Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Prediction 16.06.2025
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Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Prediction
Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Prediction and Betting Tips for the opening round of Group B in the FIFA Club World Cup, set for Sunday, June 16. The clash kicks off at Lumen Field, with the hosts hoping to turn around recent form. In this preview, you’ll find expert Club World Cup Predictions and key match insights from XpertStats.
- Seattle Sounders have lost only one of their last 15 matches at Lumen Field.
- Botafogo qualified for the Club World Cup as 2024 Copa Libertadores champions.
- Igor Jesus leads Botafogo’s attack with the highest xG and shots in the team.
- This is the first-ever competitive meeting between a Brazilian and MLS club since 1998.
Seattle Sounders come into this game with a strong home record but questionable momentum. Despite suffering two straight defeats in MLS play, the Sounders have only lost one of their last 15 games at Lumen Field and boast a formidable 2025 home record. Star midfielder Albert Rusnák remains the creative heartbeat of the side, with 20 goal contributions in his last 26 home matches. However, injuries to key players like Jordan Morris and defensive stalwart Yeimar Gomez Andrade could expose their backline against high-quality opponents.
The Sounders have a mixed history in international competitions, having exited early in their only previous Club World Cup appearance in 2022. They will need to improve on recent form – which includes a 3-0 defeat to Vancouver – to navigate a group that also features Atlético Madrid and PSG. Manager Brian Schmetzer will likely lean on experience, set-pieces, and the crowd at Lumen Field to make an impact.
Botafogo enter this tournament on a three-match winning streak and with the confidence of being reigning Copa Libertadores champions. While they fell short at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca, their overall form remains solid, losing just one of their last eight matches. The Brazilian side will rely heavily on Igor Jesus, who leads the team in shots (35), shots on target (14), expected goals (2.47), and touches in the opposition box (55) this season. Botafogo also boast one of the tighter defenses in the competition, with four clean sheets in their last five outings.
Though they’ve recently lost key players and changed head coaches, Botafogo’s revamped squad still features quality with the additions of Joaquin Correa, Arthur Cabral, and teenage sensation Alvaro Montoro. Despite fitness concerns for some, their depth could prove critical. The Brazilian outfit are eighth in their domestic league but have a balanced mix of youth and experience. Facing Seattle in the first group match could be a golden opportunity to set the tone – especially with tougher opponents looming.
Expect a competitive and cautious affair as both teams seek a strong start to their campaign. Given the stakes, a tight match with few goals could be on the cards. For more expert analysis, see our full range of Club World Cup Predictions on XpertStats.
Both sides enter this match with solid defensive structures and recent trends favoring low-scoring outcomes. Botafogo have kept four clean sheets in their last five games across competitions and have seen Under 2.5 Goals in four of those five. Their backline has been well-organized, and Igor Jesus, while prolific in volume of shots, has a modest xG (2.47) across the league season, suggesting fewer clear chances. Seattle, meanwhile, have struggled offensively in June, scoring just twice in their last two matches and conceding six. Without key attacking players like Jordan Morris and with top defender Yeimar potentially missing, they are likely to take a cautious approach. History also supports a conservative match: the Sounders’ only Club World Cup game ended 1-0. Given the stakes of the group and strong defenses on both sides, a tight, low-scoring affair appears highly probable.
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