Argentinian giants Boca Juniors take on Portuguese outfit Benfica for the very first time, with the two clubs facing off in Group C at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favorites to advance into the round of 16 as group winners, and Monday’s bout is set to have a huge say in deciding who joins the Bundesliga champions in the knockouts.
Boca enjoyed a successful 2025 Apertura and have won previous iterations of this tournament three times. However, Argentinian teams in general have struggled against European opposition, including Boca, who were beaten 4–2 by a star-studded Milan side in the 2007 Club World Cup final.
Miguel Ángel Russo has returned for his third spell in charge of the six-time Copa Libertadores winners after they opted to part ways with Fernando Gago. Russo has inherited a talented squad with plenty of experience, but they’re the underdogs here.
Benfica qualified for the tournament via UEFA’s ranking pathway thanks to their consistent performances on the continental stage over the past four years. Bruno Lage’s side exited the Champions League in the round of 16 last time out and eventually ended the Primeira Liga campaign second behind Lisbon rivals Sporting CP.
Sporting then beat Benfica 3–1 in the Taça de Portugal final to cap off the season.
Here is guide to Monday’s game.
