The Seattle Sounders head into their FIFA Club World Cup opener with the advantage of home support at Lumen Field, where they will face a formidable Botafogo side fresh off their 2024 Serie A and Copa Libertadores double. The Rave Green, who finished the 2024 MLS season fourth in the Western Conference with a 16-9-9 record, reached the Western Conference Final and showed resilience across competitions, posting a 22-13-12 record overall.
Botafogo, however, have made a mixed start to their 2025 Serie A campaign, sitting 6th with 18 points from 11 matches despite their star-studded roster. Citing our latest football facts, Their attacking prowess was evident in the Copa Libertadores, where they clinched the title despite playing with 10 men for a period during in the final.
The Sounders have never faced Botafogo in competitive play, but their experience in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, where they fell 1-0 to Al Ahly, will have prepared them for high-stakes international competition. Botafogo’s recent form has been strong. However, this encounter could test their recent winning positive form.
Seattle’s home form is a bright spot, with Lumen Field known for its raucous atmosphere, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino has predicted could break noise records during the tournament. However, the Sounders have been slightly inconsistent at home in recent MLS play, winning only five of their last nine home games in the top-flight of US football.
Botafogo’s attacking unit, led by former MLS stars Jefferson Savarino and Santiago Rodríguez, alongside rising talent Igor Jesus, has been prolific, scoring 14 goals in their last 8 matches across all competitions.
Head coach Brian Schmetzer will be keen to leverage Seattle’s home advantage, while Botafogo’s Renato Paiva will look to his experienced squad to navigate the pressure of an away opener in this expanded 32-team tournament.
Seattle Sounders FC FIFA Club World Cup form:
Seattle Sounders FC form (all competitions):
Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup form:
Botafogo form (all competitions):
Team News
For Seattle, head coach Brian Schmetzer faces some selection headaches. Forward Jordan Morris, recovering from a hamstring issue, is expected to be available after resuming full training. Key players like Albert Rusnák and João Paulo, the latter with a connection to Botafogo from his time there before joining Seattle, will be central to the Sounders’ strategy.
Botafogo’s Renato Paiva is likely to field a strong attacking lineup, with Igor Jesus leading the line, supported by wingers Jefferson Savarino and Luiz Henrique. Santiago Rodríguez and Gregore, both with MLS experience, are expected to anchor the midfield. The Brazilian side has no reported injury concerns, giving Paiva a full squad to choose from.
Seattle Sounders FC possible starting lineup: Frei; A. Roldan, Yeimar, Ragen, Nouhou; Roldan, Vargas; Kent, Rusnák, Morris; Ruidíaz
Botafogo possible starting lineup: Victor; Suárez, Adryelson, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Tchê Tchê; Artur, Savarino, Rodríguez; Igor Jesus
We Say: Botafogo 2-1 Seattle Sounders FC
While Seattle will benefit from the passionate support at Lumen Field, Botafogo’s attacking firepower and experience in high-pressure continental matches give them a slight edge. The Sounders’ organised play under Schmetzer could keep the game close, but Botafogo’s clinical finishing, led by Savarino and Igor Jesus, may prove decisive. A competitive match is expected, with the Brazilian side narrowly prevailing.
