© Imago
A total of 32 teams will be competing at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA from 15 June to 13 July 2025, with Bayern now learning their three group opponents following Thursday’s draw in Miami. The Bavarians qualified thanks to their record in UEFA competition over the last four years and will face Auckland City, Boca Juniors and Benfica in Group C. Here’s all you need to know about our initial rivals.
Auckland City
Bayern will kick off their tournament next summer against a team they have never before faced in 124 years, namely Auckland City of New Zealand. Oceania’s sole representative are a relatively young club, having only been founded in 2004. They play their home games at Kiwitea Street – over 18,000 kilometres away from the Allianz Arena – in New Zealand’s largest city. It has a capacity of 5,000.
Currently coached by Spaniard Albert Riera, the Navy Blues have enjoyed huge success in the last 20 years, being crowned domestic champions nine times and winners of the OFC Champions League an incredible 12 times. Auckland qualified for the Club World Cup as the best team over the last four years in Oceania’s continental competition.
Boca Juniors
© Imago
Bayern have only faced Boca Juniors of Argentina once before, and it brought a title on that occasion. That was in the final of the 2001 Intercontinental Cup, when Sammy Kuffour put away a corner in the 109th minute to claim the trophy for Bayern. Hailing from the La Boca district of Buenos Aires, they play their home games at the iconic Estadio Alberto José Armando, known affectionately as La Bombonera – literally the box of chocolates.
Boca won the last of their 35 league titles in 2022. Their trophy cabinet also includes six Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent to the Champions League. Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago is their current coach, overseeing a squad that includes Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Gary Medel, Luis Advincula and Edinson Cavani.
Benfica
Bayern faced Benfica in the Champions League in November. | © Imago
It was only a few weeks ago that Bayern last faced Benfica, with Jamal Musiala’s goal earning a 1-0 win at the Allianz Arena in the league phase of the Champions League in November. The Bavarians boast an excellent record against the Portuguese giants, having never lost in 13 competitive meetings, consisting of 10 wins and three draws.
Bruno Lage’s side finished last season second in the Primeira Liga to qualify for the Champions League for the 19th time in the club’s history. Notable players in their squad include Angel di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, ex-Bayern midfielder Renato Sanches and former Bundesliga names like Jan-Niklas Beste and Leandro Barreiro.
Club World Cup format
The 32 teams are split into eight groups of four, playing each other once. The top two will advance to the knockout stage of one-legged ties from the round of 16 to the final, which will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Ticket information for Club World Cup
As soon as FIFA inform us about ticket availability, prices, venues and dates, we will start accepting requests. Further information will follow in due course. As it stands, interested people will receive an access code from us, which will allow you to apply for tickets via FIFA. Tickets will only be available via the FIFA mobile app.
Reaction to the draw and further information on venues and tickets:
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