Boca Juniors vs Benfica 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 16.

Benfica and Boca Juniors kick off their Group C campaign in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Monday. This clash features two of the most storied clubs from Europe and South America, each looking to gain an edge in a tough group that also includes Bayern Munich and Auckland City.

Benfica earned their spot through UEFA’s four-year club rankings and now aim to make a deep run. With experience in recent Champions League campaigns, the Portuguese giants bring confidence, creativity, and scoring power into this prestigious global tournament.

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Boca Juniors return to the Club World Cup spotlight for the first time since their 2007 final loss to AC Milan. Although they have a decorated history, including three Intercontinental Cup titles, recent struggles in South America have dampened their form.

The Argentine side failed to qualify for the 2024 Copa Libertadores and crashed out early in this year’s playoffs. Managerial changes and mixed results have made their build-up turbulent, but with seasoned internationals in the squad, Boca will look to use their experience and grit to compete with Europe’s elite and advance from a challenging group.

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

Boca Juniors Team News

Boca Juniors will be without striker Edinson Cavani, who misses out due to injury. Miguel Merentiel, who scored six goals in the recent Torneo Apertura, is expected to lead the attack. Full-back Luis Advincula is doubtful due to fitness concerns, but defender Ayrton Costa has been cleared to travel.

Marco Pellegrino, newly loaned from Milan, will likely be on the bench, while Marcos Rojo and Rodrigo Battaglia are set to start. Miguel Angel Russo, now in his third stint as head coach, will rely on the club’s veteran core, including Romero and Ander Herrera, to anchor the squad.

Boca Juniors Probable Starting Lineup:

Marchesin; Blanco, Rojo, Battaglia, Blondel; Herrera, Delgado; Zenon, Palacios, Zeballos; Merentiel

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

Benfica Team News

Benfica will be without Alexander Bah and Manu Silva due to long-term injuries, and Zeki Amdouni has returned to Burnley after his loan deal ended. However, manager Bruno Lage still boasts a strong lineup. Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who tallied 19 goals and 7 assists in the Primeira Liga, will lead the front line.

Orkun Kokcu, the league’s top chance creator with 76 key passes and 14 goal contributions, is likely to play a key role in midfield. Argentine veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi bring experience and leadership ahead of the clash with Boca.

Benfica Probable Starting Lineup:

Araujo, Carreras, Otamendi, A. Silva; Kokcu, Luis, Aursnes; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Di Maria

Benfica

Boca Juniors

Boca Juniors vs Benfica

Club World Cup

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.