Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Kickoff: 21:00 Local Time Venue: Lusail Stadium, Doha Prize: The FIFA Challenger Cup Trophy & A spot in the Intercontinental Cup Final vs. PSG
The stage is set for a clash of continents in Doha tomorrow night. South American giants Flamengo, fresh off conquering the “Derby of the Americas,” will lock horns with the rising force of African football, Pyramids FC, in the FIFA Challenger Cup.
For the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher: they will lift a global FIFA trophy and earn the right to challenge the European champions, Paris Saint-Germain, for the ultimate title of World Champion next week.
The Competition Format: Where Are We?
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup has replaced the old annual Club World Cup format. It is a knockout tournament featuring the champions of all six confederations. We have reached the penultimate stage: The FIFA Challenger Cup.
- How they got here:
- Branch A (Africa/Asia/Pacific): Egyptian side Pyramids FC (2025 CAF Champions League Winners) navigated the early rounds, defeating the Asian/Pacific representative to claim the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
- Branch B (The Americas): Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo (2025 Copa Libertadores Winners) defeated the CONCACAF champions (Cruz Azul) earlier this week to win the FIFA Derby of the Americas.
Now, the winners of these two branches meet. The victor of tomorrow’s match is officially crowned the FIFA Challenger Cup Champion and advances to the Grand Final on December 18 to face PSG.
The Teams: Paths to Glory
🔴⚫ Flamengo (Brazil)
The Rio Giants Flamengo arrives in Doha carrying the weight of expectation. After securing their fourth Libertadores title in November, they breezed past the CONCACAF opposition with their trademark high-intensity pressing and flair. Under the tactical guidance of Tite, Flamengo is looking to become the first non-European team to seriously threaten the UEFA representative in years.
- Key Strength: An overwhelming attack. The creative quadrant of Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, and Pedro remains the envy of South America.
- Motivation: They are desperate to set up a “Dream Final” against PSG, Neymar‘s former club.
🔵⚪ Pyramids FC (Egypt)
The New Pharaohs This is history in the making. Pyramids FC has finally broken the Al Ahly-Zamalek duopoly in Africa, lifting the CAF Champions League and proving their worth on the global stage. They are a disciplined, counter-attacking machine that thrives on frustrating possession-based teams.
- Key Strength: Defensive solidity and speed on the break.
- Motivation: They are the underdogs looking to become the first Egyptian side to reach the decisive Intercontinental Final.
📋 Team News & Predicted Lineups
Flamengo
Tite is expected to field his strongest XI. There were concerns over Giorgian de Arrascaeta after he took a knock in the Derby of the Americas, but reports from the camp suggest he trained fully yesterday.
- Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Lino, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique; Pedro.
Pyramids FC
Manager Krunoslav Jurčić has a nearly full squad.
- Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Chibi, Samy, Marei, Hany; Atef, Lasheen; Ziko, Reda, Hafez.
⚖️ Odds & Prediction
Match Odds (90 Minutes):
- Flamengo to Win: 1.43 (-220)
- Draw: 4.20(+320)
- Pyramids FC to Win: 7.50 (+650)
What’s Next?
The winner will stay in Doha to face Paris Saint-Germain on December 18 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final. PSG, having received a bye to the final as the UEFA Champions League winners, are currently training in Qatar awaiting their opponent.
