Confirmed lineup Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders: where to watch live, refereeing and predictions for the FIFA Club World Cup
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Botafogo kicks off its campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup against the Seattle Sounders at 11 p.m. (Brasília time) at Lumen Field in Seattle, United States. The match, valid for the first round of Group B, marks the debut of the 2024 Libertadores champion against the Major League Soccer (MLS) representative. Broadcast live on TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN, the historic clash is expected to draw millions of fans in a competitive group featuring PSG and Atlético de Madrid. The tactical duel between coaches Renato Paiva and Brian Schmetzer heightens anticipation for a balanced game, where a win is crucial for both teams.
Botafogo, buoyed by recent successes, aims to solidify its international strength despite seasonal inconsistencies. The Seattle Sounders, meanwhile, rely on home support and defensive organization to pull off an upset. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg, supported by VAR, ensures precision in officiating.
- Match highlights: Botafogo’s Club World Cup debut, first-ever clash with an MLS team, and multi-platform broadcast.
- Expected challenges: Home advantage for Seattle and key absences in the American squad.
- Initial prediction: A tactical game with goal-scoring chances for both sides, but with slight favoritism for the Brazilian team.
Intense preparation for the debut
Botafogo arrives at the Club World Cup with a reinforced squad after winning the 2024 Libertadores and Brasileirão. Coach Renato Paiva has retained the core starting lineup while adding strategic signings like Álvaro Montoro, Joaquín Correa, and Arthur Cabral for depth. The defensive solidity, led by Jair and Alexander Barboza, is a key strength, while Igor Jesus spearheads the attack with decisive goals. Savarino, nursing a minor injury, is doubtful, and Santi Rodríguez may take his place in midfield.
On the American side, the Seattle Sounders face challenges. Injuries to defenders Yeimar Gómez Andrade and Kim Kee-hee weaken their backline, and forwards Paulo Arriola and Jordan Morris are uncertain. Experienced coach Brian Schmetzer trusts Albert Rusnák and Jesús Ferreira to drive the offense. The presence of João Paulo, a former Botafogo player, adds an emotional layer, as he is familiar with the opponent’s playing style.
OVibrant atmosphere at Lumen Field
Lumen Field, with a capacity of 37,000, is one of the most iconic stadiums in the United States. Known for the passionate Seattle Sounders fanbase, the venue promises an intense atmosphere. The traditional “March to the Match,” a pre-game fan walk, is already mobilizing the city. Ticket demand is high, with sales available on FIFA’s official website. Prices vary, but a full house is expected.
Weather conditions in Seattle favor the spectacle. With temperatures between 15°C and 20°C, partly cloudy skies, and light winds, the pitch will be in excellent shape. Fans at the stadium should prepare for cooler nighttime temperatures with light jackets.
Broad coverage for fans
The match will be broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring access for diverse audiences. TV Globo airs the game on free-to-air TV with traditional narration and nationwide reach. SporTV, on cable, provides in-depth pre- and post-match analysis. For streaming fans, CazéTV offers free coverage on YouTube with an interactive approach that appeals to younger viewers. DAZN, for subscribers, covers all Club World Cup matches.
- Available platforms: TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV (YouTube), and DAZN.
- Digital alternatives: Sofascore and 365Scores provide real-time statistics.
- Local radios: Tupi and Globo in Rio de Janeiro broadcast live via RadiosNet.
- Post-match: Highlights on CazéTV’s YouTube channel.
Fans outside Brazil can access Globoplay International or DAZN, though regional restrictions may apply in some areas. CazéTV on YouTube remains a globally accessible option.
Unprecedented Club World Cup clash
Botafogo and Seattle Sounders have never faced each other, making this match a historic milestone. It’s also the first encounter between a Brazilian club and an MLS team in the Club World Cup. The last Brazil-U.S. club matchup was in 1998, when Vasco defeated DC United. The lack of prior meetings adds unpredictability to the outcome.
Botafogo comes in with a solid recent record:
- 3-2 win over Ceará in the Brasileirão (June 5, 2025).
- 2-0 win over Fluminense in the Brasileirão.
- 1-1 draw against São Paulo in the Brasileirão.
- 1-0 loss and 4-0 win against Capital-DF in the Copa do Brasil.
The Seattle Sounders, however, have had mixed results:
- 3-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS.
- 3-2 loss to Minnesota United in MLS.
- 3-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS.
- 1-1 draw against Portland Timbers in MLS.
- 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC in MLS.
Botafogo’s consistency contrasts with Seattle’s inconsistency, but the home crowd could level the playing field.
Botafogo’s confirmed lineup
Coach Renato Paiva has finalized Botafogo’s lineup with a surprise. The team takes the field with John in goal, Vitinho, Jair, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles in defense, Marlon Freitas, Gregore, and Savarino in midfield, and Artur, Igor Jesus, and Mastriani in attack. The 4-3-3 formation emphasizes defensive solidity and wing speed, with Igor Jesus as the focal point up top. Santi Rodríguez, a potential Savarino replacement, is an option on the bench alongside reinforcements like Joaquín Correa and Arthur Cabral.
Seattle Sounders ready for the challenge
Coached by Brian Schmetzer, the Seattle Sounders also line up in a 4-3-3. The starting XI features Frei in goal, Álex Roldán, Ragen, Kim Kee-hee, and Nouhou in defense, Vargas, Cristian Roldán, and Rusnák in midfield, and Jesús Ferreira, Kent, and Musovski in attack. Despite injuries, Schmetzer banks on Rusnák’s creativity to surprise. João Paulo, on the bench, could come on in the second half to bolster midfield.
Refereeing and match conditions
Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg leads the officiating, assisted by Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist. Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh serves as the fourth official. VAR ensures accuracy in controversial calls, enhancing decision reliability. With mild weather and no rain, the game should flow smoothly with optimal pitch conditions.
Club World Cup organization
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, features 32 teams in an expanded format. Organized by FIFA, the tournament spans 12 cities, with Seattle as a key venue. Botafogo, South America’s representative, faces a global challenge, while the Seattle Sounders aim to make history as hosts. Group B, including PSG and Atlético de Madrid, promises fierce battles in upcoming rounds.
Match expectations
Analysts see Botafogo as slight favorites, predicting a 2-1 victory. Igor Jesus is tipped to score, while Rusnák and Ferreira pose threats for Seattle. The home crowd will be a hurdle, but Botafogo’s international experience could tip the scales. The match promises high intensity, with balanced moments and clear goal-scoring opportunities.claras de gol.ções.anização tática de Schmetzer.
