Bayern Munich vs Auckland City Club World Cup Fixture – Team News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial Club World Cup Clash on June 15.

Bayern Munich kick off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign on June 15, taking on New Zealand’s Auckland City at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati. The Bundesliga giants are aiming to start strong as they look to add global silverware to their domestic success.

The Group C clash, set for a 12:00 PM ET kick-off, marks the first-ever meeting between the sides. Auckland City may be the most decorated club in Oceania, but the vast difference in professional pedigree sets up a true David vs Goliath encounter.

📌 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: #FIFACWC MD 1 ⚽️🇺🇸

We start our tournament on Sunday in Cincinnati 🆚 @AucklandCity_FC 🇳🇿#TakeItToTheWorld #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/LBGMqyFpOG
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) June 11, 2025

Bayern Munich come into the tournament full of confidence, having secured their 35th Bundesliga title in the 2024–25 season. Historically dominant, the Bavarians are also two-time Club World Cup winners (2013, 2020), boasting a flawless record in previous appearances.

Their group includes Benfica, Boca Juniors, and Auckland City, with the German champions tipped to advance easily. Their campaign begins against Auckland City today and they will be determined to begin on a positive note. Considering the New Zealand side don’t pull any upset, Bayer should get the win easily.

Also Read: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group C Fixtures – Fixtures, Timings and TV Channels for Auckland City, Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Benfica

Bayern Munich Team News

Vincent Kompany’s side will miss key defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae through injury, while Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito have also been left out of the squad. However, Jamal Musiala has returned to training and could feature.

New signings Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof are eligible and expected to debut. Attacking stars Harry Kane (26 Bundesliga goals in 2024–25) and Michael Olise (35 goal contributions last season) are also expected to play a major role. Thomas Müller, set to leave the club post-tournament, could make one final Club World Cup appearance.

Bayern Munich Predicted XI

Neuer; Guerreiro, Stanisic, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Muller, Olise; Kane

Also Read: Bayern Munich Full Squad List for Club World Cup 2025, Key Players to Watch, and More

Auckland City Team News

Auckland City, an amateur team with 13 OFC Champions League titles, are entering their 13th Club World Cup appearance. Despite losing 13 of their 18 previous games in the competition, they remain Oceania’s most experienced side.

Striker Myer Bevan will lead their attack, while forward Angus Kilkolly summed up the team’s excitement, telling AFP, “To experience playing against [Bayern, Benfica, and Boca] is a dream for us.” The entire squad is fit and relishing this underdog opportunity on the world stage.

Auckland City Predicted XI

Tracey; Lobo, Den Heijer, Mitchell, Lagos; Lee, Ilich, Manuel; Tade, De Vries, Bevan

2025 Club World cup

Auckland City

Bayern Munich

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.