Palmeiras was recognized as the 1951 Copa Rio champion by Fifa. In an official report released last Tuesday, Fifa began to treat various intercontinental club competitions in a uniform manner.
What is the Copa Rio?
The Copa Rio was created with the purpose of electing the world champion among clubs from several continents. The tournament took place only twice: in 1951, with the title going to Palmeiras, and in 1952, when Fluminense won.
Why is Palmeiras not considered a world champion?
On the official Palmeiras website, it is stated that the team was the first to win the inaugural Interclub World Cup in 1951. The globalization of football required more inclusive tournaments between continents, culminating in the 2000 Interclub World Cup in Japan.
| Competition | Year |
|---|---|
| Copa Rio | 1951 |
| Copa Intercontinental | 1960-1979 |
So far, Palmeiras is in 2nd place in Serie A, with 76 points, 23 wins, 7 draws and 8 losses in 38 games, and a goal difference of +33. The next Palmeiras match will be against Internacional, at home, on August 9, 2026.
World champions recognized by Fifa by year
- Real Madrid (Spain) – 9 titles
- Palmeiras is not officially considered a world champion, despite winning the 1951 Copa Rio.
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