Benfica will be facing Oceania opposition for the first time, while this is Auckland City's second meeting with a European club; the first one didn't go so well, did it? Let's see what the next round of the Club World Cup has in store for us.
Benfica vs Auckland City preview
After playing out a throughly entertaining draw on Monday night, will Benfica pick up their first victory of this Club World Cup campaign? On matchday one, As Águias fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Boca Juniors on an entertaining night in Miami. After Boca raced into an early 2-0 lead, Ángel Di María cooly converted a spot-kick on the cusp of half time, before Nicolás Otamendi's towering header pinched a point late on. This actually came after Andrea Belotti had been sent off for kicking an opponent in the head, while the Argentine giants were also reduced to ten men at the death.
This was a crucial comeback for Bruno Lage's team, considering Benfica and Boca are likely to be in direct competition to claim second place in Group C, thereby reaching the round of 16. With goal difference the tiebreaker, after head-to-head which is now mute, the Eagles will be targeting an emphatic victory in Orlando, ahead of facing Bayern Munich in North Carolina on Tuesday.
As for Auckland City, well they'll simply be hoping for better than their opener. On Sunday, the 13-times Oceanic champions were demolished 10-0, no that's not a type, by Bayern Munich in Cincinnati 4-0 down at 20 minutes, shipping six in the first half overall, with the Bavarian juggernauts not taking their foot off the accelerator at any stage in Ohio.
This was the Navy Blues' first-ever encounter with European opposition, but they are Club World Cup regulars, with this the 14th time they've featured in a FIFA competition since 2006. However, Auckland City have now lost seven straight games in such tournaments, conceding 27 goals, albeit they'd never shipped more than six, prior to the weekend. Here, given that goal difference could be key to their chances of progression, expect no mercy from Benfica at Inter&Co Stadium.
Benfica vs Auckland City head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Benfica team news
Andrea Belotti's red card on Monday means he is suspended, albeit he's not a starter anyway. Meantime, Tomás Araújo, Alexander Bah and Manu Silva all remain sidelined due to injury.
Given their opposition, Bruno Lage is likely to unleash a very attacking lineup, with Orkun Kökçü, Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Andreas Schjelderup amongst those hoping to come in. Left-back Álvaro Carreras and star striker Vangelis Pavlidis would miss Tuesday's clash with Bayern if booked.
Benfica predicted lineup vs Auckland City: (4-3-3): Trubin; Dahl, Otamendi, António Silva, Carreras; Florentino Luís, Sanches, Aursnes, Di María, Aktürkoğlu; Pavlidis.
Benfica player to watch vs Auckland City
Vangelis Pavlidis scored 29 goals this season, his debut campaign with Benfica, including hat-tricks against Barcelona and Porto, and the Greek international could significantly increase that tally in Orlando.
Auckland City team news
Auckland City meantime are an amateur team, possibly still without manager Paul Posa due to work commitments in New Zealand, so Ivan Vicelich could remain in interim charge. Star attackers Ryan De Vries and Angus Kilkolly both came off the bench on Sunday, so will either start this time?
Auckland City predicted lineup vs Benfica: (4-5-1): Tracey; Murati, Mitchell, den Heijer, Boxall, Lobo; Ilich, Garriga, Yoo, Bevam, De Vries; Kilkolly.
Auckland City player to watch vs Benfica
Despite shipping ten goals, goalkeeper Conor Tracey was actually very impressive against Bayern Munich, so we hope he is prepared for another busy afternoon.
Benfica vs Auckland City prediction
Benfica's record victory of all-time is 10-0, beating both Stade Dudelange in 1965 and Nacional in 2019 by that scoreline. While we're not expecting the Portuguese giants to reach double figures, they might come close, so expect plenty of goals in Florida, albeit with one-away traffic: Benfica 8-0 Auckland City.
Benfica vs Auckland City FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Benfica vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Benfica vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Benfica vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Benfica vs Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Benfica vs Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Benfica vs Auckland City takes place on Friday 20 June 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).