European football's superiority has been taken as fact for decades. Since 2007, European teams lost just once in 34 matches at the Club World Cup. They entered this expanded 2025 tournament as clear favorites, with bookmakers heavily backing them.
But halfway through the group stage, they've been humbled in spectacular fashion. European clubs have managed just one win in six games against South American opposition, with two losses and three draws.
The results have sent shockwaves through betting markets, with odds shifting dramatically as pre-tournament certainties crumble. European clubs have also dropped seven points to teams from Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Liga MX.
South American Teams Shine Against European Giants
Flamengo didn't just beat Chelsea – they dominated them. The Brazilian side's 3-1 victory in Philadelphia saw them outplay the big-spending Premier League club for long stretches.
Botafogo pulled off a classic upset against PSG with a defensive masterclass. Even Brazil's 13th-best team last year, Fluminense, held their own against Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund in a 0-0 draw.
Boca Juniors earned a draw with Bayern Munich before conceding late. Monterrey battled to a 1-1 result with Inter Milan, while Al Hilal matched Real Madrid in what João Cancelo called "a very balanced match."
The performances have punters reconsidering where value lies in future matches. South American teams are no longer being viewed as massive underdogs, with betting lines adjusting accordingly.
Factors Behind the European Struggles
Timing is a significant factor working against European sides. The tournament comes after their grueling 10-month seasons when players are mentally and physically drained. Meanwhile, South American teams are mid-season and specifically built up for this competition.
The Miami heat has clearly affected European teams more than their opponents. "We are used to the heat," said Al Hilal's Malcom, while Atlético Madrid's Marcos Llorente called an 88-degree afternoon "impossible."
There's also a noticeable intensity gap. For South American clubs, these games represent career-defining moments. The passion in the stands reflects this, with South American fans creating hostile atmospheres that neutralize European advantages.
Still, the reality is more nuanced than simply declaring European dominance a myth. There are significant gaps within continents too. Bayern Munich eventually showed their class against Boca, while Porto struggled against Palmeiras.
Flamengo coach Filipe Luis, who played for Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, put it best: "Brazilian clubs are competitive at the second level of European football... But the squads of the elite are better. That's a fact."
For bettors, the tournament has revealed the dangers of automatically backing European clubs. The smart money now looks for value in South American teams, particularly against mid-tier European opposition.
