With our latest football stats, we can see that SE Palmeiras head into the FIFA Club World Cup on the back of a decent domestic campaign as they are currently fourth-place in the Brasileiro Serie A with 22 points from 11 games and boasting a perfect record in the Copa Libertadores group stage, including a 6-0 rout of Sporting Cristal.
The Verdão have been defensively resolute at times this season, keeping seven clean sheets in an eight-match winning streak earlier in the campaign, while scoring 57 goals across all competitions in 2025.
However, their seven-game winning run was halted by a 2-0 loss to Flamengo on May 25. They also suffered a setback last time out, losing 2-1 at Cruzeiro, a reminder of the challenges they face against top-tier opposition.
Palmeiras have never faced FC Porto in competitive action, making this an intriguing first encounter. Head coach Abel Ferreira, a Portuguese native, will be keen to outmanoeuvre his compatriots, leveraging Palmeiras’ attacking flair and defensive solidity to make a statement in Group A, which also includes Inter Miami and Al Ahly.
FC Porto, meanwhile, concluded their Primeira Liga season on May 17 and have been preparing for this tournament with friendlies, including a recent win against Wydad AC and a surprise loss against Latvian outfit Riga. The Dragões have a storied European pedigree, with two Champions League titles, but their domestic form last season was inconsistent, finishing behind rivals Sporting CP.
Coach Martin Anselmi has hinted at potential squad changes but emphasised caution in the transfer market, suggesting the core of the team that ended the season will feature in New Jersey.
Porto’s attacking output has been steady, but they’ve struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in six of their last eight competitive matches. The MetLife Stadium clash will test Porto’s ability to adapt to Palmeiras’ high-pressing style and South American flair, especially in a neutral venue with a capacity of 82,500.
SE Palmeiras FIFA Club World Cup form:
FC Porto FIFA Club World Cup form:
Team News
For SE Palmeiras, left-back/wing-back Piquerez is a key figure, offering both defensive stability and an attacking threat. In attack, the dynamic Estêvão, despite his disappointment in missing the Brasileiro title last season, is expected to start, supported by Raphael Veiga’s playmaking.
Centre-back Micael and goalkeeper Weverton are likely to anchor a robust defence, while striker Flaco López could lead the line after his prolific Copa Libertadores campaign. Abel Ferreira may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Martinez and Gabriel Menino providing midfield balance. No major injuries have been reported, giving Palmeiras a near-full squad to choose from.
FC Porto could field a strong midfield trio of Alan Varela, Fabio Vieira and Stephen Eustáquio, with the latter’s experience vital in high-stakes matches. Up top, Samu Aghehowa is likely to start as the focal point, flanked by wingers Pepe and Rodrigo Mora. Defensively, João Mário and Diogo Costa are expected to feature, though Porto’s backline has shown vulnerability recently.
Anselmi may stick with a 4-3-3 setup, but there’s uncertainty around new signings, with the coach indicating minimal changes to the squad. No significant injury concerns have been noted.
SE Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Giay, Micael, Fuchs, Piquerez; Menino, Martinez; Estêvão, Veiga, Dudu; López
FC Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Moura, Pérez, Zé Pedro, Joao Mario; Varela, Fábio Vieira, Stephen Eustaquio; Pepe, Rodrigo Mora, Samu Aghehowa
We Say: SE Palmeiras 2-1 FC Porto
Palmeiras’ form this season, defensive solidity, and attacking firepower give them a slight edge in this opening Group A clash. While FC Porto’s European experience and technical quality make them dangerous, their inconsistent defensive record could be exploited by Palmeiras’ dynamic forwards. Expect a tight contest, with the Brazilian side narrowly prevailing.
