Boca Juniors faces another final-like scenario at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine giants must deliver a resounding victory over Auckland City and hope Bayern Munich defeats Benfica to keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 alive. While the task is far from simple, Miguel Ángel Russo’s squad is determined to take care of their end of the bargain and stay in contention until the very end.
The math: Boca needs six or more
Auckland City, managed by Paul Posa, is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament and has already suffered crushing defeats at the hands of Europe’s elite: a 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich and a 6-0 defeat to Benfica. As a result, Boca must win by six or more goals to surpass Benfica on goal difference.
Even though Boca doesn’t control its own fate, it must aim for at least a six-goal margin to keep the dream alive. For example, if Bayern beats Benfica 1-0, a 6-0 win by Boca would be enough to advance. Every additional goal by the German side means Boca could get away with scoring one less.
Cavani returns, costa Out
Coach Russo will be without Ayrton Costa, one of Boca’s standout performers in the tournament. However, there’s a major boost: Edinson Cavani is expected to return to the starting lineup and could play a crucial role in Boca’s attack.
Kickoff time and venue
The must-win match between Boca Juniors and Auckland City will be played on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Probable lineups – Boca Junios vs. Auckland City
Boca Juniors: Agustín Marchesín; Luis Advíncula, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marco Pellegrino, Lautaro Blanco; Kevin Zenón, Rodrigo Battaglia, Alan Velasco; Carlos Palacios; Miguel Merentiel and Milton Giménez or Edinson Cavani.
Auckland City: Nathan Garrow; Adam Bell, Adam Mitchell, Michael den Heijer, Nikko Boxall, Jerson Lagos; David Yoo, Zhou Tong, Mario Ilich, Haris Zeb; Myer Bevan.
