Club World Cup Preview: FC Porto

Hooligan Soccer

·31 Mei 2025

Club World Cup Preview: FC Porto

The second in our continuing series highlighting all the clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on June 14th.

Club Background

From: Porto, Portugal
How They Qualified: Selected via the UEFA ranking pathway, where they are currently sitting 10th.
Best CWC Finish: This is their first appearance.

Recent Form: Finished 3rd in the Primeira Liga with 71 points, earning an automatic berth in next season’s Europa League. In this season’s Europa League, they finished 18th in the group stage with 3W – 2D – 3L. They were eliminated by AS Roma 4 – 3 on aggregate in the knockout playoffs.
Some Facts: FC Porto was founded in 1893, entered a period of quiescence and was revitalized in 1906. They’ve had 72 different managers over 119 years. That’s a high turnover. 55% of their squad is Portuguese. They are one of two Portuguese clubs in this tournament. The other is fierce rival Benfica. They have 86 major trophies, and are the most decorated Portuguese club in international competitions.

The Team

Manager: Martín Anselmi Anselmi replaced Vítor Bruno in late January. He is the fourth Argentinian to coach the club. His record so far is 10W – 4D – 4L.
Star Players: FC Porto sold two of its brightest prospects during the winter transfer market: Wenderson Galeno (to Al-Ahli in the Saudi League) Nico González (to Manchester City). Francisco Moura Portuguese defender with 4g/11a in 41 games across all competitions. Diogo Costa Plays goalkeeper for the Portuguese national team. Had 19 clean sheets in 45 games. Pepê Veteran Brazilian defensive midfielder.
Young Players to Watch: Samuel Aghehowa A 21-year old Spanish striker with 25g/3a in 41 games across all competitions. Rodrigo Mora An 18-year old Portuguese attacking midfielder who earned 10g/4a in 23 games playing for the first team. 68% of the squad is 25 years or younger, making them one of the more youthful sides in the event.

When to Watch

6:00pm ET on Jun 15, 2025 vs. Palmeiras @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
3:00pm ET on Jun 19, 2025 vs. Inter Miami @ Mercedes-Benz, Atlanta, GA
9:00pm ET on Jun 23, 2025 vs. Al-Ahly @ Metlife Stadium, Rutherford, NJ

The Hooligan Take

Porto have a fighting chance in this Group. Al Ahly should be beatable, and they will have the benefit of playing them last. If they can manage a draw or narrow loss to Palmeiras this puts them in drivers seat against Inter Miami. This game will be played in Atlanta; the only away fixture Miami has in qualifying. It will be the best chance to beat them.