Benfica and Bayern Munich share a one-sided history, having met 13 times with the German giants winning ten, including a narrow 1-0 triumph in Bavaria last November. As it stands, Benfica are still chasing their first-ever victory in this fixture.
Benfica vs Bayern Munich preview
Bayern Munich are already assured a place in the knockout stages, but will Benfica join them? So far, the Bundesliga champions have won both matches at this tournament, first smashing Auckland City 10-0 in Ohio, with Jamal Musiala coming off the bench to score a hat-trick. Then, on Friday night, Vincent Kompany's team were certainly made to work for it, but did ultimately manage to beat Boca Juniors 2-1 in Miami. Harry Kane poked die Roten in front before, after Boca had snatched an equaliser, sparking wild celebrations, Michael Olise slotted home just six minutes from time.
As a result, Bayern have already rubber stamped their place in the round of 16, needing just a point in Charlotte to secure top spot, thereby, potentially, set up a meeting with Chelsea on Saturday. Well, Benfica might just settle for a share of the spoils in North Carolina, but we'll come to that.
In their group opener, as Águias fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Boca Juniors in South Florida; Ángel Di María converted a penalty, before Nicolás Otamendi headed home a late equaliser. Then, on Friday afternoon, it took until the seventh minute of first half injury time for the breakthrough to come, but Bruno Lage's side did ultimately steamroller Auckland City 6-0 in Orlando.
Ángel Di María again converting a spot-kick, before half time lasted almost two and a half hours due to adverse weather conditions, namely lightening. After the elongated interval, Vangelis Pavlidis and Renato Sanches were both on target, Leandro Barreiro scored twice in two minutes and then Di María slotted home his third penalty of the campaign. This takes Benfica's points tally to four, meaning a draw at Bank of America Stadium would see them progress. But, if the Portuguese side are defeated, and Boca beat Auckland City in Nashville simultaneously, as we'd all expect, it would come down to goal difference; Benfica's is currently seven superior. Thus, a nervy night could be in store for the Benfiquistas of North Carolina, so can they collect the result they need against Bayern Munich?
Benfica vs Bayern Munich head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 13.
- Benfica Wins: 0. Draws: 3. Bayern Munich Wins: 10.
Benfica team news
Left-back Álvaro Carreras is suspended, having been booked in both matches so far, meeaning Samuel Dahl is set to deputise. Meantime, Andrea Belotti is available again, having been sent off in their opener against Boca Juniors, albeit he isn't going to start either-way.
Florentino Luís and Bruma started the opener, before Leandro Barreiro, Orkun Kökçü and Gianluca Prestianni came in against Auckland City, with Bruno Lage once again set to shuffle his pack.
Benfica predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich: (4-3-3): Trubin; Santos, Otamendi, António Silva, Dahl; Kökçü, Sanches, Aursnes, Di María, Aktürkoğlu; Pavlidis.
Benfica player to watch vs Bayern Munich
Ángel Di María is leaving Benfica to re-join Rosario Central after this tournament. He has scored 50 times in 214 appearances for the Eagles across two spells, netting three times at the Club World Cup already, so can he help ensure this is not his last-ever Benfica match?
Bayern Munich team news
Given that his team are through, even if top spot is up for grabs, Vincent Kompany could well rotate in North Carolina. Jamal Musiala hobbled off against Boca Juniors in plenty of discomfort, but is expected to be available, although don't be surprised if he's only on the bench.
Meantime, Hiroki Itō, Kim Min-jae and Alphonso Davies all remain sidelined while, if Kompany does make changes, Dayot Upamecano, João Palhinha, Aleksandar Pavlović and the departing Thomas Müller are amongst those who could come in. While Müller is leaving after the Club World Cup, Leroy Sané will become a Galatasaray player on 1 July, so will be available for the last 16, but no further.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Benfica: (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Pavlović, Olise, Müller, Coman; Kane.
Bayern Munich player to watch vs Benfica
Harry Kane opened his Club World Cup account on Friday night in Miami, so will he add to his tally of 39 goals so far this season?
Benfica vs Bayern Munich prediction
Given that Bayern have won each of their last five meetings with Benfica, we're forecasting that streak will continue in Charlotte, leaving the Portuguese fans nervously awaiting news of how many goals Boca will manage to score 415 west in Music City concurrently: Benfica 1-2 Bayern Munich.
Benfica vs Bayern Munich FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Benfica vs Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Benfica vs Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Benfica vs Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Benfica vs Bayern Munich takes place on Tuesday 24 June 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).