Prediction: Palmeiras vs Botafogo

Verdict: Botafogo win

Best odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

A Brazilian showdown will determine the first quarter-finalist at this year’s Club World Cup, as Palmeiras take on Botafogo on Saturday.

The two sides are set for a last-16 meeting in Philadelphia, where the Sao Paulo giants will go head-to-head with their rivals from Rio.

Palmeiras

Palmeiras secured top spot in Group A with two late goals to draw against Inter Miami on Monday, completing the group stage unbeaten and booking their place in the last 16.

Luis Suarez had put the MLS side 2-0 ahead, but Palmeiras responded with a dominant finish, taking the final 10 shots of the game and scoring twice from six on target, thanks to efforts from Paulinho and Mauricio at Hard Rock Stadium.

Earlier, Palmeiras had opened with a goalless draw against Porto before defeating Al Ahly 2-0. Their total of five points was enough to edge Miami for first place on goal difference.

Having earned their spot in this Club World Cup as back-to-back Copa Libertadores winners in 2020 and 2021, Palmeiras have played a key role in South America’s strong showing en route to the knockout rounds.

Abel Ferreira’s team now prepare for just the second all-Brazilian meeting in Club World Cup history, the first being Corinthians’ penalty shootout win over Vasco da Gama in the 2000 final.

With Botafogo having ended Palmeiras’ domestic reign last season, the last two Brasileiro champions will now go head-to-head for a place in the quarterfinals, their first encounter since a 0-0 draw on matchday one of the current Serie A campaign—a game that featured 26 attempts and plenty of action.

Team News

While Argentinian midfielder Aníbal Romero has returned to full training, Palmeiras may have to cope without key centre-back Murilo, who sustained a thigh injury against Inter Miami and could miss the remainder of the tournament.

In his absence, Bruno Fuchs or Micael are in line to partner captain Gustavo Gomez in central defence, while Romero may challenge for a starting midfield role.

Ferreira has made few changes to his squad so far, meaning young star Estevao and playmaker Raphael Veiga are expected to start again, with former Lazio winger Felipe Anderson likely remaining on the bench.

Botafogo

On their way to capturing a maiden Copa Libertadores crown last year, Botafogo narrowly edged out Palmeiras in the last 16, advancing 4-3 on aggregate.

At this Club World Cup, Renato Paiva’s side have made a bigger splash than their Brazilian rivals, notably with a headline-grabbing win over European giants Paris Saint-Germain.

That historic victory marked the first by a CONMEBOL team against UEFA opposition in the tournament since Corinthians defeated Chelsea in the 2012 final. Before that, Botafogo had already brushed aside Seattle Sounders, and by also toppling Europe’s champions, they reached six points from two matches.

Their place in the last 16 was already secured by then, so a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Pasadena didn’t prevent the Rio-based club from finishing top of Group B on goal difference, setting up a reunion with familiar foes Palmeiras.

The winner of Saturday’s clash will go on to face either Benfica or Chelsea in the quarter-finals, with that fixture also being held at Lincoln Financial Field—making extended time in Philadelphia the goal for both sides.

Team News

Leading the line for Botafogo is Igor Jesus, the clear attacking focal point. The Brazil forward, who has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, scored two of Botafogo’s three group-stage goals and leads his team for total attempts, shots on target, and touches in the opposition box.

He is expected to be joined up front by Jefferson Savarino and Artur, meaning new arrivals Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa will likely remain on the bench. In midfield, veterans Allan, Gregore, and captain Marlon Freitas form the core.

Vitinho, who was substituted with a thigh issue against Atletico, has been cleared to feature, but defender Bastos is sidelined with a knee injury.

Conclusion

Palmeiras may have started the 2025 Brasileiro more strongly, but Botafogo have been the more impressive side at this Club World Cup.

After a tightly contested goalless draw in their last encounter, a single moment of brilliance could prove decisive in the United States, where Renato Paiva appears to be gaining the upper hand in the duel between the two Portuguese managers.

Verdict: Botafogo win

Best odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet