It all comes down to this for Boca Juniors as Group C wraps up at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, the Argentine giants head into their final group-stage match needing more than just a win — they need goals, and plenty of them, and a bit of luck elsewhere.
At GEODIS Park in Nashville, they’ll square off against Auckland City, knowing their fate will also be shaped by the outcome of Bayern Munich vs. Benfica being played at the same time.
Miguel Russo’s men find themselves in this tight spot after letting valuable points slip away — throwing away a two-goal lead against Benfica and late heartbreak against Bayern have left Boca sitting on just one point. To make the Round of 16, they’ll need to beat Auckland City by a big margin, and hope Bayern (6 points) take care of business against Benfica (4 points). Anything less will send Boca packing.
For Auckland City, this final match is all about pride. The New Zealanders have endured a brutal campaign so far, falling 10-0 to Bayern and 6-0 to Benfica. But even with elimination confirmed, this is a golden opportunity for the amateur squad to finish on a high note and test themselves against one of South America’s most storied clubs.
Betfair odds are understandably lopsided: Boca are overwhelming favorites at 1/50, while an Auckland City upset sits at 66/1. A draw comes in at 20/1.
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Boca vs. Auckland City prediction, tips, bet builder and odds for Club World Cup clash
Miguel Merentiel to score 2 or more goals: 19/2 (Spreadex)
With Edinson Cavani sidelined due to injury, all eyes are on his countryman Merentiel to lead Boca's charge for goals. Despite dealing with a slight muscular strain, the Uruguayan striker has been heavily involved in Boca's attack, nearly finding the net against Benfica and scoring a stunner versus Bayern. He’s bagged eight goals in 23 appearances this season, and against an Auckland defence that has already leaked 16 goals in two matches, "La Bestia" (The Beast) is primed to feast.
Over 3.5 goals in first half: 11/5 (Spreadex)
Boca need to fly out of the blocks here, with their goal difference currently seven less than Benfica's.
They could not have more ideal opponents to do that against, with Auckland letting in six of their 10 against Bayern before the break.
The Kiwi side did hold Benfica to one goal, but these odds are definitely worth a punt.
Boca vs. Auckland City expected lineups, team news
- Boca expected lineup: Marchesin; Advincula, Battaglia, Pellegrino, Blanco; Belmonte, Zenon; Zeballos, Palacios, Velasco; Merentiel. Coach: Miguel Angel Russo
- Auckland City expected lineup: Garrow; Murati, Boxall, Den Heijer, Mitchell, Lobo; Yoo, Garriga, Ilich, Manickum; Bevan. Coach: Paul Posa
Boca vs. Auckland City predicted score and most likely results
Here's some of the most likely results for this Club World Cup match-up, according to Betfair.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Boca 5-0 | 6/1 |
| Boca 4-0 | 13/2 |
| Boca 6-0 | 6/1 |
| Boca 7-0 | 15/2 |
| Boca 3-0 | 9/1 |
| Boca 8-0 | 10/1 |
How to watch Boca vs. Auckland City in Club World Cup action
- Date: Tuesday, June 24
- Venue: Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee
- Time: 8:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN
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