- Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
- Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Fixture: Auckland City FC vs Boca Juniors
Match Preview
Auckland City FC and Boca Juniors meet in their final Group C match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with both sides seeking to end their group stage campaigns on a high. For Auckland City, this is a chance to salvage pride after a difficult tournament, while Boca Juniors must win convincingly and hope for a favorable result elsewhere to have any hope of advancing.
Auckland City have endured a baptism of fire in the United States. Their campaign began with a humbling 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, followed by a 6-0 loss to Benfica. Despite the heavy scorelines, the New Zealanders showed improved organization and spirit against Benfica, particularly through the efforts of young goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, who made several notable saves. Domestically, Auckland City have been dominant in the Northern League, but the step up in quality at the Club World Cup has exposed the gulf between Oceania’s best and the global elite.
Boca Juniors, meanwhile, arrive in Nashville under pressure. After a 2-2 draw with Benfica in their opener (a match marred by red cards and subsequent suspensions), Boca fell narrowly to Bayern Munich, 2-1, despite a spirited performance that included a goal from Miguel Merentiel. The Argentine giants have shown flashes of quality, particularly in attack, but defensive lapses and disciplinary issues have complicated their path. The suspensions of Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal for four matches each, following their dismissals against Benfica, have further weakened Boca’s options at a crucial moment.
Both teams are dealing with selection headaches. Auckland City’s squad is built around local talent, with a mix of experienced campaigners like Mario Ilich and younger prospects such as Nathan Garrow and Gerard Garriga. Boca Juniors, for their part, must reshuffle their defense and midfield due to suspensions, but retain plenty of firepower in attack, including Merentiel, Edinson Cavani, and the emerging talents of Zenón and Palacios Núñez. Boca’s coach, Miguel Ángel Russo, will be looking for a reaction after two disappointing results, knowing that only a big win keeps their slim qualification hopes alive.
The atmosphere at GEODIS Park should be lively, with Boca’s traveling support expected to create a slice of Buenos Aires in Tennessee. Auckland City will be hoping to frustrate their illustrious opponents and perhaps nick a goal on the break, but the odds are stacked firmly in Boca’s favor. Expect Boca to dominate possession and chances, but Auckland’s resilience and pride could make them work for every goal.
Key Players
Auckland City FC
- Nathan Garrow (GK): The young shot-stopper has been a rare bright spot, making several impressive saves despite heavy defeats.
- Mario Ilich (MF, Captain): The heartbeat of the midfield, tasked with organizing and calming his side under pressure.
- Gerard Garriga (MF): The Spanish midfielder’s creativity will be vital if Auckland are to create chances.
Boca Juniors
- Miguel Merentiel (FW): Boca’s most dangerous forward, scored against Bayern and was a constant threat versus Benfica.
- Rodrigo Battaglia (MF): Recently moved into midfield, he’s been a key presence for Boca, especially with Herrera suspended.
- Edinson Cavani (FW): The veteran striker’s experience and movement could be decisive against a stretched Auckland defense.
Prediction
Boca Juniors are overwhelming favorites and should have too much quality for Auckland City, even with their suspensions. Expect Boca to control the game, create numerous chances, and win comfortably. Auckland City’s best hope is to keep the score respectable and perhaps grab a consolation goal.
Predicted score: Auckland City 0-4 Boca Juniors.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Boca Juniors to Win | 1/100 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 33/1 | Bet Now |
| Auckland City to Win | 50/1 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1/25 | Bet Now |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 12/1 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 5/2 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score: No | 1/5 | Bet Now |
| Boca Juniors -2 Handicap | 4/9 | Bet Now |
Odds sourced from Oddspedia and converted to fractional format for your convenience.
Boca Juniors are expected to cruise, but the magic of the Club World Cup means Auckland City will give everything for their fans and for pride on the world stage.
