The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Botafogo (Brazil) and Seattle Sounders (USA) will take place on June 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA. Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Botafogo
The Brazilian team clinched the 2024 Copa Libertadores title. This first triumph in the tournament allowed Botafogo to make their debut at the Club World Cup. In the current edition of the most prestigious competition in South America, Renato Paiva's side finished second in their group and advanced to the playoffs. It is also worth noting that the team is the reigning champion of the Brazilian Serie A, although they currently sit sixth in the standings. Heading into the upcoming match, the Brazilians are on a seven-game unbeaten streak at the official level (6 wins, 1 draw).
- The team has conceded in 6 of their last 8 Copa Libertadores matches.
- Botafogo has failed to win in 10 of their last 12 away matches in this tournament (5 draws, 5 losses).
- In 13 of their last 15 away games in the Copa Libertadores, the club has not scored more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Botafogo (4-4-2)
John Victor – Alex Telles, Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barbosa – Cuiabano, Gregory, Marlon Freitas, Leo Arthur – Jefferson Savarino, Igor Jesus.
Seattle Sounders
The team qualified for the Club World Cup as the winner of the 2021/22 CONCACAF Champions League. In the most recent edition of the tournament, the club was eliminated in the round of 16 by the eventual winner, Cruz Azul. In the MLS, Seattle is currently in sixth place in their conference, trailing the leader by 9 points. This upcoming Club World Cup will be the second for the Americans; in the 2022/23 season, the team played one match in the tournament, losing 0-1 to Egypt's Al-Ahly.
In the spring, the club's roster was bolstered by forward Ryan Kent, who has played for Liverpool, Rangers, and Fenerbahce. Additionally, head coach Brian Schmetzer has been at the helm of Seattle since 2016.
- The Americans have not lost in 13 of their last 14 matches in the CONCACAF Champions League (6 wins, 7 draws).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games in this tournament.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in their last 6 home matches in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Seattle Sounders (4-5-1)
Stefan Frei – Alexander Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Jonathan Bell, Nouhou Tolo – Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Ryan Kent, Albert Rusnak, Pedro de la Vega – Jesus Ferreira.
Referee
Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 25%.
Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders: Match Prediction
The American team did not have luck with the draw. Group B features two strong European clubs and the reigning Copa Libertadores champion. However, Seattle will play against them at their home stadium. At Lumen Field, the team has not lost in the CONCACAF Champions League for 15 matches (12 wins, 3 draws).
The Brazilians, on the other hand, face challenges on the road. In their last 7 away matches in the Copa Libertadores, Botafogo has secured only one victory (3 draws, 3 losses). Notably, Renato Paiva's side defeated Carabobo, the weakest team in their group, and the decisive goal in that match came in stoppage time. The last time the Brazilians won by at least two goals away in the Copa Libertadores was in 2017.
My prediction: Seattle Sounders with a handicap (+1)
