Bayern Munich are four-times world champions, winning two Intercontinental Cups and the Club World Cup twice, so will they repeat that feat stateside this summer?
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City preview
Are Bayern Munich the team to beat at this summer's Club World Cup? This season, having seen their streak of 11 successive Bundesliga titles come to an end in 2024, die Roten managed to reclaim the Meisterschale, ultimately finishing 13 points clear of Bayer Leverkusen. So, success in his first campaign for Vincent Kompany, albeit the fact they were dumped out of the Champions League by Internazionale in the quarter-finals means there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The Bavarian juggernauts are a club defined by silverware, winning 34 Bundesliga titles and six Champions Leagues, as well as capturing this competition in both 2013 and 2021. In fact, across the Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, Bayern have played seven matches, in which they've scored 11 goals and conceded zero, picking up four trophies. Given who their opponents are in this opener in Cincinnati, that streak is forecast to continue.
As for Auckland City, this will be the 12th edition of the Club World Cup at which they have featured, the most of any club, although fair to say they've enjoyed minimal success. To date, the Navy Blues have played 18 matches in FIFA competitions, winning just five, two of which have been via penalty shootouts, their best-ever run coming in 2014, finishing third. Since then however, the Kiwis have lost six successive matches in FIFA tournaments, conceding 17 goals, most-recently demolished 6-2 by Al Ain during the Intercontinental Cup last September.
All of this exposure is because Auckland City are the dominant force in Oceania, picking up their 12th OFC Champions League trophy in April, including a fourth on the spin, only failing to win the competition once since 2010. New Zealand's top division is not fully professional, meaning all of Paul Posa's players are part-time, although they have been in the U.S. for a few weeks preparing for the biggest matches of their careers. Despite all of Auckland City's previous Club World Cup expirence, never before have they faced European opposition, with many fearing they'll be on the wrong end of an embarrassing scoreline at TQL Stadium in Ohio on Sunday.
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Bayern Munich team news
Vincent Kompany is without the injured Kim Min-jae, Hiroki Itō and Alphonso Davies, leaving him short at the back, although there is optimism that Dayot Upamecano and star midfielder Jamal Musiala could feature at some point during this tournament, albeit this fixture is likely to come too soon.
Even without Musiala, Bayern should have far too much attacking firepower for Auckland City, with Harry Kane leading the line and Michael Olise amongst those in support. At the other end of the pitch, Jonathan Tah will make his debut, having arrived from Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Auckland City: (4-3-3): Neuer; Laimer, Stanišić, Tah, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlović, Olise, Müller, Gnabry; Kane.
Bayern Munich player to watch vs Auckland City
Thomas Müller will leave Bayern Munich after this tournament, having made 751 appearances and won 34 major trophies with the club, so he is more motivated than most to win the Club World Cup.
Auckland City team news
This will be Auckland City's first competitive match since a 4-0 victory over Onehunga Māngere United on 31 May; fair to say this'll be a tougher challenge! Paul Posa favours a 4-3-3, with captain Mario Ilich playing a pivotal role at the base of midfield.
Auckland City predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich: (4-3-3): Tracey; Lagos, Mitchell, den Heijer, Lobo; Ilich, Garriga, Lee; Bevam De Vries, Kilkolly.
Auckland City player to watch vs Bayern Munich
Since joining Auckland City in 2021, Angus Kilkolly has scored 65 goals in 122 appearances, making him the club's third-highest scorer of all-time, so can he score an historic one in Cincinnati?
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City prediction
We are backing Bayern Munich for a very comfortable victory in Cincinnati, forecasting they'll score at least five, but it could be many, many more at TQL Stadium: Bayern Munich 5-0 Auckland City.
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 5 and DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City 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 Bayern Munich vs Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City takes place on Sunday 15 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).