Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Betting Preview and Prediction – June 15, 2025
Sunday’s action at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup sees Brazilian powerhouse Botafogo take on MLS outfit Seattle Sounders in a crucial Group B clash at Lumen Field. With heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid also vying for a knockout spot, both teams will view this opening match as a vital opportunity to gain an early edge.
Furthermore, this is more than just an international showdown – it’s the first competitive meeting between an MLS team and a Brazilian club since 1998, adding historical weight to what is already a crucial encounter.
Botafogo – South American Champions Looking to Rebound
After lifting the 2024 Copa Libertadores with an impressive 3-1 win over Atletico Mineiro, Botafogo enter this revamped Club World Cup as one of Brazil’s four representatives. However, their preparations haven’t gone entirely to plan.
A 3-0 defeat to Mexican side Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December was a reality check, and the Rio-based side has seen considerable change since then. Former manager Artur Jorge departed, ex-captain Tche Tche joined Vasco da Gama, while key stars Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada moved abroad.
Under new coach Renato Paiva, Botafogo sit eighth in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A standings with only five wins from their first 11 games and a 14-7 goal difference. Nevertheless, they remain a dangerous team, especially when playing with a lead, having won 27 of their last 29 matches after scoring the opening goal.
Botafogo’s attack remains potent, with Igor Jesus – soon heading to Nottingham Forest – leading the line, supported by experienced creators Santiago Rodríguez and Jefferson Savarino. The Venezuelan winger bagged 14 goals across all competitions in last season’s glorious campaign and remains a critical outlet on the flanks.
The club has also reinforced heavily through FIFA’s special transfer window, adding goalkeeper Christian Loor, defender Kaio Pantaleão, midfield playmaker Alvaro Montoro, and experienced forward Arthur Cabral. Joaquin Correa, formerly of Inter Milan, is easing back from injury and may feature from the bench.
With quality all over the pitch and knockout-stage experience, the Alvinegro will aim to start strong and take full control of the group before tougher tests against Atletico Madrid and European champions PSG.
Seattle Sounders – Host Club Seeking a Historic Upset
Seattle Sounders are no strangers to the FIFA Club World Cup, having appeared in the 2022 edition, but this time they’re back on home turf and looking to make a deeper run. All three of their Group B games will be played at Lumen Field, where they boast one of the best home records in MLS.
Although The Sounders haven’t won a major trophy since their 2022 CONCACAF Champions League triumph, they remain one of North America’s most consistent teams. They finished fourth in the 2024 MLS regular season and reached the Western Conference final, narrowly losing to eventual champions LA Galaxy.
Currently sitting sixth in the 2025 Western Conference standings, Brian Schmetzer’s side enter their Club World Cup opener on a down note following back-to-back defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend where they finished with just nine men. That said, they’ve only lost one of their last 15 home matches – a stat that keeps them in the conversation for a surprise result.
Jordan Morris, Seattle’s all-time leading scorer, is unlikely to feature due to ongoing hamstring issues, so Jesus Ferreira will shoulder the goalscoring burden. He’ll be supported by Albert Rusnak, a former Manchester City youth product who’s been involved in 20 goals over his last 26 home games.
Elsewhere, former Botafogo midfielder Joao Paulo, who first joined the Sounders in January 2020, will be eager to take on his old team, but defensive injuries may force coach Brian Schmetzer to make adjustments at the back. With both Yeimar Gomez Andrade and Kim Kee-hee uncertain to feature, potential gaps in Seattle’s defense could provide opportunities for the Brazilians to capitalize.
Possible Starting XIs of Botafogo and Seattle Sounders
Botafogo: John – Vitinho, Jair, David Ricardo, Alex Telles – Gregore, Marlon Freitas – Artur, Jefferson Savarino, Santiago Rodríguez – Igor Jesus. (4-2-3-1)
Seattle Sounders: Stefan Frei – Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Jon Bell, Nouhou Tolo – Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan – Pedro de la Vega, Albert Rusnak, Ryan Kent – Jesús Ferreira. (4-2-3-1)
Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders Prediction
Botafogo enter this match as slight favorites, with odds of +105 at EveryGame, while Seattle Sounders are priced at +265 and the draw at +235. The betting markets reflect the South American side’s superior squad depth and international pedigree, but also acknowledge the challenges of playing away in a tough environment like Lumen Field.
On paper, Botafogo have the higher ceiling, with international experience, depth, and attacking flair. However, they’re still adapting to a new coach and recent squad changes. The hostile atmosphere in Seattle and the Sounders’ strong home record – just one loss in their last 15 – cannot be overlooked.
That said, Botafogo are clinical when ahead and have a far more balanced midfield and attack. If they score first, as they’ve done regularly, they’ll likely manage the game well and shut down Seattle’s transitions. Given the Sounders’ injury concerns and lack of form, the Brazilian champions have the edge.