FIFA Club World Cup Feature | Group C Preview: Led by Bayern Munich's Star-Studded Squad, Will Harry Kane Win Another Title?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group C, which brings together Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern Munich, South American powerhouses Boca Juniors, Primeira Liga giants SL Benfica, and Oceanian dark horses Auckland City FC. These teams, with their diverse and unique styles, are poised for captivating encounters.

South American Powerhouse Boca Juniors

Founded in 1905, Boca Juniors, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, stand as a symbol of Argentine football. In 2022, Boca Juniors drew 2-2 with Club Atletico Independiente in the final round of the Argentine Primera Division, lifting their 35th top-flight league title. In addition, the team holds 6 Copa Libertadores trophies. Since 2022, Boca Juniors have not won any titles and even failed to qualify for the Copa Libertadores this season. However, on August 23 last year, in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores Final stages, Sao Paulo FC defeated Club Nacional de Football 2-0, and Boca Juniors, thanks to their outstanding performances over the previous three years, accumulated 71 points to secure a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Boca Juniors' tactics emphasize quick counter-attacks and midfield pressing, utilizing the unique flexibility of South American players and small-area combinations to create opportunities. However, they have a weakness in dealing with aerial duels in defense. The 38-year-old Uruguayan veteran Edinson Cavani is a well-known player among many fans of Boca Juniors. He has played for SSC Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain FC, and Manchester United F.C., possessing a keen eye for goal and heading ability. He is still in excellent form, stating: "Participating in the FIFA Club World Cup is a new experience in my career, and Boca Juniors' goal in any competition is to win the championship!"

Primeira Liga Giants SL Benfica

Founded in Lisbon in 1904, SL Benfica began as a multi-sport club featuring football, basketball, volleyball, and handball, with football as their primary focus. The club's identity evolved in 1908 after a merger between Sport Lisboa and Grupo Sport Benfica, leading to its current name.

Known as the Eagles, SL Benfica are one of the Big Three of the Primeira Liga. They famously defeated FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF consecutively in 1961 and 1962, winning the UEFA Champions League twice. However, in the years that followed, due to the curse of Bela Guttmann, which purportedly prevented them from winning a European trophy for a century, Benfica have consistently failed to win in European football. Nevertheless, they remain fiercely dominant domestically, consistently breaking records with 38 Primeira Liga titles, 26 Taca de Portugal wins, and 8 Taca da Liga championships, making them the most decorated club in Portugal.

SL Benfica's tactical system emphasizes integrating play through both the flanks and the midfield and rapid attacking-defensive transitions, often using a 4-2-3-1 formation with a tendency towards active offense, frequently striving to control possession during matches and disrupting opponents' attacking rhythm with Nicolas Otamendi's experienced command in defense. As SL Benfica's starter, Vangelis Pavlidis, the 26-year-old Greek striker, won the Eredivisie top scorer last season and has quickly integrated into the team since arriving at SL Benfica this season, leading the attack with 19 goals in the Primeira Liga, showcasing exceptional composure and finishing ability in the box.

Bundesliga Leaders FC Bayern Munich

Founded in 1900, FC Bayern Munich won their first German championship title in 1932. They first participated in the Bundesliga in the 1965-66 season, and since then, they have become Star of the South in Germany, dominating the league and serving as a stage for many star players to make a name for themselves.

As one of Europe's top football powerhouses, FC Bayern Munich faced the strong emergence of Xabi Alonso's Bayer 04 Leverkusen last season, who snatched the title from them. This season, Vincent Kompany led the team in a spirited revenge, ultimately reclaiming the Meisterschale, and England star Harry Kane also achieved his first career title as desired. Currently, FC Bayern Munich have won the Bundesliga title 34 times, the DFB-Pokal 20 times, the DFL-Supercup 10 times, the UEFA Champions League 6 times, and the UEFA Super Cup 2 times. Furthermore, in the FIFA Club World Cup, FC Bayern Munich lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2020.

FC Bayern Munich continue their high-pressing, possession-based style, maintaining high possession rates. In the midfield, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka organize play and control the tempo. Alphonso Davies' explosive breakthroughs on the flanks are a sharp tool for dismantling opposing defenses, while Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala’s finishing abilities are crucial for the team's scoring efforts upfront. Harry Kane has continued his prolific scoring since joining FC Bayern Munich, delivering a performance of 38 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this season. His precise scoring and major tournament experience are a guarantee for the team's attacking strength. In this FIFA Club World Cup, he also yearns to perform even better and claim his second career title.

Oceanian Dark Horses Auckland City FC

New Zealand club Auckland City FC, founded in 2004, are the only amateur team among the 32 participating teams in this FIFA Club World Cup. However, the team have dominated Oceania for many years and are the pride of Oceanian football.

The New Zealand Football Championship was founded in 2004, and Auckland City FC won the title in its inaugural season (2004-05). Domestically, Auckland City FC have won the New Zealand Football Championship 10 times and the OFC Champions League 13 times, most recently on April 12, 2025, when Auckland City FC defeated PRK Hekari United 2-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

Auckland City FC's squad is mostly composed of local players, relying on teamwork and opportunistic set-piece goals. In counter-attacks, flank breakthroughs and crosses are their main threats. However, due to the low value of their squad and their less mature tactics, there is a clear gap in overall strength compared to European powerhouses. Nevertheless, merely participating in this tournament is already a success for them. Apart from allowing more fans to learn about the club, attracting attention, and increasing popularity, they can also gain experience by playing against strong teams.

The four teams in Group C are ready. FC Bayern Munich's dominance, Boca Juniors' South American passion, SL Benfica's formidable depth, and Auckland City FC's resilience will all add a rich stroke to the FIFA Club World Cup. When the whistle blows, it might just be the culmination of a classic battle. On the FIFA Club World Cup stage, we will witness not only wins and losses but also dreams and struggles.