Overview
- Four Brazilian clubs—Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense—sit atop their groups with one match remaining, guaranteeing their progression to the round of 16.
- Flamengo’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea and Botafogo’s 1-0 upset of Paris Saint-Germain underscored South American clubs outperforming European heavyweights.
- Ulsan Hyundai’s 4-2 loss to Fluminense eliminated the Korean side after just two matches, making it the first team to exit the group stage.
- Analysts cite shorter travel distances, robust local fan support in U.S. stadiums and sweltering evening heat as contributing to European fatigue.
- Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester City have joined Flamengo as the first confirmed qualifiers for the round of 16 ahead of the June 28 kick-off.