Boca Juniors Battles Benfica in Historic FIFA Club World Cup Clash!

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL, United States - The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as Boca Juniors clashes with Benfica in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The match takes place on June 16, 2025, kicking off at 6:00 p.m. ET. Boca Juniors has been on a wave of momentum after reaching the recent Copa Libertadores final, pulling off three dramatic penalty shootouts along the way. They’re eyeing global dominance once again, especially in a challenging group that includes Bayern Munich and Auckland City.

Boca will be without some key players, notably defenders Ayrton Costa and new signing Marco Pellegrino. However, they still boast a strong lineup, including the likes of Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera, who will be crucial in this high-stakes match. Up against them is Benfica, who had a tough domestic season, losing both the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal to their rivals Sporting CP. The Portuguese side will be hoping for redemption with star players like Ángel Di María and Vangelis Pavlidis leading their charge.

Group Context and Exciting Format

This year’s FIFA Club World Cup is special—it’s hosted in the U.S. for the first time and has expanded to include 32 teams battling out in eight groups. The total prize purse of $1 billion reflects the tournament’s growing stature in international football. Teams from various continents will showcase their talent, including 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Asia, 4 from Africa, 5 from North America, and 1 from Oceania.

In Group C, which includes Boca Juniors and Benfica, the competition is set to be fierce. As of now, Bayern Munich leads the group with one match played and a whopping +10 goal difference. Boca and Benfica have yet to mark their presence on the scoreboard but will look to make their mark as the tournament progresses.

Upcoming Matches and Fan Engagement

Match enthusiasts can catch the action live on DAZN, with no television broadcast available in the U.S. Boca Juniors’ group stage schedule is tightly packed, with matches against Auckland City on June 19 and a significant encounter with Bayern Munich on June 24.

Here’s a brief overview of the upcoming fixtures they need to prepare for:

As Boca Juniors takes the field, fans are both anxious and excited, eager to witness a match filled with intensity and high stakes. The pressure is on both teams to begin their campaign effectively, and with a vibrant atmosphere expected at the Hard Rock Stadium, this will surely be a memorable fixture in Boca’s pursuit of glory. For more updates and details, check out Sporting News and CBS Sports.