Benfica aim to collect their first win of the 2025 Club World Cup when they face Auckland City on Friday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando. While the Portuguese giants look to build on a dramatic draw against Boca Juniors, Auckland must recover from the most lopsided defeat in tournament history.
Match Overview
Benfica’s Group C opener saw them come from two goals down to snatch a point against Boca Juniors. A penalty from Angel Di Maria and a late equaliser from captain Nicolas Otamendi, who had a hand in both goals, helped salvage a 2-2 draw in a heated contest where both teams finished with fewer than 11 players.
Now looking to avoid a bottleneck in the qualification race with Bayern Munich looming next, Benfica know a commanding win over Auckland City is critical—not just for points, but for goal difference.
Auckland, meanwhile, arrive at this clash bruised after a brutal 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich. Their defensive frailties were exposed within the first 20 minutes, and they will now look to contain further damage against another European heavyweight.
With eight straight defeats at the Club World Cup since their surprise third-place finish in 2014, the New Zealanders are once again out of their depth at this level.
Team News
Benfica remain without Alexander Bah and Manu Silva due to injury, while Andrea Belotti serves a suspension following his red card against Boca. Manager Bruno Lage may opt to rotate, especially with a decisive final group match against Bayern ahead.
Key midfielder Orkun Kokcu could be rested again due to fitness concerns, but forward Vangelis Pavlidis—who was involved in 26 goals in Portugal’s top flight last season—is expected to lead the line, supported by Kerem Akturkoglu and Andreas Schjelderup.
Auckland City are expected to stick with a conservative five-man back line to limit damage. Goalkeeper Conor Tracey should be in for another busy night, while Myer Bevan will carry their hopes of a rare goal. Futsal star Dylan Manickum and midfielder Mario Ilich will also feature prominently in a side set to defend deep.
Tactical Review
Benfica’s high possession, attacking style should dominate proceedings, with their fluid front three expected to find joy against Auckland’s deep defensive block. Di Maria and Otamendi’s experience will be vital in steering the team through early resistance.
Auckland will rely on compact defending and set pieces but will need to improve their pressing and transitions if they hope to avoid another rout.
How to Watch
Fans can catch this Group C clash live on FIFA+, Sport TV, and ESPN+ (U.S.), with kickoff set for 8:00 PM local time (1:00 AM WAT).
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Benfica 6-0 Auckland City
Benfica will look to make a statement and pad their goal difference, knowing it could be crucial. Auckland may improve defensively, but another heavy defeat seems likely given the disparity in quality and experience.