Club World Cup: Boca Juniors vs. Auckland City Preview
Goal difference could loom large for Argentine club
One of the best things about high level international soccer tournaments it that the group stage finales feature simultaneous kickoffs, after the Disgrace of Gijon at the 1982 World Cup in Spain where West Germany and Austria colluded to achieve a certain result to ensure the elimination of Algeria. This 2025 Club World Cup is no different and with the finale in Group C between Bayern Munich and Benfica as well as Boca Juniors and Auckland City set for a 2pm kickoff in Charlotte and Nashville respectively.
So far at this Club World Cup, the Boca Juniors fans have stolen the show. They energy they have brought, not just to the stadiums, but also to the beach and even to Wal-Mart has been unmatched. Unfortunately, the performances of the team on the field have not lived up to the performances of the fans off the field. Boca got their tournament started by blowing a 2-0 lead against Benfica and had to settle for a draw. Their second game was against Bayern Munich and though they gave a good account of themselves, the German club was ultimately too much for them as they fell 2-1. This leaves them with just one point from two games heading into the group stage finale.
Auckland City, meanwhile, was always going to be overmatched and overwhelmed in this tournament. Many of their players also have full-time, non-soccer jobs meaning that a number of their players had to take time off from work, or worse, not come at all. Predictably, they were no match for the cream of the crop of European club soccer. They were dismantled against Bayern Munich, by a staggering 10-0 scoreline before being soundly beaten by Benfica to the tune of 6-0. As a result, they no longer have a chance of advancing to the knockout rounds and Bayern Munich has secured their spot in the Round of 16.
That means the second spot in the group is still up for grabs going into the final match day. Benfica has the edge over Boca, with four points to just one. But Befica has to play Bayern Munich while Boca Juniors is set to face Auckland City. However, just winning is not enough for Boca Juniors. Not only do they need a win (and a Benfica loss) but they also need to make up a substantial goal difference, as they currently are -1 while Benfica sits at +6. So somehow, some way, if Boca Juniors wants to advance, they need to win by seven goals and hope for a Benfica loss.
When, Where
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Stadium: Geodis Park
City: Nashville, TN
Time: 3pm ET
TV: DAZN
How They Qualified
Boca Juniors: 4-year CONMEBOL ranking
Auckland City: 4-year OFC ranking
Group C Standings
Bayern Munich (A) - 6pts (+11)
Benfica - 4pts (+6)
Boca Juniors - 1pt (-1)
Auckland City (E) - 0pts (-16)
Photo Credit: AP News