The first ever 32 team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup was expected to serve as the perfect “thermometer” to assess the global state of football. While many anticipated clear European dominance, the tournament has revealed a much narrower gap between continents than expected.

South American Clubs Take the Lead Against Europe

Contrary to early predictions, CONMEBOL clubs are not only holding their own against UEFA teams they’re outperforming them. So far, there have been four direct matchups between clubs from both confederations, with South America coming out on top: one win and three draws.

Botafogo 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain proved decisive, tipping the balance after draws between Palmeiras and Porto (0-0), Boca Juniors and Benfica (2-2), and Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund (0-0).

Libertadores Champion Takes Down the Champions League Winner

Botafogo victory was not just a major upset it was historic. It ended a 13 year drought since a Copa Libertadores champion last beat the UEFA Champions League winner at a Club World Cup. The last time this happened was in 2012, when Corinthians defeated Chelsea 1-0.

“We killed PSG with their own poison,” said Botafogo coach Renato Paiva after the match. “The secret lies in the quality of our players and coaches. We are fearless,” he added, proudly defending Brazilian football.

Perfect Record Against Non European Rivals

In addition to strong performances against European sides, South American clubs have also asserted dominance over other confederations. Botafogo defeated Seattle Sounders (2-1), Flamengo beat Espérance de Tunis (2-0), and River Plate overcame Urawa Red Diamonds (3-1). In total, CONMEBOL teams have enjoyed an impressive run in the tournament.

Recognition from Europe

The South American surge hasn’t gone unnoticed. “We Europeans sometimes think football is only played here, but there also excellent football in South America,” admitted Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovač.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso echoed that sentiment: “Sometimes we’re too Eurocentric and believe there nothing else out there. That a big mistake. There are great teams outside Europe, and this tournament gives us a chance to see where we really stand.”

Not everyone agrees. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stated: “The favorites are, of course, the European teams.” But with the tournament underway, the debate is heating up: is the gap between UEFA and CONMEBOL really as wide as people thought?

Conmebol Makes a Statement

More than just results, South American teams are displaying intensity, quality, and competitiveness that are challenging European supremacy. What was expected to be a UEFA dominated tournament has turned into a powerful showcase for South American football. CONMEBOL is proving it can compete at the highest level if not surpass it.