Table of Contents
The final round of Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features a classic David vs. Goliath encounter as Argentina’s Boca Juniors meet New Zealand’s Auckland City.
With Bayern Munich and Benfica fighting at the top, Boca Juniors must win big to keep their knockout hopes alive. Auckland City, already eliminated, are looking to bow out with pride.
🏟️ Venue & Conditions
Stadium: GEODIS Park, Nashville
Weather: Hot and humid, clear skies
Match Official: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Attendance: Expected crowd of 25,000+
⚔️ What’s at Stake
Boca Juniors: Need a large-margin win (7+ goals) to have any chance of progressing, depending on Benfica’s result against Bayern Munich.
Auckland City: Already eliminated but aiming for a memorable performance on the world stage.
⚽ Team News & Lineups
Auckland City (Manager: Paul Posa):
Likely XI – Tracey; Ilich, Vale, Mitchell, Howieson; Bevan, De Vries, Illich, Manickum, Singh, Rogerson
Note: Majority of players are semi-professional, some on unpaid leave from day jobs.
Boca Juniors (Coach: Miguel Ángel Russo):
Likely XI – Romero; Advíncula, Valentini, Rojo, Blanco; Medina, Pol Fernández, Zenón; Merentiel, Langoni, Zeballos
Note: Cavani out injured; Costa suspended.
📊 Match Stats & Form
Auckland City: 0 points, 0 goals scored, 16 goals conceded
Boca Juniors: 1 point (2-2 vs Benfica, 1-2 loss to Bayern)
First-ever meeting between the two clubs
🔥 Players to Watch
Luciano Merentiel (Boca): Looking to lead the line in Cavani’s absence.
Myer Bevan (Auckland): Former MLS striker brings rare pro experience to Auckland’s side.
🧠 Tactical Preview
Boca will dominate possession and seek early goals to pile pressure on Benfica. Auckland are expected to sit deep, defend in numbers, and hit on the counter.
📡 How to Watch
Argentina: TNT Sports, TyC Sports
New Zealand: Sky Sport
International: DAZN, FIFA+ (streaming), and select regional broadcasters
🔮 Expert Prediction
While Boca are clear favorites, pressure and inexperience in key attacking areas could make this match trickier than expected.
Predicted Score: Boca Juniors 4–0 Auckland City
📝 Final Word
Regardless of the outcome, this match represents the spirit of the Club World Cup — where amateur players meet global heavyweights. Can Auckland City defy the odds one last time?
🔔 Stay with The Daily Sports for full match coverage, live score updates, and post-match analysis from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
