Boca Juniors and Benfica will open their Group C campaigns at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, meeting at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. With Bayern Munich and Auckland City also in the group, both sides are desperate to start strong in what promises to be a tight battle for progression.
This clash pits two historic institutions from South America and Europe against each other, each with a storied past but something to prove on the global stage.
Match Overview
Benfica arrive at the tournament as one of UEFA’s chosen representatives, having secured their place via a strong four-year continental record. Though they fell just short domestically—losing both the league title and the cup final to rivals Sporting Lisbon—they produced standout results in Europe, including dominant wins over Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Red Star Belgrade.
Despite those highs, Bruno Lage’s side ended the season with only the Taca da Liga. Now, the Portuguese giants make their Club World Cup debut, hoping to translate their attacking form—they scored 84 goals in the Primeira Liga—into international success. With a rich continental pedigree and recent Champions League experience, Benfica aim to at least escape this tricky group.
Boca Juniors, meanwhile, make their first Club World Cup appearance since finishing runners-up to AC Milan in 2007. Although historically successful—with three Intercontinental Cups and six Copa Libertadores—they’ve recently struggled in South America.
Their decline was underlined by a shock qualification playoff defeat to Alianza Lima this year and an early exit from Argentina’s Torneo Apertura. In response, Boca replaced Fernando Gago with veteran coach Miguel Ángel Russo, who now leads a side packed with familiar names but clouded by instability.
Team News
Benfica are missing right-back Alexander Bah and midfielder Manu Silva due to long-term injuries, while striker Zeki Amdouni is no longer part of the squad following his loan return to Burnley. However, the Eagles still boast plenty of quality.
Vangelis Pavlidis will lead the line after racking up 19 goals and seven assists in the league. Behind him, Orkun Kokcu—Portugal’s top chance creator last season—will orchestrate play from midfield, flanked by experienced stars Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, both of whom are set to face fellow Argentines with added motivation.
For Boca Juniors, Edinson Cavani is sidelined, meaning Miguel Merentiel is set to spearhead the attack. The Uruguayan forward will be supported by Exequiel Zeballos and Cristian Medina, with Ander Herrera expected to control the tempo from midfield.
Luis Advincula is still not fully fit, but Boca will welcome Ayrton Costa following his visa clearance. Recent Milan loanee Marco Pellegrino may feature from the bench, while Marcos Rojo and Rodrigo Battaglia should form the spine of Russo’s defence.
Tactical Review
Benfica are likely to dominate possession, leveraging Kokcu’s passing range and Pavlidis’ intelligent movement. Di Maria will drift in from the right, looking to exploit the space behind Boca’s advancing full-backs.
Boca will sit deeper, relying on quick transitions through Zeballos and Palacios. With Merentiel as the lone striker, their attack hinges on efficient counterplay and set-piece opportunities.
The midfield battle—featuring Herrera and Delgado against Kokcu and Florentino Luis—could shape the game. If Boca manage to disrupt Benfica’s rhythm, they’ll stand a chance. Otherwise, the Eagles’ superior cohesion may tilt the tie.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with coverage available across major global regions. Fans can stream the game via the DAZN mobile app or official website.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Boca Juniors 1-2 Benfica
Despite some fatigue at the end of a long campaign, Benfica’s squad depth and tactical consistency should be enough to overcome a disjointed Boca team. Expect Angel Di Maria to play a key role, helping his side take a crucial early lead in Group C.