Click here to watch LIVE the match between Cruz Azul and Flamengo in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Mexican giants Cruz Azul and Brazilian royalty CR Flamengo headline the FIFA Derby of the Americas in Qatar, a continental showdown packed with high stakes.

Cruz Azul arrive as the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners, while Flamengo secured their place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ last month after defeating fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores final.

The winner of this clash will move on to face Pyramids FC of Egypt in the FIFA Challenger Cup just three days later. Whoever advances from that matchup will earn a spot against Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup Final, scheduled for December 17.

Cruz Azul vs CR Flamengo

Last five matches

• Cruz Azul: W1 D3 L1
• Flamengo: W3 D2 L0

The Match

Cruz Azul arrive in Qatar after being eliminated in the Liga MX playoffs semifinals by Tigres, a match that also resulted in a significant injury to Jesús Orozco Chiquete. That setback adds to the absences of goalkeeper Kevin Mier and midfielder Andrés Montaño, complicating matters for the Mexican side.

The outlook is far more positive for Flamengo, who come in brimming with confidence after winning both the Copa Libertadores and Serie A in the past two weeks. Managed by Filipe Luis, the Brazilian side is led by star names such as Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Leo Pereira, and Alex Sandro, along with winger Samuel Lino and Colombian striker Jorge Carrascal.

Players to Watch

Born and developed in Mexico City, international midfielder Erik Lira has been the engine of Cruz Azul since arriving from Pumas in 2022. Naturally a defensive midfielder and a key piece in Nicolás Larcamón’s 3-4-2-1, Lira has recently showcased his versatility by performing just as effectively as one of the three center-backs. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and passing accuracy make him crucial both defensively and in midfield.

For Flamengo, the main creative threat is Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the master of the through ball. Wearing the iconic No. 10 and operating as the playmaker in Filipe Luis’ 4-2-3-1, the 31-year-old Uruguayan enjoyed another outstanding season, finishing with 18 goals and 14 assists in the recently concluded league campaign. Stopping him will be one of Cruz Azul’s top priorities if they hope to advance to the Challenger Cup.

Key Facts

- Cruz Azul, winners of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, claimed their seventh continental title, tying the all-time record, after a dominant 5–0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final on June 1, 2025.

- The Mexican side has lost just three of its last 24 matches in all competitions (W11 D11).

- On November 29, 2025, Flamengo became the first Brazilian club to win four Copa Libertadores titles, defeating Palmeiras 1–0 thanks to a header from Danilo.

- Flamengo have lost only one of their last 11 matches in all competitions (W6 D4).

Quotes

🗣 Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul):

“This will be a very difficult match. We have the quality to compete and be a tough opponent. We hope to show that on the pitch.”

🗣 Filipe Luis (Flamengo head coach):

“There’s great energy in the locker room. We believe we can beat Cruz Azul, then Pyramids in the semifinals, and reach the final against Paris Saint-Germain, who are currently the best team in the world.”