When São Paulo FC and CR Flamengo step onto Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 19, 2025, South American soccer fans in the U.S. get a taste of Brazil’s biggest rivalry without hopping on a plane. The match, part of the tenth‑anniversary FC Series, ends in a goalless draw, but the excitement circles far beyond the final whistle. Fans, marketers and the clubs themselves all see a win.
Why this friendly matters
The showdown is more than a warm‑up game. It’s the first time either Brazilian heavyweight has ever played on Inter Miami’s home field, turning a venue usually linked to MLS into a stage for South America’s elite. Filipe Luís, Flamengo’s head coach, described the trip as a chance to "bring the entire team together for the physical, technical and tactical training we need before the season". In other words, the Florida heat doubles as a bonding furnace.
Background: The FC Series turns ten
Founded in 2015, the FC Series was built to showcase top clubs during the MLS preseason window. Over the past decade it has morphed into the Sunshine State’s biggest annual international soccer event, broadcasting to more than 100 countries and racking up over 100 million social‑media impressions in 2023 alone. This year’s edition not only celebrates that milestone but also highlights the growing appetite for Brazilian football across the United States.
Match‑day details
- Date & time: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 – 3:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC‑3)
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Referee: Alexis da Silva (U.S.)
- Result: 0‑0 draw
- Attendance: Estimates around 12,000, many in Brazilian‑community shirts
Both sides fielded near‑full strength squads, with Flamengo rotating several new signings and São Paulo giving minutes to promising academy players. The match remained tight, featuring a handful of chances that never found the net. The clean sheet, while disappointing for the score‑hungry, pleased coaches who were testing defensive shapes ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June.
Flamengo’s preseason itinerary
Flamengo’s U.S. tour starts in Central Florida, where the club trains at the Florida Blue Training Center, Inter Miami’s official facility. After a light session, the squad will travel south for the Fortaleza‑style clash, then head back to Rio on Jan. 24 to finish preparations. Gustavo Oliveira, the club’s Vice President for Communications and Marketing, says the American leg is "a great opportunity to grow the Flamengo brand inside the very important American market".
Economic and community impact
South Florida’s Brazilian diaspora—estimated at over 300,000—gets a rare chance to reconnect with home culture without the cost of a trans‑Atlantic flight. Local businesses report a surge in restaurant reservations and merchandise sales in the days surrounding the match. Ricardo Villar, CEO of FC Series and Florida Cup, noted, "We are thrilled to return to our traditional January window focused on top South American clubs. The economic ripple for Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality sector is significant."
What’s next for the clubs?
São Paulo returns to Brazil to kick off its 2025 campaign in the Campeonato Paulista, hoping the high‑intensity friendly sharpened their attacking rhythm. Flamengo, meanwhile, has the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, where they’ll face champions from Europe, Asia and Africa. The Florida test, according to Luís, helps "build strong relationships, both on and off the field"—a subtle nod to the mental preparation needed for a global showdown.
Future of South American clubs in the U.S.
With the success of this anniversary edition, organizers are already eyeing a 2026 expansion that could include clubs from Argentina and Uruguay. The model—combining top‑flight competition, fan festivals, and broadcast reach—has proven a win‑win for clubs seeking U.S. exposure and for American fans craving authentic South American football.
Key facts
- São Paulo FC and CR Flamengo’s first match at Inter Miami’s home field.
- Match ends 0‑0; referee was U.S. official Alexis da Silva.
- Event celebrates the 10‑year anniversary of the FC Series.
- Flamengo’s preseason includes training at the Florida Blue Training Center.
- FC Series reached over 100 countries and 100 million social‑media users in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect the Brazilian community in South Florida?
The game offers a cultural touchstone, letting thousands of expatriates watch their favorite clubs live. Restaurants saw a 25 % surge in reservations, and local merchants reported record sales of club jerseys and memorabilia, reinforcing community bonds and boosting the regional economy.
What is the strategic purpose of Flamengo’s preseason tour in the United States?
Beyond fitness, the tour gives Flamengo exposure to the lucrative American market, supports brand‑building initiatives, and allows the coaching staff to test tactical setups against varied opposition before the FIFA Club World Cup later in the year.
Who organized the event and why is it significant?
The FC Series, led by CEO Ricardo Villar, curates the match‑up. Celebrating its 10‑year milestone, the series showcases South American clubs to a global audience, reinforcing Florida’s reputation as a soccer hub.
What are the ticket options for fans?
General admission starts at $45, with premium seats closer to the pitch priced at $120. Packages that include both the Brazil clash and the preceding U.S. vs Venezuela match are also available on the official FC Series website.
When does Flamengo return to Brazil after the tour?
The squad departs Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 24, 2025, heading back to Rio de Janeiro to conclude its preseason before the domestic season opens in March.
