In the opening chapter of the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, South America’s footballing landscape has shifted dramatically. Brazil’s top clubs have risen to the occasion with tactical clarity and impressive squad depth, advancing all four representatives to the round of 16. Meanwhile, Argentina — a nation synonymous with footballing excellence — has seen its teams crash out in the group stage without a single side progressing.
This stark contrast in fortunes goes beyond individual results. It reflects a growing divergence in how the two South American giants are building and preparing their clubs for the demands of modern, high-level football.
🔎 Tactical breakdown: Why Brazil thrived
The Brazilian sides have entered the tournament not just with star players but with clear tactical identities and adaptable match plans — traits which have become hallmarks of top-level football in the 21st century.
Flamengo, under the stewardship of former Brazil international Filipe Luís, stunned Chelsea with a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation. The front four constantly rotated, with Bruno Henrique drifting wide and creating overloads on the flanks. Flamengo’s pressing structure forced Chelsea into turnovers in their own half — and the Brazilians capitalised ruthlessly.
Palmeiras, managed by the highly-rated Abel Ferreira, continued to demonstrate why they are considered one of the most tactically organised sides in South America. Using a compact 3-5-2, Ferreira ensured numerical superiority in midfield while offering width through overlapping wing-backs. Their control of transitions has been near-flawless, a key factor in their unbeaten run through the group stage.
Fluminense, known for their possession-based football under Fernando Diniz, leaned on their patient build-up and midfield triangles. They held 68% possession against Mamelodi Sundowns and suffocated the South African side by denying them space and time to counter.
Botafogo, meanwhile, opted for a more pragmatic approach. In their 1–0 win over PSG, they dropped into a low block with a disciplined 4-4-2, allowing Neymar and Mbappé limited space between the lines. Their winning goal came from a set piece — a growing strength across Brazilian club sides who now train with dedicated analysts.
“Brazilian clubs today aren’t just relying on individual flair,” said ESPN Brazil analyst Leonardo Bertozzi. “They’re tactically drilled, data-aware, and better conditioned than even some European clubs expected.”
⚠️ Argentina’s outdated systems exposed
Argentina’s struggles, on the other hand, stemmed from tactical naivety and poor game management. River Plate’s high defensive line against Inter Milan was repeatedly exposed by long diagonals. Despite having technically gifted midfielders, they failed to control tempo or adapt after going down to 10 men.
Boca Juniors’ transitional play lacked urgency, and they were frequently caught out between phases. In their 1–1 draw against Auckland City — a semi-professional team — Boca completed more passes but had fewer touches inside the opposition box. Their reliance on instinctive attacking over structured build-up often left them vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Both Estudiantes and Rosario Central offered little tactical variation, often relying on individual brilliance rather than systems — an approach that may still work domestically, but falls short at a global tournament featuring well-coached sides from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
📜 Historical context: Echoes of a wider shift
This is not the first time the footballing pendulum has swung between Brazil and Argentina, but rarely has it felt so definitive.
Historically, Argentine clubs like River Plate, Boca Juniors and Independiente have dominated South American competitions. Boca, in particular, reached four Copa Libertadores finals between 2000 and 2007, while River made three finals between 2015 and 2019. In contrast, Brazil’s clubs often struggled to maintain consistency on the continental stage.
But the last decade has seen a notable Brazilian resurgence. Since 2019, Brazilian clubs have won every Copa Libertadores title — Flamengo (2019, 2022), Palmeiras (2020, 2021), and Fluminense (2023) — signalling a sustained era of dominance. Their domestic league, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, has benefited from stronger broadcasting deals, private investment, and improved club management.
The result: Brazilian clubs now retain key players longer, invest in modern training facilities, and attract foreign managers with fresh ideas. By contrast, Argentina’s economy has forced clubs to sell emerging talent early, with limited funds reinvested in long-term planning.
“Argentina still produces world-class players,” said former Boca and Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón. “But club structures haven’t evolved with the game.”
🧮 Key statistics
- Bruno Henrique (Flamengo): 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 chances created vs Chelsea
- Sebastian Esposito (Inter Milan): 2 goals in the group stage, including winner vs River Plate
- Possession (Fluminense vs Sundowns): Fluminense 68%
- Fouls committed (River Plate vs Inter): River 18, including 2 red cards
- Expected goals (Boca vs Auckland City): Boca 0.95, Auckland 1.20
🗓️ Knockout round fixtures involving Brazilian clubs
- Palmeiras vs Botafogo – Philadelphia, 28 June
- Flamengo vs Bayern Munich – Miami, 29 June
- Fluminense vs Inter Milan – Charlotte, 30 June
📍 Conclusion: The balance tilts toward Brazil
Brazil’s collective performance has not only set the tone at this year’s Club World Cup, but also underlined a deeper transformation. Their clubs are no longer merely exporters of talent — they are becoming powerhouses of the modern club game.
For Argentina, this tournament will serve as a warning. Tactical rigidity, financial strain, and a lack of innovation are now being ruthlessly punished at international level. If the country hopes to reclaim its place among club football’s elite, reform — both on and off the pitch — is urgently needed.