The Seattle Sounders are taking on Brazil’s Botafogo at Lumen Field on Sunday (7 p.m. PT; Watch free on DAZN.com | TICKETS) in their first match of Group B at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Here are three matchups to watch:
Jackson Ragen vs. Igor Jesus
With both Yeimar and Kim Kee-hee battling injuries, even more of the onus defensively will fall on the hulking American center back. Jackson Ragen was a 2024 MLS Defender of the Year Finalist whose main responsibility on Sunday will be keeping Jesus off the score sheet. The 24-year-old forward has been heavily linked to a move to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League and for good reason. He leads Botafogo in goals through the early part of the Série A campaign and earned his first senior cap with Brazil late last year.
Nouhou vs. Artur
Artur has been excellent for Botafogo since joining from Russia’s Zenit St. Petersburg in January. The 27-year-old winger has two goals and a team-high three assists in just under 800 minutes. He’ll be matched up down Botafogo’s right side with Nouhou, one of the best 1-v-1 defenders in MLS. The Cameroonian international has already showcased his talents on the world stage, helping stop Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in the African Cup of Nations and taking down Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Pedro de la Vega vs. Alex Telles
Conversely, on the Sounders’ right flank, they’ll look for Argentine Designated Player Pedro de la Vega to cause a lot of trouble. De la Vega has a goal and three assists in roughly 700 minutes so far this season and has the creative flair to thrive against top South American competition. He’ll be lined up against one of the more decorated left backs of the generation in Telles, the 32-year-old former Brazil international who has spent time with some of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Porto and more.
