HOOLIGAN SOCCER

FIFA Club World Cup Group A Palmeiras

Club World Cup Preview: Palmeiras

Above: Palmeiras before a recent Copa Libertadores match.

The Qooligan

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

Club Background

  • From: São Paulo, Brazil
  • How They Qualified:
    • Palmeiras defeated Rio-based club Flamengo 2 – 1 in extra time back in the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores finals. This was their third title, and a repeat victory from 2020.
  • Best CWC Finish:
    • Runners-up in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.
      • They lost 2 – 1 to Chelsea in extra time.
  • Recent Form:
    • Palmeiras are one of the strongest (and wealthiest) clubs in Brazil. They won the Serie A title back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 and as of publication they currently sit in first place. They have won the Campeonato Paulista (a São Paolo state competition) every year since 2022. 
  • Some Facts:
    • 75% of the team is Brazilian; 100% of the players hail from South America.
    • For many years, a green parakeet was their official mascot. But in 1986, fans began chanting “Porco!” during the Campeonato Paulista final. It caught on, and not long after the club adopted the pig as well. The mascot names are Periquito (parakeet) and Gobatto (pig).
    • One of four Brazilian clubs in the competition; they are the only one from São Paolo.

The Team

  • Manager: Abel Fernando Moreira Ferreira
    • A former Portuguese defender (monomously as Abel) who played for Vitória Guimarães, Braga and Sporting CP. He managed the Sporting youth sides from 2011-2014, and Braga from 2015-2019. After a one-year stint at the Greek side PAOK he joined Palmeiras in 2020.
  • Key Players:
    • This season, most of Palmeiras’ best performers have been on their own side of the pitch. 
    • Joaquín Piquerez
      • The Uruguayan left defender has 3g/3a in all competitions, and also is a leader in tackles (33) and interceptions (18)
    • Agustín Giay
      • Argentinian right-side defender has 37 tackles and 17 interceptions.
    • Flaco López
      • Argentinian striker, a leading contributor with 8g/3a this year.
    • Raphael Viera
      • Brazilian center-midfielder. One of their more creative players. Has 2g/ 7a this season.
    • Facundo Torres
      • Uruguayan right winger is the leading scorer so far, with 5g/3a in all competitions.
  • Young Players to Watch:
    • Estevão Willian
      • This 18-year old winger is widely considered one of the top talents, though who he will play for is a matter of debate. His $38.5 transfer to Chelsea is scheduled to take effect on July 1 (according to Transfermarkt), but other sources have him moving to England as early as June 1. In either case, I hope he gets to play, because he is capable of having a breakout performance on this global stage. He has 10g/4a in all comps so far. 

When to Watch

  • 6:00pm ET on Jun 15, 2025 vs. Porto @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
  • 12:00pm ET on Jun 19, 2025 vs. Al Ahly @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
  • 9:00pm ET on Jun 23, 2025 vs. Inter Miami @ HardRock Stadium, Miami, FL 

The Hooligan Take

Group A isn’t the easiest collection of sides, but given Palmeiras’ form the past five years anything less than top of the table would be disappointing. Not advancing is unacceptable. We expect to see them in the Round of 16.

Other Group A Teams

×