Espérance Tunis open their Club World Cup campaign on Monday night with a daunting encounter against Flamengo, one of South America’s most decorated and formidable clubs.
The Rio de Janeiro-based side returns to the global stage after clinching the 2022 Copa Libertadores title, cementing their status as Brazil’s top team over the past six years.
Backed by the largest fanbase in the country and boasting the biggest transfer budget in Brazilian football, Flamengo arrive in the United States as a major contender.
Their squad is packed with experience and quality.
High-profile signings such as Danilo and Alex Sandro have brought a wealth of European pedigree to the full-back positions, while midfield orchestrator Jorginho is set to be the team’s marquee figure.
Having departed Arsenal, the 32-year-old signed a three-year contract with Flamengo and is expected to play a pivotal role in the tournament.
Head coach Filipe Luís, a former Atlético Madrid and Brazil left-back, has swiftly risen through the ranks since hanging up his boots in 2023.
Foto oficial de Jorginho com a camisa do Flamengo para o Mundial.
A primeira competição do jogador pelo Rubro-Negro. pic.twitter.com/eq7WuCq0IA
— Futmais | Menino Fut (@futtmais) June 14, 2025
After leading Flamengo’s U17s to silverware in his debut coaching season, he was appointed U20 boss in mid-2024, before being promoted just four months later to manage the senior team.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest coaching prospects in Brazilian football, Filipe Luís has already claimed three trophies as manager, including a Brazilian Cup, and has suffered only three defeats in 46 matches.
👀 | Filipe Luís et Flamengo sont prêts à découvrir le nouveau format de la Coupe du Monde des Clubs. 🏆🇧🇷 #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld
Suivez la compétition gratuitement sur DAZN. 🆓
Regardez l’interview en intégralité ici : https://t.co/sgic5tUGb0 !👈 pic.twitter.com/P7tcRLKtVl
— DAZN France (@DAZN_FR) June 10, 2025
His tactical approach is bold and ambitious, favouring high pressing, fluid attacking movements and positional rotations to gain numerical superiority in key areas.
Flamengo’s philosophy under their young coach emphasises possession-based football and a compact defensive shape, paired with aggressive transitions.
This style has been instrumental in their recent dominance at domestic and continental levels.
Among the standout players is Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
From Arrascaeta 🇺🇾😀#EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/COcUQRKrjV
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) June 11, 2025
At 31, he remains one of the finest attacking midfielders in South America, known for his vision, precision, and decisive contributions in the final third.
Espérance fans should also keep an eye on right-back Wesley, a powerful and energetic defender whose pace and physicality have drawn the attention of clubs like Manchester City.
🚨 Wesley (Flamengo) is back on Manchester City’s radar. 🇧🇷👀
Both clubs have resumed negotiations in recent days, working to reach an agreement for the right-back’s transfer. Talks ongoing.
[@RTIEsporte] pic.twitter.com/FmRTT7gco4
— City Chief (@City_Chief) June 9, 2025
His presence adds an extra edge to Flamengo’s dynamic flank play.
With group rivals Los Angeles FC and Espérance themselves standing in the way, Flamengo are tipped to advance to the knockout stages.
Chelsea present the most formidable challenge in Group D, but the Brazilians are confident they can compete with the Premier League side and push for a place in the latter stages of the competition.
