Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday (10), at 2pm (Brasília time), at Estádio Lusail, at Doha, at Catar, against Cruz Azul, from with representatives from other confederations and replaces the old format of the annual Mundial of Clubes. The winner of the tournament receives the official status of world club champion from the entity.
The Rio club won the place by beating Palmeiras in the final of Libertadores 2025, in Lima, in Peru. Caso moves forward, Flamengo will face Pyramids, from Egito, on Saturday (13), and could face PSG in the decision scheduled for December 17.
Format of Copa Intercontinental 2025
The current edition maintains a direct eliminatory nature. Flamengo enters the competition from the quarterfinals onwards.
The red-black path to the cup requires two victories before the final. Cruz Azul eliminated Al Hilal, from Arábia Saudita, to get here.
Fifa recognition history
Fifa officially recognizes all Copa Intercontinental winners, old or new, as world champions. The decision was taken in 2017, following a request from Conmebol, and remains valid.
Real Madrid leads with nine recognized titles, including the 2024 edition, won 3-0 over Pachuca. Clubes Brazilians appear prominently in the historical list.
Paulo and Corinthians have three achievements each. Flamengo only has the 1981 cup, won over Liverpool.
Partial list of world champions recognized by Fifa
- Real Madrid – 9 titles
- Milan – 4 titles
- Bayern from Munique – 4 titles
- Peñarol – 3 titles
- Mouth Juniors – 3 titles
- There are Paulo – 3 titles
- Flamengo – 1 title (1981)
What’s at stake for Flamengo
A win at Copa Intercontinental would put Flamengo alongside Santos and Corinthians with two recognized world titles. The club would reach its second trophy at a global level after 44 years.
The squad led by Filipe Luís arrives with high morale after the continental conquest. Jogadores like Arrascaeta, Pedro and Gerson are key pieces in the tactical scheme.
Cruz Azul seeks historic surprise
The Mexican team is going through a good phase in the Liga MX and eliminated strong opponents to reach the Doha. The team has striker Ángel Sepúlveda, top scorer of the season.
Coach Martín Anselmi adopted a scheme with three defenders to contain the red and black attack. The match will be broadcast on TV Globo, SporTV and CazéTV.
Path to the final
Flamengo needs to overcome three games to lift the cup. The first hurdle is Cruz Azul this Wednesday.
In case of victory, the next clash will take place on Saturday against Pyramids. The big decision is scheduled for December 17th, also in Doha.
The tournament serves as preparation for the new expanded Mundial of Clubes, which Flamengo will compete in 2029 at the Estados Unidos.
