Auckland City will aim to pull off a monumental upset when they face South American giants Boca Juniors in their final Group C match of the FIFA Club World Cup at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
The Argentinian side will need to win by a big margin and also hope that SL Benfica lose their match to Bayern Munich by a big margin to progress through to the Round of 16.
Match Preview
New Zealand-based club Auckland City are the only amateur side in the 32-team tournament, as we reported in our lead-up to the tournament in our comprehensive football facts website. Their 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich on the opening game is perhaps the epitome of the tournament thus far, a team that is largely made up of amateurs playing against players that cost millions to assemble. This losing trend continued against SL Benfica in gameweek two when they lost 6-0, with a two-and-a-half delay to the match during halftime due to severe weather conditions.
The Navy Blues have dominated Oceania, winning 10 New Zealand Football Championships since 2004 and 13 OFC Champions Leagues, including the last four editions. However, their FIFA Club World Cup history is modest, with a third-place finish in 2014 being their best result. In Group C, they face a steep challenge, having never beaten a team of Boca’s calibre in this competition.
Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most decorated clubs with 35 domestic titles and six Copa Libertadores crowns, are a formidable force. Their only prior meeting with a German club, Bayern Munich, was a 1-0 loss in the 2001 Intercontinental Cup, and they were runners-up in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup. Under new manager Miguel Ángel Russo, appointed on June 2, Boca rely on attacking prowess led by Miguel Merentiel, who ranks high in expected assisted goals and non-penalty xG. However, their form has been inconsistent, as the Xeneizes have failed to win in six games across all competitions
Auckland City have kept just one clean sheet in their last five competitive matches, conceding heavily against top-tier opposition. Boca Juniors have scored in their last six competitive games but have struggled defensively, conceding in all six outings. The two teams have never met, making this a historic clash. Auckland’s attacking output has been limited, with only five goals in their last four competitive matches, while Boca have netted just three in the same period.
Auckland’s manager Paul Posa will be wary of his side’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially against Boca’s experienced forwards. Boca’s coach, Russo, meanwhile, will look to exploit Auckland’s amateur status, though their recent defensive lapses could give the Kiwis a glimmer of hope. GEODIS Park, home to Nashville SC, whose blue and yellow colours match Boca’s, may see local fans rallying behind the Argentine side, as predicted by Boca’s Marcos Rojo.
Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Bayern Munich: 0-10 (L) 15/06/2025
- Benfica: 0-6 (L) 20/06/2025
Auckland City form (all competitions):
- W (A) 4-0 against Mangere United (Chatham Cup) 31/05/25
- W (A) 5-2 against West Coast (National League) 30/05/25
- W (H) 1-0 against Auckland United (National League) 24/05/25
- W (H) 5-2 against Manurewa (National League) 21/05/25
- D (A) 2-2 against East Coast Bay (National League) 17/05/25
Boca Juniors FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Benfica: 2-2 (L) 16/06/2025
- Bayern Munich: 1-2 (L) 21/06/2025
Boca Juniors form (all competitions):
- L (H) 0-1 against Independiente (Primera Division) 20/05/25
- D (H) 0-0 against Lanus (Primera Division) 11/05/25
- D (A) 1-1 against Tigre (Primera Division) 04/05/25
- L (A) 1-2 against River Plate (Primera Division) 27/04/25
- W(H) 2-0 against Boca Juniors (Primera Division) 20/04/25
Team News
Auckland City could rely on forward Myer Bevan, who is a key player to watch despite their relative obscurity. Tong Zhou and Mario Ilich are expected to start in midfield, bringing energy and creativity. The backline may feature Adam Mitchell and defender Nikko Boxall, with goalkeeper Conor Tracey likely to face a busy afternoon.
Boca Juniors are likely to field a strong XI, with Miguel Merentiel leading the attack in the absence due to injury of veteran star Edinson Cavani. Marcos Rojo and Aryton Costa could anchor the defence, while Agustin Marchesin is expected to start in goal, as Sergio Romero looks set to miss out through injury. Wingers Alan Velasco and Kevin Zenón may provide width and dynamism to support Boca’s attacking play.
Auckland City possible starting lineup:
Tracey; Lagos, Boxall, Den Heijer, Mitchell, Bell; Zeb, Zhou, Ilich, Yoo; Bevan
Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:
Marchesin; Advíncula, Rojo, Costa, Blanco; Belmonte, Battaglia; Velasco, Palacios, Zenón; Merentiel
We say: Auckland City 0-3 Boca Juniors
Auckland City’s spirited performances and Oceania dominance are commendable, but Boca Juniors’ superior quality and experience should prove decisive. The Argentine side’s attacking firepower, led Merentiel, is likely to overwhelm Auckland’s defence. While the Navy Blues may create a few chances, Boca’s clinical finishing should secure a comfortable victory.
