The second in our continuing series highlighting all the clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on June 14th.

Club Background

• Recent Form:
  • Finished 3rd in the Primeira Liga with 71 points, earning an automatic berth in next season’s Europa League. 
  • In this season’s Europa League, they finished 18th in the group stage with 3W – 2D – 3L.
    • They were eliminated by AS Roma 4 – 3 on aggregate in the knockout playoffs.
• Some Facts:
  • FC Porto was founded in 1893, entered a period of quiescence and was revitalized in 1906.
  • They’ve had 72 different managers over 119 years. That’s a high turnover.
  • 55% of their squad is Portuguese.
  • They are one of two Portuguese clubs in this tournament. The other is fierce rival Benfica.
  • They have 86 major trophies, and are the most decorated Portuguese club in international competitions.

The Team

• Manager: Martín Anselmi
  • Anselmi replaced Vítor Bruno in late January. He is the fourth Argentinian to coach the club. His record so far is 10W – 4D – 4L.
• Star Players:
  • FC Porto sold two of its brightest prospects during the winter transfer market:
    • Wenderson Galeno (to Al-Ahli in the Saudi League)
    • Nico González (to Manchester City).
  • Francisco Moura
    • Portuguese defender with 4g/11a in 41 games across all competitions.
  • Diogo Costa
    • Plays goalkeeper for the Portuguese national team. Had 19 clean sheets in 45 games.
  • Pepê
    • Veteran Brazilian defensive midfielder.
• Young Players to Watch:
  • Samuel Aghehowa
    • A 21-year old Spanish striker with  25g/3a in 41 games across all competitions.
  • Rodrigo Mora
    • An 18-year old Portuguese attacking midfielder who earned 10g/4a in 23 games playing for the first team.
  • 68% of the squad is 25 years or younger, making them one of the more youthful sides in the event.

When to Watch

• 6:00pm ET on Jun 15, 2025 vs. Palmeiras @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
• 3:00pm ET on Jun 19, 2025 vs. Inter Miami @ Mercedes-Benz, Atlanta, GA
• 9:00pm ET on Jun 23, 2025 vs. Al-Ahly @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ 

The Hooligan Take

Porto have a fighting chance in this Group. Al Ahly should be beatable, and they will have the benefit of playing them last. If they can manage a draw or narrow loss to Palmeiras this puts them in drivers seat against Inter Miami. This game will be played in Atlanta; the only away fixture Miami has in qualifying. It will be the best chance to beat them.

Other Group A Teams

• Palmeiras (CONMEBOL/Brazil)
• Al Ahly (CAF/Egypt)
• Inter Miami (CONCACAF/U.S.A.)