Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with a compelling clash between South American giants Flamengo and African powerhouse Esperance Tunis at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Monday.
With Chelsea and LAFC also in the group, both teams know that a positive start is vital. While Flamengo arrive with high expectations, Esperance step into the global spotlight as underdogs but with plenty of pride.
Match Overview
Flamengo, three-time Copa Libertadores champions, return to the Club World Cup with serious ambition. Though they haven’t won the Campeonato Brasileiro since 2020, their explosive form in the current domestic campaign has reignited belief in their continental and now global potential.
Filipe Luis’s side leads Brazil’s Serie A and boasts 24 goals from just 11 league matches—a sign of their renewed offensive edge. Under the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender, Fla play with intensity and flair, executing a high-pressing style that has delivered six wins in their last seven outings.
Their tournament pedigree includes finishing as runners-up to Liverpool in 2019 and famously defeating the Reds in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup. With seasoned stars and dynamic youth, Flamengo enter this year’s competition as Brazil’s best hope of global glory.
Esperance Tunis, meanwhile, earned their Club World Cup berth as Africa’s top-ranked team over the past four years. No strangers to dominance at home, the Tunisian giants have lifted the CAF Champions League four times and claimed eight of the last nine domestic titles.
Despite winning only one of six previous Club World Cup matches, they head into the competition in excellent form. Maher Kanzari’s return mid-season led to a league-and-cup double, and the team has kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 matches. Now, they face their biggest test yet on the global stage.
Team News
Flamengo will be near full strength for their opener. Pedro leads the attack, supported by the influential Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has delivered 13 goal contributions in nine league games, including nine goals from just 10 shots on target.
Evertton Araujo partners Gerson in midfield, though new signing Jorginho and veterans like Danilo and Alex Sandro provide added depth and experience. Gonzalo Plata is fit to play, but Nicolas de la Cruz remains a doubt and could be saved for Friday’s clash against Chelsea.
Esperance captain Yassine Meriah is back in action after a lengthy injury layoff, which will boost a backline that will need to be solid against Flamengo’s pressing and fluid attack.
Key forward Youcef Belaili carries the creative burden, having contributed 15 goals and 15 assists across domestic and continental play. Rodrigo Rodrigues is set to lead the line, while Brazilian winger Yan Sasse could be a wildcard against familiar opposition.
Tactical Review
Flamengo will play on the front foot, pressing high and dominating possession. Their vertical attacking play, orchestrated by de Arrascaeta and supported by overlapping full-backs, will challenge Esperance’s defensive structure.
Esperance will likely set up in a compact shape, relying on transitions and the creativity of Belaili to break forward. Their midfield trio will be tasked with disrupting Flamengo’s rhythm while feeding their front three on the counter.
Flamengo’s wide play and intense pressing could overwhelm the Tunisian side, especially if they fail to bypass the first line of pressure. Set-pieces and pace on the break will be Esperance’s main weapons.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, DAZN, and TNT Sports, with streaming available via each platform’s app or website. Viewers can tune in on SuperSport channels or follow live updates via FIFA’s official channels.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Flamengo 3-1 Esperance Tunis
Flamengo’s superior squad depth, attacking firepower, and high-tempo style are likely to prove too much for Esperance Tunis. While the Tunisians have the form and spirit to challenge, the Rubro-Negro’s quality should secure a confident victory to open Group D.