Benfica at FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Dates, Fixtures, Squad, Stats, Where to Watch and More
Less than a month after the final weekend of the Portuguese domestic season, Benfica will commence their maiden Club World Cup campaign. Within 48 hours of the tournament’s opening clash between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian outfit Al Ahly, the Hard Rock Stadium plays host again as the Eagles face Boca Juniors in Florida.
Although Benfica have never previously appeared at FIFA’s premier international club competition, this summer’s tournament will provide a new experience for even the most seasoned of past participants. More fixtures, increased media coverage, and a supercharged prize pot suggest the 21st instalment of the Club World Cup will be bigger and better than any previous edition, as further pressure is added to an already saturated footballing calendar. Fans won’t be complaining though, as the planet’s best players – including the likes of Benfica’s veteran winger Ángel Di María – descend on American soil this June.
In the sections below, you can find out all the key information about Benfica’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. Read on to access a full match schedule, discover more about the Eagles’ group-stage opponents, and understand the size and strength of Bruno Lage’s squad. We’ll also discuss the competition’s qualification process, and check out the bookmakers’ favourites.
Schedule, fixtures and opponents
After initially navigating fixtures in Miami and Orlando, Benfica depart the Sunshine State and northwards up the American east coast. The Eagles’ final group stage clash takes place in North Carolina, meeting fellow UEFA participants Bayern Munich at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
Benfica were allocated into pot two at last December’s Club World Cup draw, and subsequently placed in Group C alongside Auckland City, Boca Juniors, and Bayern Munich
Group stage match fixtures
Match 1: Boca Juniors vs. Benfica – Monday 16th June, 6.00pm (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)
Match 2: Benfica vs. Auckland City – Friday 20th June, 12.00pm (Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL)
Match 3: Benfica vs. Bayern Munich, Tuesday 24th June, 3.00pm (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC)
Knockout stage match fixtures
Groups C and D have been paired together within the Round of 16 framework, and therefore Benfica’s potential path to the quarter-final stage has already been mapped out. Should the Eagles conclude the opening phase as group winners or runners-up, they will face either 2022 Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo, CAF representatives Espérance de Tunis, 2021 Club World Cup winners Chelsea, or another currently unknown opponent (FIFA are yet to confirm who will replace former Group D members Club León following the Mexicans’ disqualification).
As both potential Round of 16 ties are scheduled to take place at venues they visited during the group stage, Benfica are able to remain in the southeast of the country until the quarter-final stage. If they advance to the last eight, Bruno Lage’s men will travel to the northern city of Philadelphia.
Benfica’s potential Round of 16 ties:
Match 50: Group C winners vs. Group D runners-up – Saturday 28th June, 16.00pm (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC)
Match 52: Group D winners vs. Group C runners-up – Sunday 29th June, 16.00pm (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)
Benfica’s Club World Cup 2025 opponents
Group C boasts an intriguing mix of competitors, with three relative giants of the game joining a relative minnow in the shape of New Zealand underdogs Auckland City. To progress from this extremely tricky pool, Benfica will need to perform strongly throughout each of their opening three fixtures. The four Group C members have a staggering 26 premier continental trophies between them, highlighting the level of quality, experience, and tournament know-how Benfica must contend with during the initial phase of the tournament.
We examine each of the Eagles’ group-stage opponents in closer detail below.
Bayern Munich
Having been crowned champions in each of their previous two Club World Cup appearances, Bayern Munich travel to the States as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
After a challenging 2023/24 campaign, the Bavarians have wrestled back the initiative on the domestic front following Bayer Leverkusen’s brief moment of dominance. A UEFA Champions League quarter-final also awaits, as the 33-time Bundesliga winners attempt to avenge last season’s cruel elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.
With Harry Kane in blistering goalscoring form and the likes of Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich, and Dayot Upamecano delivering a series of fine performances this term, few would bet against Bayern to clinch a further intercontinental title this summer.
Auckland City
A supremely large fish in a rather modest-sized pond, Auckland City secured a record-extending 12th OFC Champions League title last May. To provide further perspective, the second most successful club in the history of Oceania’s marquee club competition is Waitakere United, who are also based in Auckland’s sprawling suburbs.
As a consequence of their continental hegemony, the Navy Blues have competed at more editions of the Club World Cup than any other team. However, City have only managed to jump the first hurdle in two of their previous eleven tournament appearances, reaching the quarter-finals in 2009 and achieving an impressive third-place finish five years later. The North Islanders have twice been eliminated by both Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Al Ahly, while more than a third of their campaigns have ended following defeat by Japanese opposition.
With some bookmakers pricing the reigning New Zealand NFL champions as long as 1250/1, Auckland City are expected to become the Group C whipping boys. Nevertheless, Paul Posa will be optimistic his team can spring one or two surprises….
Boca Juniors
Although one of only five clubs to win the now defunct Intercontinental Cup on three separate occasions, Boca Juniors have struggled to make any sort of impact on FIFA’s most prestigious club competition. Boca’s only previous Club World Cup outing ended in sobering disappointment, losing out to Tunisian side Étoile du Sahel in 2007.
Despite having not won any major honours since 2022 – a relative draught for one of Argentina’s most successful clubs – the ‘Xeneizes’ have started the current campaign in fine form, only suffering one defeat in their opening ten Primera División fixtures.
Experienced striker Edinson Cavani spearheads Boca Juniors’ talented attack, while former Manchester United duo Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo provide assurance in the defensive third. At odds of 40/1 to win the tournament, the Buenos Aires-based outfit perhaps fall into the category of dark horses.
TV coverage: Where can I watch Benfica at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Last December, FIFA announced that streaming platform DAZN had been awarded exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2025 Club World Cup. It was also confirmed that viewers can access live coverage of all 63 tournament fixtures at no cost, provided they sign-up for a free DAZN account or are already an existing subscriber.
The easiest way to watch content on DAZN is via the platform’s dedicated app, which can be downloaded onto smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and other compatible devices. In addition to watching the best teams in the world battle for international supremacy, DAZN customers will be able to enjoy a range of other features such as preview shows, highlight reels, and expert post-match analysis.
The lucrative deal also permits DAZN to sub-license broadcasting rights to other media outlets, so Club World Cup clashes may be shown on various TV channels in certain countries.
Expected line-up: Benfica’s squad list for Club World Cup 2025
The Club World Cup provides a rare opportunity to earn a piece of international silverware, while offering access to a potentially colossal financial bounty. Bruno Lage is therefore unlikely to leave his big guns in Lisbon, despite fighting on several fronts throughout an arduous 2024/25 campaign. This issue is further accentuated by the age of Benfica’s brightest stars, with the likes of Argentinian pair Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Di María approaching the twilight stages of their respective careers.
The tournament also offers a chance for Lage to integrate several talented youngsters into the first-team fold, particularly if progress to the knockout stages is secured early on. In addition to selecting a balanced yet competitive squad, the experienced tactician will need to decide whether to extend deals for Benfica’s four current loanees.
Having scored nine goals in 40 appearances following his temporary switch from Championship promotion chasers Burnley, it’s unclear as to whether Zeki Amdouni will remain at the Estádio da Luz beyond the summer. Often used as an impact substitute, the Swiss international striker netted a late winner during Benfica’s thrilling UEFA Champions League group stage meeting with Monaco last November. Fellow loanee Andrea Belotti has also frequently been consigned to the bench, but did manage to get on the scoresheet in two of his first four league starts for the club.
Swedish full-back Samuel Dahl has adjusted well to life in the Portuguese capital, claiming two assists since leaving parent employers Roma in February. However, Benfica fans will undoubtedly be interested most in the future of industrious midfielder Renato Sanches. The Portuguese international returned to his boyhood club on a season-long loan deal last summer, but has endured an injury-blighted campaign to press.
Although several will be unsure about the scale of their involvement this summer, a handful of first-team players can expect to assume a familiar role. The playmaking skills of talented Turkish international Orkun Kökçü are set to be called upon, as will the combative presence of long-serving midfielder Florentino Luís. Greek marksman Vangelis Pavlidis will likely lead the line, fresh from netting seven UEFA Champions League goals this season.
Benfica’s expected Club World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Anatoliy Trubin, Samuel Soares, André Gomes
Defenders: Alexander Bah, Samuel Dahl, Nicolás Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Oliveira, Leandro Santos, Adrian Bajrami
Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Orkun Kökçü, Manu Silva, Leandro Barreiro, Nuno Félix, Florentino Luís, Hugo Félix, Renato Sanches, Diogo Prioste, Tiago Dias Freitas
Forwards: Zeki Amdouni, Arthur Cabral, Ángel Di María, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Andrea Belotti, Andreas Schjelderup, Benjamín Rollheiser, João Rego
Players to watch
Bruno Lage has instilled a powerful team spirit and steely resilience into his ranks, illustrated by several remarkable comebacks in recent months. Although this sense of togetherness has served them well, Benfica can still utilise the individual qualities of several gifted star players.
We review three of the Eagles’ stand-out performers this season, and how they may influence events in the U.S. this summer….
A commanding figure at the heart of Benfica’s uncompromising defence, Nicolás Otamendi understands what it takes to compete at the very highest level. The veteran centre-back has lifted three domestic trophies and recorded over 200 competitive appearances since arriving at the Estádio da Luz in September 2020, not to mention earning a World Cup winners medal with Argentina.
Without him, Benfica are a considerably weaker force.
Despite only recently celebrating his 37th birthday, Ángel Di María can still wield his magical left foot to devastating effect. Having registered 15 goals and eight assists across all competitions this term, the former Argentinian international remains a potent attacking threat.
After spending three years in the Portuguese capital as a highly promising youngster, Di María returned to Benfica two summers ago following spells with European heavyweights Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.
Blessed with a sublime first touch, immense skill, and the ability to both create and take goalscoring opportunities, Andreas Schjelderup is considered to be one of Europe’s hottest young prospects. During a superb breakthrough campaign, the versatile attacker has recorded eight direct goal involvements for Benfica and managed to break into the senior Norwegian national side.
The Club World Cup may provide the ideal stage for Schjelderup to further enhance his burgeoning reputation.
Winner odds: What are the Eagles’ chances of winning the 2025 Club World Cup?
Currently locked in a thrilling title race with reigning champions Sporting Lisbon, Benfica will likely be at full throttle until the very end of the 2024/25 season. Whilst this may cause some fatigue to creep in, you can be assured Bruno Lage’s men will benefit from a consistent stream of competitive fixtures ahead of the Club World Cup.
Benfica have already added one major honour to the trophy cabinet this term, overcoming Sporting in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to win the Taça da Liga in January. A semi-final clash with surprise fourth-tier package Tirsense also awaits, as Benfica attempt to secure a first Taça de Portugal triumph in since 2017.
Although eliminated at the Round of 16 stage, ‘Os Encarnados’ can also reflect favourably on their latest UEFA Champions League campaign. After progressing to the second knockout round following impressive victories over Red Star Belgrade, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and Monaco, the Eagles European journey ended with defeat to Barcelona.
Although enjoying a strong run of form doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome this summer, Benfica will undoubtedly be buoyed by recent successes. Priced by most bookmakers at between 30/1 and 40/1 to win the tournament, no one is expecting Nicolás Otamendi to hoist the Club World Cup trophy aloft in the coming weeks. However, you would be foolish to completely write off the chances of a club built on winning trophies.
Who are the favourites
The most successful team in the competition’s 25-year history, five-time winners Real Madrid are expected to claim a sixth Club World Cup crown this summer. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are also fancied to do well, with the bookmakers positioning Pep Guardiola’s side as second-favourites despite suffering a seriously underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.
Bayern Munich are the only other team to receive odds of less than 10/1, as the Bavarians hope to seal a third ‘consecutive’ Club World Cup crown after triumphs in 2013 and 2020.
How did Benfica qualify for the tournament?
The winners of the last four editions of each confederation’s premier continental competition qualified automatically for the 2025 Club World Cup, with 14 of the remaining 16 participants determined via a coefficient points system. One berth has been reserved for hosts Inter Miami, the winners of last season’s MLS Supporters’ Shield. As a consequence of Club León’s expulsion, FIFA are considering staging a play-off to decide who should assume the Mexicans’ vacated spot.
Each confederation was allocated a specific number of slots, with UEFA – receiving 12 invites to distribute – the best represented of FIFA’s six affiliate governing bodies. Having won the UEFA Champions League at least once in the last four seasons, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea gained instant entry to the tournament. The nine European teams (other than the three mentioned above) with the most coefficient points – earned by progressing to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League – would subsequently qualify by the ‘ranking pathway’
Having accumulated 52 coefficient points in a rolling four-year period, Benfica were the seventh-ranked eligible team and therefore took one of UEFA’s nine available slots. Fellow Portuguese outfit Porto also received an invite thanks to this newly established route, as did Group C opponents Bayern Munich.
Benfica’s 2025 Club World Cup kit
Although the club are yet to confirm whether a dedicated Club World Cup kit will be released, don’t be surprised if a limited-edition shirt hits the shelves in time for Benfica’s first group stage fixture against Boca Juniors.
FIFA’s revamped and expanded pan-continental tournament offers a significant commercial opportunity, with club merchandise being advertised to millions of viewers around the globe. Producing a new jersey would potentially be a lucrative avenue for Benfica – and the other 31 participants – to pursue.
History, highlights and statistics
Despite never previously qualified for a Club World Cup ahead of this summer's tournament, Benfica still boast an extremely decorated history. The most successful club in Portugal by a considerable distance, no team has won the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, or Taça da Liga on more occasions.
Moreover, Benfica won two European Cups in a row back in the early 1960s, when the likes of club legend José Águas and the late great Eusébio donned the famous red jersey.