Benfica will aim to secure a top-two spot in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Bayern Munich at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 20:00 GMT. The German champions are the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 following a 2-1 win over Boca Juniors, with Harry Kane getting on the scoresheet and also providing an assist to ex-Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.
Match Preview
Bayern Munich, led by manager Vincent Kompany, are considered favourites in Group C due to their talented roster, boasting players like Harry Kane, who is expected to be a focal point in their attack. The German giants have a storied history, with 34 Bundesliga titles, six UEFA Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cup titles (2013 and 2020), all of which can be read about in further detail on our football stats website.
Their recent form at both ends of the pitch has been excellent, with five clean sheets in their last seven outings and at least two goals scored in each of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Benfica, under the guidance of Bruno Lage, are Portugal’s most successful club with two Champions League titles (1961 and 1962) and a strong recent record, reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in two of the last four seasons.
The Eagles have been resilient on the road, as they are unbeaten in eight away matches across all competitions, but they face a formidable challenge against Bayern. The fact that The Eagles have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches suggests defensive vulnerabilities that Bayern’s potent attack could exploit.
Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Auckland City: 10-0 (W) 15/06/2025
- Boca Juniors: 2-1 (W) 21/06/2025
Bayern Munich form (all competitions, recent):
- W (A) 4-0 against Hoffenheim (Bundesliga) 17/05/25
- W (H) 2-0 against Monchengladbach (Bundesliga) 10/05/25
- D (A) 3-3 against RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) 03/05/25
- W (H) 3-0 against Mainz (Bundesliga) 26/04/25
- W (A) 4-0 against Heidenheim (Bundesliga) 19/04/25
Benfica FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Boca Juniors: 2-2 (D) 16/06/2025
- Auckland City: 6-0 (W) 20/06/2025
Benfica form (all competitions, recent):
- D (N) 1-1 (1-3 AET) against Sporting (Taca de Portugal) 25/05/25
- D (A) 1-1 against Braga (Primeira Liga) 17/05/25
- D (H) 1-1 against Sporting (Primeira Liga) 10/05/25
- W (A) 2-1 against Estoril (Primeira Liga) 03/05/25
- W (H) 6-0 against AVS (Primeira Liga) 27/04/25
Team News
Bayern Munich could field a strong midfield trio of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, with Harry Kane leading the line. Wingers Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman are likely to provide width, while defenders Dayot Upamecano and Min-jae Kim may anchor the backline in front of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Raphael Guerreiro is expected to start at left-back, adding pace on the flank.
Benfica may rely on their attacking quartet of Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Angel Di Maria and Gianluca Prestianni, with Orkun Kökçü potentially starting in midfield to provide guile. Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva are likely to form the centre-back partnership, with Anatoliy Trubin in goal. Full-backs Fredrik Aursnes and Álvaro Carreras could be tasked with containing Bayern’s wingers.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Kökçü, Barreiro; Aktürkoğlu, Prestianni, Di Maria; Pavlidis
We Say: Bayern Munich 2-1 Benfica
Benfica’s attacking flair and recent form make them a dangerous opponent, but Bayern’s superior firepower and experience in high-pressure matches give them the edge. Expect a closely contested game, with Bayern narrowly prevailing thanks to Harry Kane’s clinical finishing. Benfica may find the net, but their defensive frailties could prove costly against Bayern’s relentless attack.
