Auckland City are featuring at the Club World Cup for a record 12th time, yet this will be just their second-ever clash with South American opposition, having narrowly lost 2-1 to San Lorenzo a decade ago.
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors preview
Boca Juniors have impressed all onlookers at this summer's Club World Cup, but they're on the brink of elimination, so they must win and win big in Music City. In their tournament opener, the Xeneize raced into a 2-0 lead against Benfica, Miguel Merentiel and then Rodrigo Battaglia the scorers, but they could not hold on, the match finishing 2-2, after both were reduced to ten men in South Florida.
Then, on Friday night, Miguel Ángel Russo's side fought tooth and nail against Bayern Munich. Despite being outplayed for long periods, the Argentine giants looked set to earn an historic point, Merentiel scoring a spectacular solo effort mid-way through the second half, only for Bayern to win it eight minutes from time. So, as alluded to, despite two excellent performances, Boca have just one point to their name, meaning their fate is not in their own hands. The Azul y Oro must win here, hope Bayern Munich beat Benfica in Charlotte simultaneously, and require a goal difference swing of seven. Thus, the six-times Copa Libertadores winners will be looking to put their opponents to the sword.
Well, Auckland City are likely to be pretty obliging opponents albeit, even though they've already been eliminated, will be doing all they can to take Boca out with them. In their opener, the Navy Blues were demolished 10-0 by Bayern Munich, shipping four goals in the first 21 minutes, as well as four more in the final 20. Paul Posa's side then put in a much improved performance against Benfica, holding out until the eighth minute of stoppage time, before conceding five after the elongated break. Half time in Orlando lasted a whopping two hours and 26 minutes due to lightening in the area.
Thus, while the New Zealanders have played two, lost two, conceded 16 and scored zero, it's an amazing expirence for a part-time team just to be at this tournament, hence why everyone involved is savouring every moment, as they'll be heading for home after this match. Boca Juniours are massive favourites to prevail in Nashville, but will it be enough to keep them at the Club World Cup?
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Auckland City team news
Goalkeeper Conor Tracey was impressive against Bayern Munich, despite shipping ten, but 20 year old Nathan Garrow then got the nod on Friday, so it's tough to predict who'll be donning the gloves.
Neither star attackers Angus Kilkolly nor Ryan De Vries have started a game at this tournament, with Paul Posa understandably prioritising defenders, with Myer Bevan chosen as the lone striker.
Auckland City predicted lineup vs Boca Juniors: (5-4-1): Tracey; Bell, Mitchell, den Heijer, Boxall, Lagos; Ilich, Zhou, Yoo, Zeb; Bevan.
Auckland City player to watch vs Boca Juniors
The aformentioned Myer Bevan scored nine goals this season, netting against Al Ain during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, so could he score Auckland City's first at this tournament?
Boca Juniors team news
Nicolás Figal and Ander Herrera can both return having been sent off in the opener, the latter impressivly doing so after being substituted, meaning he might actually miss this one injured.
That duo aside, Miguel Ángel Russo has named an unchanged lineup for both Club World Cup fixtures to date, so isn't expected to tinker very much here either.
Boca Juniors predicted lineup vs Auckland City: (4-2-3-1): Marchesín; Advíncula, Costa, Figal, Blanco; Belmonte, Battaglia, Zenón, Palacios, Velasco; Merentiel.
Boca Juniors player to watch vs Auckland City
Captain Miguel Merentiel has scored in both Club World Cup matches so far, taking his tally to nine for the season, so will he fill his boots in Tennessee?
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors prediction
We are expecting Boca Juniors to score a bucket load of goals in Nashville and, given that they need to catch Benfica's goal difference, we fear the worst for the Kiwis: Auckland City 0-8 Boca Juniors.
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Auckland City vs Boca Juniors FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 5Action and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Auckland City vs Boca Juniors FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: My5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Auckland City vs Boca Juniors in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Auckland City vs Boca Juniors takes place on Tuesday 24 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).