Boca Juniors will face Benfica on June 16 at 19:00 (Brasilia time) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marking the opening match of the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The match will be televised in Brazil via sportv, CazéTV, and DAZN, while viewers in Portugal can watch it on DAZN and tabii.
Both teams are part of Group C, which also includes Bayern Munich and Auckland City. Notably, these teams have previously clashed, with Bayern securing a remarkable 10-0 victory.
Boca Juniors’ coach Miguel Ángel Russo anticipates some lineup adjustments, particularly with defender Ayrton Costa returning after resolving visa issues for entry into the U.S. However, Luis Advíncula is doubtful due to muscle discomfort. The expected lineup for Boca Juniors includes Marchesín, Blondel, Battaglia, Rojo, Blanco, Delgado, Herrera, Zeballos, Palacios, Zenon, and Merentiel.
On the other hand, Benfica enters this match without Argentine midfielder Ángel Di María, who has moved to Rosario Central. Coach Bruno Lage has also released a trio of players during training sessions in the U.S. The Portuguese club will look to their star forward, Pavlidis, who has an impressive tally of 29 goals this season. The anticipated lineup for Benfica features Trubin, Otamendi, António Silva, Carreras, João Veloso, Kokçu, Florentino, Dahl, Bruma, Pavlidis, and Akturkoglu.
Recent performances have seen both teams face challenges. Boca Juniors has struggled in the Argentine Championship, with a recent run including four matches without a win. Meanwhile, Benfica’s latest outings in the Portuguese league have not been ideal either, although they did secure a strong victory earlier in the month.
This upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting encounter as both clubs look to gain momentum in their respective campaigns. With Boca Juniors and Benfica having rich histories in international competitions, fans can expect a thrilling display of football.