Auckland City will face Boca Juniors in their final Group C match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on June 24, 2025, at Geodis Park in Nashville, USA. Both teams are winless so far, with Auckland City suffering heavy defeats to Bayern Munich (0–10) and Benfica (0–6), while Boca Juniors narrowly lost to Bayern (1–2) and drew with Benfica (2–2).
This match is crucial for Boca Juniors, who still have a slim chance of advancing to the knockout stage, depending on the result and goal difference. Auckland City, on the other hand, will look to finish the tournament with pride and a stronger showing.
With both teams fighting for different objectives, this match promises a competitive and intense finish to Group C.
Recent Team Form – Auckland City vs Boca Juniors
Auckland City
Domestic Form (New Zealand Northern League):
• Last 10 games: 6 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses
• Recent wins: Bay Olympic (1–0), Manurewa (5–2), Auckland United (1–0), West Coast Rangers (5–2)
• Losses: Eastern Suburbs (0–1), Auckland City Reserves (0–1)
Continental Success:
• OFC Champions League winners (April 12) – beat Hekari United 2–0 in final
Club World Cup 2025 Performance:
• Lost to Bayern Munich 0–10
• Lost to Benfica 0–6
Weaknesses:
• Defensive vulnerability at international level
• Goal-shy in Club World Cup (0 goals in 2 matches)
Boca Juniors
Domestic Form (Argentine Primera División):
• Current season: 10 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses
• Last 5 games include:
• Draws vs Tigre (1–1), Lanús (1–1)
• Loss vs River Plate (1–2)
Home & Away Record:
• Home: 7W–2D–1L
• Away: 3W–2D–3L
• 4 clean sheets at home
Club World Cup 2025 Performance:
• Drew 2–2 with Benfica
• Lost 1–2 to Bayern Munich
Concerns:
• No wins yet in Club World Cup
• Injury + red card for Ander Herrera
• Pressure to win to stay in contention
Team Details
The detailed team profiles for Auckland City and Boca Juniors ahead of their Group C clash:
Auckland City
Club status & structure
• Semi-professional club: players maintain jobs and take leave for tournaments
• Full-time head coach Paul Posa based in NZ – absent during tournament prep; interim coaching led by Adria Casals, Ivan Vicelich, Daewook Kim & Jonas Hoffmann
Captain & leadership
• Mario Ilich (midfielder, captain): born 23 June 1995; club stalwart since 2012, 160+ games
Squad composition
• Includes part-timers like Colombian-born forward Jerson Lagos (b. 2002)
• Rich Spanish influence in recent years: key staff and players with Spanish ties
Home base & history
• Home stadium: Kiwitea Street; club chairman: Ivan Vuksich
• Record 12th appearance at the expanded Club World Cup; 11 titles in OFC Champions League
Boca Juniors
Coaching
• Miguel Ángel Russo returned as head coach (3rd stint) in early June, replacing interim Mariano Herrón
Notable signings (2025)
• Alan Velasco (attacking midfielder) – club record $10 M from FC Dallas
• Ander Herrera (from Athletic Bilbao)
• Rodrigo Battaglia and Carlos Palacios
Squad depth
• Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Leandro Brey, Javier García, Agustín Marchesín
• Experienced defenders: Cristian Lema (35 yrs), plus emerging talents
Key players & strengths
• Miguel Merentiel – top scorer/assister; 7 goals & 3 assists in 21 games; strong non-penalty xG
• Carlos Palacios – creative force; set-piece specialist
• Lautaro Blanco – attacking left-back; source of assists & crosses
Squad issues
• Ander Herrera significantly impacted by injuries; limited to 8 matches fitness concerns
• Suspensions/injuries impacting group-stage selection
Predicted Lineup
The predicted starting lineups for Auckland City and Boca Juniors in their upcoming Club World Cup clash:
Auckland City
Based on recent appearances and team selection for previous games :
Goalkeeper: Conor Tracey
Defenders: Regont Murati, Adam Mitchell, Michael den Heijer, Nikko Boxall
Midfielders: David Yoo, Gerard Garriga, Mario Ilich (captain)
Forwards: Dylan Manickum, Myer Bevan, Myer Bevan
A balanced line‑up mixing experience with leaders like captain Mario Ilich (midfield) and prolific forward Myer Bevan.
Boca Juniors
As projected for their recent Group C match vs Benfica :
Goalkeeper: Agustín Marchesín
Defenders: Luis Advíncula, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcos Rojo, Lautaro Blanco
Midfielders: Kevin Zenón, Tomás Belmonte, Carlos Palacios
Forwards: Miguel Merentiel (captain), Edinson Cavani, Ángel Di María (or alternate attacker)
A strong first‑choice XI featuring key playmakers like Palacios and Merentiel, alongside experienced stars such as Cavani and Di María.
Importance of Auckland City vs Boca Juniors
This Group C match carries major implications for both sides, despite them sitting at the bottom of the group standings.
For Boca Juniors:
1. Last Chance to Stay Alive:
• Boca must win this game to have any chance of advancing to the Round of 16.
• A draw or loss eliminates them from the tournament.
2. Goal Difference Matters:
Depending on other results, they may also need a big win to surpass Benfica on goal difference.
3. Morale and Prestige:
As one of South America’s biggest clubs, Boca faces immense pressure to perform on the global stage.
4. Coach’s First Test:
New manager Miguel Ángel Russo will want to prove his appointment was the right move.
For Auckland City:
1. Pride on the Line:
After conceding 16 goals in 2 matches, Auckland needs a strong showing to avoid embarrassment.
2. Regional Representation:
Representing Oceania, they aim to restore credibility for the OFC after heavy defeats.
3. Player Development:
Valuable international experience for a semi-professional squad—especially younger players.
4. Tactical Learning:
Helps prepare for future continental competitions and raise the club’s visibility.
Conclusion – Auckland City vs Boca Juniors
The final Group C clash between Auckland City and Boca Juniors is a decisive moment in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While Auckland City plays for pride after two heavy defeats, Boca Juniors enters under intense pressure, needing a clear win to stay in the tournament.
Despite their contrasting levels, a semi-professional squad versus a South American giant both teams have something to prove. For Auckland, it’s about dignity and regional representation. For Boca, it’s survival, redemption, and upholding their global reputation.
This match may look one-sided on paper, but the emotional, competitive, and strategic layers make it a crucial and high-stakes encounter.
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