Overview

• Botafogo and Palmeiras clash in the knockout stage, guaranteeing at least one Brazilian quarterfinalist
• European heavyweights such as Atlético Madrid and Porto were eliminated in the group stage, highlighting Brazil’s mid-season fitness advantage
• UEFA sides can earn up to $39 million compared to a fixed $15.2 million for South American clubs, spurring concerns over fairness
• Matches played under US mid-day heat approaching 40 °C and a congested schedule have raised questions about player welfare
• Critics warn that the event’s commercial focus risks overshadowing its original goal of fostering genuine intercontinental competition