Flamengo and Espérance Prepare for Historic Club World Cup Match

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Flamengo of Brazil will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia in a historic matchup during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on June 16 at Lincoln Financial Field.

This marks the first ever competitive encounter between the two clubs. Espérance, who recently secured their first league and cup double since the 2010-2011 season, heads into this tournament with impressive form, having won nine of their last ten competitive matches, including eight clean sheets.

They have won 34 top-flight titles overall and four CAF Champions League titles, the highest for a Tunisian club. Conversely, Flamengo, a giant in Brazilian football, has secured the Brazilian football championship seven times, most recently in 2020. They have lost only once in their last 20 matches, indicating strong form entering the tournament.

Flamengo’s offense has been particularly potent, scoring 24 goals in the 2025 season’s first eleven matches, a record not seen since 2008. Key players include midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has contributed significantly with nine goals and four assists.

Espérance’s attack will be led by Youcef Belaïli, their top scorer this season with 19 goals. Additionally, Brazilian striker Yan Sasse contributed ten goals in the league, making them a formidable opponent.

According to simulations by the Opta supercomputer, Flamengo holds a 55.6% chance of winning the match, compared to Espérance’s 21.8%. Flamengo is also favored to progress to the knockout stage, with an estimated 51.4% likelihood, while Espérance has a 20.0% chance.

The match will add excitement to this year’s Club World Cup, showcasing the talents of two of the best clubs from different continents.