Daijiworld Media Network – Miami

Miami, Jun 25: As the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup moves into its knockout phase, it's not the star-studded line-ups or elite tactics grabbing headlines—it's the electrifying atmosphere fuelled by South American fans.

At Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Boca Juniors and Palmeiras supporters have turned matches into full-blown festivals. Boca’s blue and gold faithful shook the stands with La Bombonera-style chants, while Palmeiras’ green-and-cream army roared their side to a dramatic 2–2 draw with Inter Miami, creating a home-away-from-home vibe.

The spectacle has drawn admiration even from top European figures. Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said, “That crowd was hostile in the best possible way… Many fans would pay to watch that.” Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola added, “Welcome to the real world. I love how South American fans celebrate — they bring a different energy.”

In contrast, several fixtures in cities like Cincinnati and Orlando saw sparse attendance. But in matches featuring South American giants, the energy was unmatched — over 60,000 fans flooded stadiums in scenes more familiar to Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo than suburban America.

Fans also took over Miami Beach with a massive Banderazo ahead of Boca’s opener against Benfica, showcasing hours of non-stop chanting, dancing, and grilling.

Adding to the intensity is the brewing rivalry between Palmeiras and Botafogo. What began as a title snatch two years ago has since turned into one of Brazil's fiercest modern duels. On Sunday, the two sides meet again in the last-16 clash in Philadelphia, with emotions expected to run high.

As North America gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Club World Cup has provided a preview of the passion South American fans will bring. From spectacle to spontaneity, they’ve transformed the tournament from corporate to captivating — and reminded Europe what football sounds like when it sings from the soul.