On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Palmeiras and FC Porto clash in the opening Group A match of the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. This eagerly anticipated showdown kicks off a global tournament featuring 32 continental champions.
Kick-off times: UK 23:00 BST; Italy, Germany, France, Spain 00:00 CEST. Make sure to tune in live as these two footballing giants battle for early supremacy.
How are both teams coming into this?
Palmeiras arrive in strong attacking form, averaging over two goals per game in their last five outings. Despite a recent 1-2 defeat to Cruzeiro, the Brazilian side has shown tactical flexibility under their manager, blending solid defence with rapid transitions. Their experience in high-pressure continental competitions like the Copa Libertadores should serve them well on the world stage.
FC Porto, led by Martín Rodrigo Anselmi, have won four of their last five matches and scored 12 goals in that span. However, a surprising 0-2 loss to Riga FC exposed defensive vulnerabilities. The Dragons will be determined to bounce back and leverage their European pedigree as they take on Palmeiras in this inaugural clash.
Our forecast
We expect a cagey opening as both teams prioritise defensive organisation. Despite their attacking talent, neither side is likely to overcommit early on. Our main prediction is a 1-1 draw, reflecting a balance of power in this Group A fixture.
Given the offensive quality on display, we also foresee both teams to score. Each side has shown the ability to breach strong defences, so a goal apiece feels highly probable in this tournament opener.
