Flamengo vs Bayern Munich

Bayern’s Second-Place Finish Could Haunt Them

Progressing was always the priority, but finishing second in Group C has landed Bayern Munich on the tougher side of the CWC bracket. While Vincent Kompany’s side dodged Chelsea for now, some might argue Flamengo are an even more dangerous opponent at the moment. And if Bayern do get past them, Paris Saint-Germain likely loom in the quarterfinals.

What makes it all the more frustrating is that this scenario was entirely avoidable. A single point against Benfica on Matchday 3 would have been enough, but a 1-0 loss to the Portuguese giants sealed Bayern’s second-place fate.

Kompany had already secured knockout qualification after wins over Auckland City and Boca Juniors, so he played it safe in the scorching U.S. heat, resting nearly his entire starting XI against Benfica. That decision marked Bayern’s first defeat since their Champions League quarter-final first-leg loss to Inter Milan back in April—and it could come back to bite them as they chase their third CWC title, having previously triumphed in 2013 and 2020.

Flamengo: A Red-Hot Threat

Meanwhile, Flamengo stride into the last 16 brimming with confidence. They cruised through their group with seven points, securing top spot early after beating Esperance Tunis and Chelsea. A rotated squad then held LAFC to a draw, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 games—eight of them wins.

While they might have preferred facing Benfica or Boca Juniors at this stage, the Brazilians won’t be fazed, especially after their statement 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Under Filipe Luís, they’ve become ruthlessly efficient—not always flashy, but incredibly hard to break down. Across the entire group stage, they conceded just two goals and allowed only one high-quality chance (with an xG over 0.2).

Backed by a passionate fanbase—54,000 roared them on against Chelsea—Flamengo’s supporters are turning stadiums into a sea of red and black.

With 54,000 spectators watching their victory over Chelsea, Flamengo has been one of the most well-supported teams at the finals. A similarly boisterous environment is anticipated at the Hard Rock Stadium as the Brazilians attempt to pull off another upset.