Frank Christian
The Seattle Sounders are set to host Botafogo, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, at Lumen Field in their first Group B match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Both teams find themselves a considerable distance from the peak performances that earned them spots in this prestigious tournament.
The Sounders last claimed major silverware during the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
Although Botafogo celebrated their Libertadores victory last year, making them the fourth Brazilian team to compete in the Club World Cup, they’ve faced significant player losses. Their successful coach Artur Jorge has moved on to lead Al Rayyan in Qatar since that triumph.
Both teams know that a strong start is crucial, especially as they are grouped with European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.
Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Botafogo has been active in the transfer market leading up to the tournament. They’ve added goalkeeper Christian Loor, defender Kao Fernando, midfielder Alvaro Montoro, and the attacking pair of Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa – who joined on a free from Inter Milan.
This influx of talent aims to compensate for the departures of Thiago Almeda and Luiz Henrique, who were instrumental in their Libertadores title. Henrique, who scored the opening goal in the final against Atletico Mineiro, was dubbed ‘Hero of the Tournament’ before his transfer to Zenit St. Petersburg.
Correa isn’t fully fit for match play, and winger Cuiabano is sidelined with a back injury, joining Matheus Martins and Jeffinho on the injury list.
Attack will likely be spearheaded by Igor Jesus, who is heading to Nottingham Forest, alongside Savarino.
John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Artur, Savarino, Rodriguez; Jesus
Botafogo predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): John(GK) — Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles — Gregore, Freitas — Artur, Savarino, Rodriguez — Jesus
Injured: Correa (doubt), Cuiabano, Martins, Jeffinho
Suspended: None.
Full Botafogo squad
Goalkeepers: John, Leo Linck, Cristhian Loor, Raul
Defenders: Alexander Barboza, Bastos, Cuiabano, Kaio Fernando, Jair, Marcal, Mateo Ponte, David Ricardo, Alex Telles, Vitinho
Midfielders: Allan, Danilo Barbosa, Marlon Freitas, Gregore, Alvaro Montoro, Newton, Santiago Rodriguez, Savarino
Forwards: Artur, Arthur Cabral, Igor Jesus, Kayke, Matheus Martins, Mastriani, Nathan, Rwan Cruz
Jesus Ferreira is expected to take the field as Seattle’s center forward due to the uncertainty surrounding franchise all-time top scorer Jordan Morris, who is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Additionally, defenders Yeimar Gomez and Kim Kee-hee are likely absent due to hamstring and calf injuries, respectively.
Joao Paulo aims to make an impact against his previous team.
Seattle Sounders predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Frei (GK) — A. Roldan, Ragen, Bell, Tolo — Vargas, C. Roldan — De la Vega, Rusnak, Kent — Ferreira
Injured: Morris (hamstring), Gomez (hamstring), Kim (calf)
Suspended: None.
Full Seattle Sounders squad
Goalkeepers: Jacob Castro, Stefan Frei, Andrew Thomas
Defenders: Cody Baker, Jon Bell, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan, Travian Sousa, Nouhou Tolo
Midfielders: Reed Baker-Whiting, Danny Leyva, Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Obed Vargas
Forwards: Pedro de la Vega, Osaze de Rosario, Jesus Ferreira, Ryan Kent, Georgi Minoungou, Jordan Morris, Danny Musovski, Paul Rothrock
Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders score prediction
Currently, Botafogo sits in the eighth position in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A. While they are just six points behind the leaders, Flamengo, it indicates a decline from their excellent performances in 2024. Still, they are a resilient team, remaining unbeaten in their last 29 encounters when scoring first, winning 27 of those matches. Their experience in high-stakes tournaments should carry them through a potentially challenging start at Lumen Field and towards victory.
Prediction: Botafogo 2-0 Seattle Sounders
Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders live stream, TV channel
Every match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be available for free streaming on DAZN globally. Additionally, certain matches may be broadcasted on local networks, depending on DAZN’s agreements.
Here’s how to catch this 2025 Club World Cup group stage showdown in prominent regions:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Sun, Jun. 15 | 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT | TBS, truTV, TUDN, UniMas | DAZN, Sling, Fubo USA, TUDN app, Univision NOW |
| Canada | Sun, Jun. 15 | 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Mon 16, Jun. 15 | 3 a.m. BST | — | DAZN |
| Australia | Mon, Jun. 16 | 1 p.m. AEST | — | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now |
| India | Mon, Jun. 16 | 7:30 a.m. IST | — | DAZN, tabii |
