Europe vs America at the 2025 Club World Cup: South America is currently stronger

The first-ever expanded Club World Cup with 32 teams, held in the USA in 2025, has already brought plenty of surprises. One of the most exciting storylines so far has been the direct clashes between clubs from Europe and the Americas. With all first-round matches completed and some of the second round played, we can already draw some early conclusions.

Overall score: 3 wins each and 4 draws

In 10 matches between European and American clubs, each side has won 3 games, while 4 ended in draws. Here's the breakdown:

American club victories:

• Chelsea (England) 1:3 Flamengo (Brazil)
• PSG (France) 0:1 Botafogo (Brazil)
• Porto (Portugal) 1:2 Inter Miami (USA)

European club victories:

• Atlético Madrid (Spain) 3:1 Seattle Sounders (USA)
• Salzburg (Austria) 2:1 Pachuca (Mexico)
• Chelsea (England) 2:0 LA Galaxy (USA)

Draws:

• Inter Milan (Italy) 1:1 Monterrey (Mexico)
• Borussia Dortmund (Germany) 0:0 Fluminense (Brazil)
• Benfica (Portugal) 2:2 Boca Juniors (Argentina)
• Porto (Portugal) 0:0 Palmeiras (Brazil)

Note: This article was written before Bayern (Germany) vs Boca Juniors (Argentina).

Latin America vs Europe: a slight advantage for the South

Looking specifically at the matches between European and South American clubs (only Brazil and Argentina so far), Latin America holds the edge — 2 wins and 3 draws with no losses.

This confirms a well-known truth: despite Europe’s financial might, South American teams still have the spirit, skill, and tradition to challenge football's elite.

Brazilian clubs, in particular, have grown stronger. The last six Copa Libertadores champions are all from Brazil. These clubs — Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and Botafogo — are now performing confidently in the CWC. Alongside them are Argentine giants River Plate and Boca Juniors, who also look strong.

Brazilian clubs are financially more stable now — they no longer sell their stars cheaply. Example: Estevão’s €65 million move to Chelsea. Brazilian teams now also recruit top talent from nearby countries, like Richard Ríos (Colombia), who plays for Palmeiras, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Uruguay), a Flamengo icon.

Just the beginning

The current balance between Europe and America shows the Club World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be truly global and competitive. It’s not budget, but strategy, motivation, and preparation that win. And Latin American clubs are proving that they’re ready to shine.