Galloway, N.J. — This summer, CR Flamengo, one of Brazil’s top soccer teams, will be training at Stockton University. They are preparing for their upcoming matches in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
Based in Rio de Janeiro, CR Flamengo boasts a fan base of nearly 50 million and is known as one of the most valuable soccer clubs in Brazil.
The team will arrive at Stockton on June 11. Their first match in the tournament is set for June 16 at 9 p.m., where they will face Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunisie. After that, they’ll continue their training before going up against Chelsea FC, a prominent team in England, on June 20 at 2 p.m. Both games will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Stockton President Joe Bertolino expressed pride in hosting CR Flamengo, highlighting the university’s commitment to providing excellent facilities for the team. “This is a fantastic chance to showcase our campus,” he said.
During their stay, Flamengo will have access to two natural grass fields, including G. Larry James Stadium, as well as an air-conditioned Sports Center equipped with physical therapy facilities and meeting spaces for the coaching staff.
Tony Berich, Stockton’s athletics executive director, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to serve as the Team Base Camp for CR Flamengo. Our last visit in December went wonderfully, and we’re excited to support them in their World Cup journey.” He noted that “Rubro-Negro,” a nickname for the team, reflects their iconic black and red colors.
Stockton has a history of hosting FIFA events, dating back to the 1994 World Cup when they welcomed the Saudi Arabia national team and arranged a friendly match with Trinidad and Tobago.
Flamengo chose Stockton for its location near Philadelphia, allowing for easier access and less strain on the players. This decision came after a site visit by manager Gabriel Skinner, with approval from football director José Boto.
CR Flamengo is among six South American teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after their victory in the 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores tournament. The event will take place across 11 cities in the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, featuring 32 teams from six different confederations.
Flamengo’s final group stage match will be against León, a Mexican team, in Orlando on June 24. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
