When the world arrives in the United States this weekend, some of the most dangerous clubs won’t be flying in from Manchester or Madrid. They’ll be coming from Rio, Buenos Aires, and Monterrey.

Eight Latin American clubs—four from Brazil, two from , and two from Mexico—will carry the region’s ambition into the expanded 32-team FIFA Club . With legacy, recent continental dominance, and bold transfer strategies, they’ll try to prove that money doesn’t always win tournaments.

Brazil isn’t just showing up—it’s arriving with titles. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo each won the Copa Libertadores between 2021 and 2024. That level of sustained dominance comes from long-term investment, domestic depth, and smart squad retention.

Flamengo continues to build around Giorgian de Arrascaeta, one of South America’s most productive midfielders. His set-piece quality and ability to unlock compact defenses makes him indispensable. In 2025, he’ll be joined by Jorginho, recently signed from Arsenal. The Brazilian midfielder brings Champions League experience and a calmness that should prove valuable in knockout play.

Fluminense’s story is steadier but no less ambitious. The 2023 Libertadores champions are bringing back key pieces from that title run. Colombian winger Jhon Arias remains a consistent creative threat, especially from dead-ball situations. Thiago Silva, now 40, returned to his boyhood club to anchor a back line that could face some of the world’s most dangerous forwards.

Palmeiras, Libertadores champions in 2021, now lean on 20-year-old striker Vitor Roque. He’s already on the radar of major European clubs, but for now he remains the spearhead of a side that knows how to play under pressure. Botafogo, fresh off its surprise 2024 title, will ride the form of Igor Jesus, who finished their last campaign with 12 goals and 8 assists. Luka Jović, formerly of Real Madrid, could join to offer additional firepower, with Jesus linked to EPL side Nottingham Forest.

In Argentina, the story splits between old-world prestige and emerging firepower. River Plate brings one of the most exciting teenage prospects in the world. Franco Mastantuono, only 17, became the youngest goal scorer in Copa Libertadores history and already looks composed on the ball in tight spaces. Sebastián Driussi, who returned after stints in MLS and Russia, offers experience and scoring touch.

Boca Juniors, by contrast, are built on grit. Marcos Rojo anchors the defense with the same edge he brought to Manchester United. Up front, Miguel Merentiel leads the line. He’s not the flashiest forward, but his work rate and physicality have earned him the nickname “La Bestia” among fans.

The Mexican clubs offer a different kind of threat. They aren’t here on legacy—they’re here because they acted. Pachuca and CF Monterrey both took full advantage of FIFA’s special transfer window. Monterrey landed Sergio Ramos, who, although past his peak, still brings invaluable experience. Midfielder Sergio Canales and winger Lucas Ocampos, both from Spain’s top flight, add serious attacking weight.

Pachuca loaded up too. John Kennedy, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 Libertadores final for Fluminense, now wears their colors. Salomón Rondón has been in lethal form since arriving in Liga MX, scoring nine goals during their CONCACAF Champions Cup title run. Kenedy and Alfonso González round out a roster that has balance and bite.

If Brazil has the cohesion and recent history, and Argentina the reputation, then Mexico might be the most unpredictable. Their tournament-specific signings could disrupt any group draw. Both clubs are structured, ambitious, and fearless.

There will be European giants in this tournament, yes. But Latin America is coming in with confidence and a point to prove. These aren’t nostalgia acts or regional favorites—they’re clubs built to win now.

And this summer, the U.S. becomes their stage.