Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors will face Portuguese giants Benfica for the first time in their histories as the two sides open their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaigns in Group C on Monday.
While Bayern Munich are expected to top the group and secure early qualification to the knockout stage, this clash in Miami could prove decisive in determining which of the other two clubs will progress to the Round of 16.
Boca enter the tournament following a solid 2025 Apertura campaign. The Buenos Aires side, three-time winners of this competition, have a storied history on the international stage but have historically struggled against European opposition, most notably in the 2007 Club World Cup final, where they fell 4–2 to AC Milan.
Miguel Ángel Russo, now in his third stint as Boca’s head coach, returns to the helm after replacing Fernando Gago earlier this year. Russo inherits a squad rich in experience and domestic success, but one that will have to rise to the occasion as underdogs in this encounter.
Benfica, meanwhile, qualified for the tournament through UEFA’s ranking system, having posted consistent results in European competitions over the last four seasons. The Lisbon-based club finished second in the 2024–25 Primeira Liga behind rivals Sporting CP, who also defeated them in the Taça de Portugal final.
Benfica’s head coach Bruno Lage will be hoping his side can put a frustrating end to the domestic season behind them and make a statement on the international stage.
Edinson Cavani is a fitness doubt due to a calf injury but remains part of the squad. Miguel Merentiel, Boca’s standout attacker during the Apertura with nine goal involvements, could lead the line alongside Milton Giménez. Former Manchester United players Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera have both travelled but are not guaranteed starters. Defender Marco Pellegrino is ruled out with a muscle issu
Predicted XI (4-3-1-2): Marchesín; Blondel, Battaglia, Costa, Blanco; Belmonte, Delgado, Zenón; Palacios; Merentiel, Giménez
The Portuguese side are without Zeki Amdouni, Manu Silva, and Alexander Bah due to injury. Veteran winger Ángel Di María is available, while Greek forward Vangelos Pavlidis is expected to lead the attack following a strong domestic season. Defender António Silva and full-back Álvaro Carreras remain key figures amid summer transfer speculation.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Trubin; Araújo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Luis, Kökçü, Aursnes; Di María, Pavlidis, Aktürkoğlu
