Flamengo director José Boto warns of tough Club World Cup opener against Espérance

Flamengo sporting director José Boto said the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup encounter against Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis will not be an easy one. Boto spoke about his team’s current form and the Club World Cup before the Brazilian outfit departed for the United States for the inaugural tournament.

Flamengo are drawn against Espérance, English giants Chelsea, and MLS side Los Angeles FC in Group D. They will face Espérance on June 16 in Philadelphia.

Boto stated that the game against the record Tunisian champions will be a difficult one. “Facing African teams is always a challenge; they have great technique. I think some opponents are underestimated. Our match against Espérance will be particularly difficult, but we intend to take full advantage of every match.”

Espérance and Los Angeles FC are given a low probability of progressing to the next round. Nonetheless, the Tunisian outfit will be ready to fight for qualification from the group stages under the guidance of Maher Kanzari.