The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup rolls on with excitement building across the world, as four crucial fixtures take center stage today.
Benfica vs Auckland city
Benfica return to Club World Cup action on Friday evening looking to register their first win of the tournament when they meet Auckland City in Florida. The Portuguese giants were left frustrated in their opener after a dramatic comeback saw them claw back a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors, despite being two goals and a man down with just minutes remaining.
Bruno Lage’s side are now four matches without a win in all competitions, a concerning run for the Lisbon outfit. However, they will see Friday’s match as a golden opportunity to reset against Auckland City, who were left reeling after a 10-0 drubbing by Bayern Munich in their Group C opener.
Despite that crushing defeat, the Oceania champions showed flashes of potential, particularly through attacker Dylan Manickum. Interim coach Ivan Vicelich, stepping in for the absent Paul Posa, will be looking to inspire a bounce-back performance from his side, who had been unbeaten in their previous eight matches before facing the German champions.
Flamengo vs Chelsea
One of the day’s most anticipated matchups sees Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo take on Chelsea in a contest loaded with star power and high expectations. Flamengo are flying high atop the Brazilian league and bring superb form into this clash, unbeaten in 15 of their last 16 matches and riding a five-game winning streak. They are bolstered by the recent arrival of former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who could face his old club in what promises to be an emotional outing.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been in excellent form. The Premier League side have won four straight matches, including a dominant 4-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League final. Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to make minimal changes, with striker Liam Delap pushing for a start over Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez hoping to reclaim his midfield role after scoring off the bench against LAFC. Defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill could anchor the back line, while youngsters Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr may be handed minutes from the bench.
LAFC vs Espérance
Following a difficult 2-0 loss to Chelsea, LAFC will look to bounce back when they face Espérance of Tunisia in what is shaping up to be one of the most balanced contests of the day. The California side are likely to be without winger Nathan Ordaz after he suffered a concussion in their opener, paving the way for David Martínez to start. Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who made an impact off the bench against Chelsea, is also expected to lead the line from the outset.
Espérance, similarly disappointed in their opening fixture, will be eager to put points on the board. While neither team impressed in their tournament debut, LAFC will have the advantage of a supportive home crowd and boast enough attacking talent to potentially edge this closely-matched tie.
Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors
German champions Bayern Munich made a statement in their Club World Cup opener, dismantling Auckland City 10-0, and now set their sights on South American giants Boca Juniors. While Boca are expected to offer a sterner test, their squad is hampered by suspensions and injuries, leaving head coach Jorge Almirón with limited options. Bayern, meanwhile, are spoilt for choice with world-class talent throughout their lineup and will look to exploit Boca’s defensive vulnerabilities. With momentum and firepower firmly in their favor, Bayern are heavy favourites to secure a second straight win and tighten their grip on Group C.