Prediction: Palmeiras vs Porto

Verdict: Palmerias win

Best odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two clubs with plenty of history are set to collide in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as Brazilian giants Palmeiras face off against Portuguese heavyweights Porto on Sunday.

The encounter will take place in New Jersey, with Palmeiras entering the tournament as the 2021 Copa Libertadores champions, while Porto secured their place by ranking fifth in UEFA’s four-year coefficient standings.

Palmeiras

Following a golden spell that saw them claim back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles and two national championships, Palmeiras enter the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup determined to add more silverware to their growing trophy haul.

Although the Alviverde finished second behind Botafogo in the 2024 Brasileiro campaign, they remain among Brazil’s strongest contenders in the revamped Club World Cup. Expectations are high for Abel Ferreira’s side to progress from Group A — which also features Al Ahly and Inter Miami — and make a deep run in the tournament hosted across the USA.

Palmeiras approached this summer’s challenge in fine form, having stormed through their Copa Libertadores group with five consecutive wins — the only team in the tournament not to trail at any point in the first phase. Domestically, they pieced together an eight-game winning streak in the Brasileiro, recording seven clean sheets along the way, though a dip in form saw them drop to fourth following consecutive losses, including one to title rivals Flamengo.

Now making their third appearance at FIFA’s premier club tournament, Palmeiras are aiming to better their previous best showing — a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Chelsea in the 2022 final. In their Group A opener, they will look to become the first Brazilian side to defeat European opposition at a Club World Cup since 2012, in what will also be the first-ever competitive meeting between Brazilian and Portuguese clubs at this level.

Team News

Led by Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras will soon bid farewell to wonderkid Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea. However, the squad remains stacked with talent thanks to heavy investment. World Cup qualifiers Gustavo Gomez, Richard Rios, Piquerez, Emiliano Martinez, Facundo Torres, and Estevao have all joined up with the squad in time for the tournament and are available for selection.

Still only 17, Estevao has already created 24 chances in the current Serie A season — more than double any teammate — and contributed a league-best 24 goal involvements in 2024. He will be among the key figures in the final third alongside Felipe Anderson, Raphael Veiga, Facundo Torres, and Mauricio, while Argentine forward Jose Manuel Lopez leads the line. Former Bayer Leverkusen winger Paulinho is likely to miss out as he continues to recover from shin surgery.

Porto

While Palmeiras arrive with recent Club World Cup experience, Porto are preparing for their maiden outing in the competition, although they previously took part in the Intercontinental Cup as European champions in 1987 and 2004 — lifting the trophy on both occasions.

However, hopes of replicating that success this summer appear modest. The Portuguese giants failed to mount a serious title challenge last season, finishing third in the Primeira Liga for a second successive year. It marks the first time since the mid-1970s that Porto have missed out on the league’s top two spots in back-to-back campaigns, with Lisbon rivals instead dominating the domestic scene.

After claiming the Super Cup last August, Porto’s fortunes dipped as they exited the Taca de Portugal in the fourth round, suffered a League Cup semi-final defeat, and were knocked out in the Europa League’s playoff round. Given such inconsistencies, Martin Anselmi’s side begin the Club World Cup as underdogs against Palmeiras, making their subsequent group matches against Inter Miami and Egyptian champions Al Ahly potentially decisive in the race for progression.

Team News

Leading the line for Porto is Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa, who netted at a rate of one goal every 119 minutes in last season’s Primeira Liga. Teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora also arrives in form, having scored seven times in his final nine games of the campaign and earning a senior Portugal call-up.

Meanwhile, wing-back Francisco Moura enjoyed a productive domestic season, registering 10 assists in the league, and recent signing Gabri Veiga is available following his return from Saudi Arabia. However, former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic misses out as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury, while Tiago Djalo remains excluded due to disciplinary reasons.

Conclusion

Palmeiras appear fully committed to making a strong impression at this tournament, whereas Porto seem to be prioritizing long-term rebuilding over immediate success.

With a stable foundation and plenty of attacking flair, the Brazilian side are well placed to begin their campaign on the front foot, likely securing victory and putting pressure on their Portuguese opponents to play catch-up in the group.

Verdict: Palmerias win

Best odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Luckster