SAO PAULO — As the Club World Cup takes center stage in the United States this weekend, Brazil stands out with its representation of four participating teams—more than any other nation. Among these, Palmeiras sees the tournament as a chance for redemption on the international stage. Under the leadership of coach Abel Ferreira since 2020, the club has clinched two Copa Libertadores titles and secured victories in domestic leagues and cups. Yet, a world champions’ title remains elusive.
Palmeiras, despite its decorated history, finds itself in the shadow of local rivals Corinthians, Sao Paulo, and Santos, each having won the esteemed global trophy at least twice. For the 16 million fans of Palmeiras, these lacking accolades have been the subject of over twenty years of jests and jabs from opposing supporters. Although none of Brazil’s other entrants, including clubs like Fluminense and Botafogo, have won the title either, Palmeiras is particularly eager to break this pattern for the third time in five years.
“We recognize our 10% chance of winning the tournament,” Ferreira admitted earlier this year. “We’re determined to make the most of this chance, starting with our primary objective of advancing past the group stage. Our presence here is hard-earned.”
In this edition of the Club World Cup, Palmeiras qualified by winning the 2021 Copa Libertadores. They now face challenging group stage opponents, including Portugal’s Porto, Egypt’s Al Ahly, and a stacked Inter Miami led by Lionel Messi. Optimistic fans like Matheus Flor ponder other opportunities to break the supposed curse, particularly in the upcoming FIFA Intercontinental Cup—a shorter version of the competition with fewer teams.
“Playing a European team in a singular match gives us more hope,” said Flor. “I would be willing to travel to see Palmeiras win. However, our enthusiasm is tempered, knowing the jokes might continue if we don’t succeed this time.”
The club’s key players, such as 18-year-old winger Estêvão, midfielder Raphael Veiga, and defender Gustavo Gómez, may not remain with the team beyond this tournament.
Historically, Palmeiras has faced heartbreak at this level three times. In 1999, they lost the Intercontinental Cup 1-0 to Manchester United. In more recent attempts, they fell 1-0 to Mexico’s Tigres in a semifinal in 2021 and lost 2-1 in extra time to Chelsea the following year. A significant group of Palmeiras supporters hold the 1951 Copa Rio title as a claim to world champion status, though FIFA has not officially recognized it as equivalent to the contemporary Club World Cup.
This year’s campaign sees Palmeiras topping their Copa Libertadores group stage and vowing to compete fiercely for the league title. Their initial matchup in the Club World Cup is scheduled for Sunday against Porto in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it’s expected that a significant number of soccer enthusiasts from Sao Paulo will be tuning in to watch.
Despite the mixed emotions, Flor and many supporters remain steadfast. “Yes, we aim to end these jokes, but grandeur isn’t defined by this single accolade. We’ve been the dominant force in Brazilian soccer for quite some time,” Flor said with anticipation. “Someday we’ll lift the trophy, and silence the critics once and for all.”