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo Score Prediction
This represents a perfectly balanced contest between two sides with intimate knowledge of each other's capabilities.
Palmeiras possess greater squad depth and superior overall talent, while Botafogo bring extensive experience and recent success in knockout tournament scenarios.
The encounter will showcase typical South American intensity and physicality, with emotions running high and goal-scoring chances at a premium. Nevertheless, Palmeiras's individual brilliance will ultimately make the crucial difference, sending the Green team through to the quarterfinals.
Estêvão will deliver his tournament-best performance and guide Palmeiras to victory.