Espérance begin Club World Cup campaign against Flamengo

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jun 16, 2025. 11:00

As group D action kicks off on day three of the FIFA Club World Cup, Flamengo face Espérance Sportive de Tunis at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Kick-off is at 3am CAT.

Both sides have arrived at the tournament having enjoyed stellar seasons in the respective leagues, with Flamengo having secured the Brazilian Série A and Espérance claiming the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title.

The Tunisian giants also added another Tunisian Cup to their trophy cabinet this past season, but fell short in continental competition. The four-time CAF Champions League winners were knocked out of this year’s edition in the quarterfinals by fellow Club World Cup participants Mamelodi Sundowns.

Espérance’s Brazilian duo of Yan Sasse and Rodrigo Rodrigues will relish the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with a team from their home nation on the international stage, with Sasse having faced the club during his time with Coritiba, Vasco da Gama and America Mineiro in Série A.

The men from Tunis are attempting to become the first African side to win the Club World Cup and will aim to begin their quest with a strong statement.

Flamengo remain in contention for a fourth CONMEBOL Libertadores title, having reached the round of 16 where they are set to face fellow Brazilian side Sport Club Internacional when the competition resumes in August.

Led by head coach Filipe Luiz, who represented both the club and Brazil, Flamengo will be looking to start their campaign with a bang.

By Nic Gleeson