Botafogo will play in Los Angeles. Photo: Vítor Silva/Botafogo
On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro announced a major initiative to promote both tourism and sports culture abroad by providing R$1 million (approximately $190,000 USD) to each of Rio’s top soccer clubs – Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense, as they gear up to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
This financial boost will fund fan engagement initiatives such as the creation of official fan “houses” in host cities – as the Botafogo House in Venice Beach in Los Angeles, along with promotional events designed to showcase Rio’s vibrant football culture and attract international tourists back to Brazil.
The official announcement took place in Rio’s Lagoa neighborhood and featured the presidents of all three clubs: Luiz Eduardo Baptista (Flamengo), Mário Bittencourt (Fluminense), and João Paulo Magalhães (Botafogo). Each emphasized the cultural and economic importance of this international exposure, both for their clubs and for Rio itself.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be hosted in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. These locations were chosen because of its infrastructure capable of supporting world-class soccer events, but also in part, to have large communities from countries such as Brazil and Argentina that will be represented by popular and high ranked teams such as Flamengo from Rio and Boca Juniors from Buenos Aires. Botafogo, in turn, will be the only Brazilian team to play in California and, in particular, Los Angeles – and having its training base as well as accommodation in the California Riviera, Santa Barbara.
More Than a Game: Cultural Exchange and Tourism Strategy
The state’s support goes beyond sports – it’s part of a broader strategy to promote cultural exchange, international tourism, and potential investment opportunities. “The government showed great sensitivity in realizing how important it is to support initiatives that welcome not only our fans but also Americans and other international audiences,” said Fluminense president Mário Bittencourt, who also recalled the club’s historical 1994 win over the Netherlands and honored legendary coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and player Branco.
Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista added: “Soccer is a central part of Rio’s identity. Having all three clubs representing our city abroad, with support from the state government, is both an honor and a strategic move.”
João Paulo Magalhães of Botafogo expressed confidence in his club’s performance, despite facing top-tier teams like PSG, Atlético de Madrid, and Seattle Sounders. “We are South America’s champions, and we’re ready to make a strong statement on the international stage.”
- Match Schedule – Key Dates for Carioca Clubs
Flamengo game in Miami expected to attract thousands of Brazilians
Here’s where and when the Rio-based teams will compete during the tournament’s first phase:
Sunday, June 15:
Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders FC – 11:00 PM (Group B) – Lumen Field, Seattle
Tuesday, June 17:
Fluminense FC vs. Borussia Dortmund – 1:00 PM (Group F) – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Thursday, June 19:
Flamengo vs. Chelsea FC – 3:00 PM (Group D) – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Botafogo vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 10:00 PM (Group B) – Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
Friday, June 20:
LAFC vs. Flamengo – 10:00 PM (Group D) – Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Saturday, June 21:
Fluminense FC vs. Ulsan HD – 7:00 PM (Group F) – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Monday, June 23:
Atlético de Madrid vs. Botafogo – 4:00 PM (Group B) – Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
Tuesday, June 24:
PSG vs. Botafogo – 10:00 PM (Group B) – Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
Wednesday, June 25:
Mamelodi Sundowns FC vs. Fluminense FC – 4:00 PM (Group F) – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Brazil’s Strong Representation
Photo: Marcelo Gonçalves/FFC
Brazil will be represented by four clubs in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to recent Copa Libertadores victories:
Palmeiras (2021 champion)
Flamengo (2022 champion)
Fluminense (2023 champion)
Botafogo (2024 champion)
Currency Hurdles and Expectations
While thousands of passionate Brazilian fans are expected to attend, the unfavorable exchange rate – currently hovering between R$5.50 and R$5.80 per U.S. dollar- may limit travel plans for some. Even so, government and club leaders remain optimistic that their efforts will not only amplify Brazil’s football legacy abroad but also position Rio de Janeiro as a global tourism destination.
