The race for the Copa Libertadores 2024 heats up in August, with the opening salvos of the round of 16. As well as the chance for continental glory, for four Brazilian clubs – excluding the already-qualified Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras – winning this year’s tournament is the only remaining pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
Of the seven Brazilian sides still in contention for South America’s premier club competition, one of Atletico Mineiro, Botafogo, Gremio and Sao Paulo could still secure a place at the newly-expanded FIFA tournament in the United States next year – but only if they win the Libertadores title.
That is because Brazil, alongside Mexico, already has the most guaranteed representatives at the FIFA Club World Cup – Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras. Qualification for the Club World Cup is limited to two clubs per country, with an exception in cases where more than two clubs from the same country win the confederation’s premier club competition over the four-year period.
Therefore, no Brazilian club can qualify without becoming continental champion. Brazil can only have a fourth representative if the champions of the current Libertadores are Atletico Mineiro, Botafogo, Gremio or Sao Paulo.
In recent years, CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores has been dominated by Brazil.
The last five editions have all been won by Brazilian outfits, with three of the finals (2020, 2021 and 2022) featuring two clubs from the country. Brazil’s dominance in South America’s premier club competition is evident again in the current edition, with all seven of the country’s qualifying sides having made it through to the round of 16.
The following CONMEBOL sides have already qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras and River Plate.
Read on to discover more about the four Brazilian clubs still vying for a place at next year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Atletico Mineiro
After finishing third at the 2013 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, Atletico Mineiro will be hoping for a Libertadores triumph and a place at the expanded global tournament 12 years on. O Galo’s quest begins with a last-16 tie against Argentina’s San Lorenzo, Libertadores champions back in 2014.
As they go in search of a second Libertadores crown, the club from Minas Gerais will be looking to experienced players like Hulk and former Olympic champions Guilherme Arana and Paulinho.
Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro already has two representatives at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, but it could become the city with the most participating clubs if Botafogo make it three with a maiden Libertadores triumph.
Currently leading the Brasileirao, O Glorioso have invested heavily in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of world champion Thiago Almada and winger Luiz Henrique.
Gremio
Three-time Libertadores champions, Gremio last played at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2017, only losing 1-0 in the final to Real Madrid.
The Club World Cup aspirations of Renato Portaluppi’s men could depend on the effectiveness of a multi-national attack featuring veteran Diego Costa, gifted Venezuelan Yefferson Soteldo and recently-arrived Danish striker Martin Braithwaite.
Sao Paulo
Another three-time Libertadores champion, Sao Paulo are also veterans of previous FIFA Club World Cup campaigns. In 2005, O Tricolor Paulista overcame Liverpool in the final to win their last global title – a feat the club would dearly love to replicate in 2025.
With Argentinian Luis Zubeldia at the helm, the club will be banking on an experienced and talented squad that includes Brazilians of recognised international pedigree, like Lucas Moura and Rafinha, as well as Argentinian goalscorer Jonathan Calleri.
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کلاس یوس