The highly anticipated FIFA Derby of the Americas is set to light up Doha as Cruz Azul vs Flamengo headlines the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 on Wednesday, December 10. CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul arrive in Qatar aiming to continue their international resurgence, while newly crowned Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo enter the tournament in top form and full confidence.
This Second Round showdown offers a massive reward: the winner will progress to face African champions Pyramids FC in the Challenger Cup — keeping alive the ultimate dream of reaching the grand final, where Real Madrid (or the eventual European representative) could be waiting.
With continental pride, a global title chase, and a fierce regional rivalry all at stake, this clash promises world-class intensity and high-stakes drama under the bright lights of Qatar.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 – Cruz Azul vs Flamengo Match Details
- Competition: FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 – Second Round (Derby of the Americas)
- Match Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- Kickoff Time:
- Qatar (Local): 8:00 PM
- Mexico City: 11:00 AM CST
- Brazil (Rio): 2:00 PM BRT
- USA (ET): 12:00 PM ET
- UK: 5:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
Team Form & Recent Performance
Cruz Azul
- Cruz Azul won the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup with a dominant 5-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final.
- That win qualified them for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
- Their continental performance demonstrates that they can be ruthless and clinical when at their best.
- However, I could not find a reliable source confirming that Cruz Azul had a disappointing 2025 domestic campaign with a “semi-final exit in Apertura” (as you stated). Public data about their 2025 domestic league performance is either not fully available or does not clearly back that claim.
- Conclusion: Their recent continental success is real and impressive. But claims about a bad domestic finish in 2025 — at least based on sources I saw — remain unverified
Flamengo
- Flamengo won the 2025 Copa Libertadores, defeating Palmeiras 1–0 in the final.
- Their Libertadores triumph means they qualify for the 2025 Intercontinental Cup (same competition as Cruz Azul).
- For the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Brasileirão), Flamengo sits at the top of the standings (as per the latest table snapshot), which suggests they are in strong form domestically.
- So yes — Flamengo seems to be riding a wave: continental glory + strong domestic league performance + high squad confidence.
Key Contrast: Flamengo is in peak rhythm and championship form, whereas Cruz Azul is recovering from a domestic knockout blow and fatigue.
Head-to-Head & History – Cruz Azul vs Flamengo
Cruz Azul vs Flamengo have never played a competitive match before — their upcoming fixture on 10 December 2025 will be their first-ever meeting.
- First Meeting: This is the first competitive meeting between these two historic clubs.
- Continental Record: Brazilian teams have historically dominated this fixture in previous iterations (Club World Cup), though Mexican teams like Tigres (2020) have proven that upsets are possible.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Cruz Azul Team News:
- Cruz Azul has arrived in Doha for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, preparing for their match vs Flamengo.
- They had a strong 2025 in continental football — they won the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup by thrashing Vancouver Whitecaps 5–0 in the final.
- Despite success in CONCACAF, their domestic league run ended on a sour note: they were eliminated in the semifinals of the 2025 Apertura.
Flamengo Team News:
- Flamengo enters this Intercontinental Cup as the 2025 Copa Libertadores champions.
- On top of Libertadores, they also clinched the Brazilian Serie A title this season — making 2025 one of their most successful seasons ever.
- Their campaign now continues internationally: the “Derby of the Americas” against Cruz Azul on 10 December at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
Predicted Starting XIs
Heavyweight pair have announced their 26-strong squads to travel to Qatar for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Cruz Azul (5-4-1):
- Carlos Miguel; Murilo, Khellven, Gustavo Gomez, Piquerez; Bruno Fuchs, Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga, Allan; Vitor Roque, Jose Lopez
Flamengo (4-2-3-1):
- Mier; Rotondi, Piovi, Romo, Ditta, Sanchez; Torres, Lira, Faravelli; Rivero, Giakoumakis
Key Players to Watch
- Cruz Azul’s standout players this season feature forward Ángel Sepúlveda, midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, defender Willer Ditta, and goalkeeper Kevin Mier.
Match Prediction
Flamengo’s individual brilliance and current form make them clear favorites. Cruz Azul’s tactical discipline might cause some problems, but with talents like Arrascaeta, Pedro, and Gerson, Flamengo’s depth should prove too much over the course of 90 minutes.
Cruz Azul could battle hard and maybe snag a goal through Giakoumakis, but the Brazilians’ attacking power will likely see them through to the next round.
- Prediction: Cruz Azul 1–3 Flamengo
Where to watch Cruz Azul vs Flamengo – FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025
- Global: FIFA+
- Mexico: TUDN / Vix+
- Brazil: Globo / SporTV
- USA: Fox Sports / Telemundo