River Plate will meet Mexican opposition for the very first time in official competition, while Monterrey have never previously faced a club from Argentina, despite having featured twice in the Copa Libertadores.
River Plate vs Monterrey preview
After both made a positive start to their respective Club World Cup campaigns on Tuesday, who will prevail in a, potentially, pivotal clash in Pasadena? River Plate picked up three points in their opener, beating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1, thanks to goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastián Driussi and then Maximiliano Meza in Seattle. La Banda won the Intercontinental Cup in 1986 and reached the Club World Cup Final a decade ago, with supporters dreaming of another lengthy run this summer too.
Given that Marcelo Gallardo's men will meet Internazionale Milano back in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, River Plate will be desperate to pick up another victory here, one that could rubber stamp los Millonarios' place in the round of 16.
As for Monterrey, they held Inter to a 1-1 draw in California in their tournament curtain raiser. Rayados took the lead mid-way through the first half, courtesy of a trademark towering header by Sergio Ramos, only for I Nerazzurri to equalise on the cusp of the interval, as the game finished all square.
Monterrey's Club World Cup record to date is, at best, mixed, yet to beat opposition from outside Africa or Asia, a fact they'll be looking to change here in Pasadena. With Inter expected to progress and Urawa Reds likely to be eliminated, this clash could be crucial in determining who advances through to the knockout phase, so will there be a winner at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night?
River Plate vs Monterrey head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
River Plate team news
In the act of heading home his goal, Sebastián Driussi suffered a rather nasty head knock which forced him to be substituted, making the striker a doubt to feature, which would be a blow.
Fellow-scorer in Seattle Maximiliano Meza will be hoping to start this time, in place of Ignacio Fernández, given that he joined River Plate from Monterrey just under a year ago.
River Plate predicted lineup vs Monterrey: (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Pezzella, Acuña; Pérez, Castaño, Fernández; Mastantuono, Colidio, Borja.
River Plate player to watch vs Monterrey
Franco Mastantuono is this team's undisputed star, given that the 17 year old will be joining Real Madrid after this tournament, so will he shine in Los Angeles?
Monterrey team news
The 1-1 draw with Inter was Domènec Torrent's first match in charge of Rayados, somewhat surprisingly deploying a back three, so will he stick with that system in Pasadena?
Tuesday's scorer Sergio Ramos will start at the centre of that back three, with Sergio Canales enjoying the freedome of the number ten role, supporting centre-forward Germán Berterame.
Monterrey predicted lineup vs River Plate: (3-4-1-2): Andrada; Medina, Sergio Ramos, Guzmán; Chávez, Rodríguez, Óliver Torres, Arteaga; Canales, Ocampos, Berterame.
Monterrey player to watch vs River Plate
Defender Sergio Ramos continued his astonishing scorer record for Monterrey on Tuesday, heading home his fifth goal in just ten appearances for the club, and the 39 year old still exudes main character energy everywhere he goes.
River Plate vs Monterrey prediction
This clash at the Rose Bowl, which will be packed to the rafters come Saturday night, is extremely tough to call, but we give the slight edge to the Argentine giants: River Plate 2-1 Monterrey.
River Plate vs Monterrey FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch River Plate vs Monterrey FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
River Plate vs Monterrey 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 River Plate vs Monterrey FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
River Plate vs Monterrey 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 River Plate vs Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup?
River Plate vs Monterrey takes place on Saturday 21 June 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).