In addition to its Club World Cup guide, Sports Talk United here presents the Group B of the competition, which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13 2025.
Which teams are in Group C of the Club World Cup?
Group C brings together Auckland City, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors — a fascinating mix of footballing traditions and continental pedigree.
Auckland City return as Oceania’s dominant force, consistently representing the region on the world stage. Bayern Munich, the six-time European champions, come in as one of the tournament favourites with a squad brimming with world-class talent. Portuguese giants Benfica, known for their legacy of producing top-tier talent, will look to make a deep run under new leadership. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors enter the tournament on a high, having regained continental supremacy in South America with an exciting, energetic squad.
How did each Group C team qualify for the Club World Cup?
Auckland City — New Zealand (OFC)
Auckland City earned their place by winning the 2023 OFC Champions League, continuing their long-standing dominance in Oceania.
Bayern Munich — Germany (UEFA)
Bayern qualified through UEFA’s club ranking, securing one of the allocated slots based on their consistent performances in the Champions League over recent seasons.
Benfica — Portugal (UEFA)
As one of the highest-ranked UEFA clubs in terms of recent European performances, Benfica grabbed a qualifying berth through the UEFA coefficient system.
Boca Juniors — Argentina (CONMEBOL)
The South American giants sealed qualification by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores, returning to the pinnacle of South American football with a squad that blends youth and experience.
Group C match schedule: Key dates and fixtures
- June 15: FC Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FC — TQL Stadium, Cincinnati (12pm EDT, 5pm BST, 6pm CEST)
- June 16: CA Boca Juniors vs SL Benfica — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (6pm EDT, 11pm BST, 12am CEST)
- June 20: SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC — Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando (12pm EDT, 4pm BST, 5pm CEST)
- June 20: FC Bayern Munich vs CA Boca Juniors — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (9pm EDT, 2am BST, 3am CEST)
- June 24: Auckland City FC vs CA Boca Juniors — GEODIS Park, Nashville (2pm EDT, 8pm BST, 9pm CEST)
- June 24: SL Benfica vs FC Bayern Munich — Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte (3pm EDT, 8pm BST, 9pm CEST)
Key players to watch in Group C
Ryan de Vries — Auckland City
Veteran forward Ryan de Vries remains a key figure for Auckland City. Known for his movement and eye for goal, the 33-year-old New Zealand international will be pivotal as the club aims to compete with bigger names on the global stage.
Jamal Musiala — Bayern Munich
At just 22, Jamal Musiala continues to grow into one of the brightest talents in world football. The German playmaker combines flair, intelligence and versatility — all traits Bayern will lean on as they chase another global title.
Antonio Silva — Benfica
One of the most exciting young defenders in European football, Antonio Silva has quickly become a cornerstone of Benfica’s back line. The 21-year-old combines composure with strong positional awareness and has impressed in both domestic and European competitions. In a group featuring high-quality attackers, Silva’s presence will be vital to Benfica’s hopes of advancing.
Edinson Cavani — Boca Juniors
The experienced Uruguayan striker returned to South America with Boca and has rediscovered his form. Cavani’s leadership and finishing instinct will be crucial in guiding the Argentine club through a tough group.
What’s at stake in Group C?
This group offers a fascinating blend of global football cultures and ambitions. Bayern Munich and Benfica will expect to progress, but Boca Juniors will be eager to prove South American football still belongs at the top. Auckland City, often underdogs, will hope to shock the world.
With two places up for grabs in the knockout stages, every match in Group C will be fiercely contested.
