Benfica vs Auckland City – Group C Showdown in Orlando
The second round of Group C pits Portuguese giants SL Benfica against Oceania champions Auckland City FC at Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, on Friday, 20 June 2025 (12:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 a.m. BDT). With Bayern Munich already sitting top after their 10‑0 demolition of Auckland and Boca Juniors holding Benfica to a 2‑2 draw, this fixture could define the race for the group’s second qualification spot.
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Current Group C Standings
Team P W D L GD Pts
Bayern Munich 1 1 0 0 +10 3
Benfica 1 0 1 0 0 1
Boca Juniors 1 0 1 0 0 1
Auckland City 1 0 0 1 –10 0
Benfica know that a handsome win here will not only give them three points but also restore parity with Bayern’s intimidating goal difference.
Form Guide & Team News
Benfica
Roger Schmidt’s side were frustrated by Boca Juniors on match‑day one, twice surrendering the lead despite goals from Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi. The Eagles will again be without striker Andrea Belotti, suspended for yellow‑card accumulation, so Danish forward Casper Tengstedt is expected to lead the line.
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Auckland City
After the record 10‑0 loss to Bayern, long‑time coach Ramon Tribulietx stepped aside temporarily, but club legend Ivan Vicenich has now returned to steady the ship. Captain Cam Howieson insists pride is on the line as the New Zealanders try to avoid mathematical elimination.
oceaniafootball.comas.com
Match Details & How to Watch
Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
Kick‑off: 12:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 a.m. BDT)
Venue: Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA
Broadcast/Stream: DAZN (global), ESPN+ (USA), FIFA+ (select territories)
interco-stadium.comfoxsports.com
Fans in Bangladesh can catch the live stream via the DAZN app; a one‑month free trial is currently available in South‑Asia packages.
Key Tactical Battles
Wing Supremacy – Di María vs Vale
Di María rolled back the years against Boca and will fancy isolating right‑back Jordan Vale. Cutting in onto his left foot, the Argentine’s delivery could be lethal for Tengstedt and Rafa Silva.
theplayoffs.news
Midfield Tempo – João Mário & Florentino vs Howieson & Manickum
Benfica’s double pivot recycle possession quickly; Auckland’s semiprofessional engine room must close spaces or risk being overrun.
Set‑Pieces – Opportunity for the Underdogs
Auckland’s towering centre‑back Adam Mitchell poses an aerial threat. Benfica conceded both Boca goals from dead‑ball situations – a weakness the Kiwi side must exploit.
Players to Watch
Benfica Why They Matter
Ángel Di María Two goals in the opener and still Benfica’s reference point at 36. Farewell tour motivation.
António Silva The 21‑year‑old centre‑back’s distribution starts most attacks; his composure allows Otamendi to step out.
Rafa Silva Finds pockets between lines – Auckland’s zonal defence must track him diligently.
Auckland City Why They Matter
Cam Howieson Former Burnley youngster is captain and heartbeat; must dictate any counter‑attacks.
Emiliano Tade Record club scorer; needs half‑chances to stem the tide.
Conor Tracey (GK) Faces another shooting gallery; his save rate will determine respectability of scoreline.
Predicted Line‑ups
Benfica (4‑2‑3‑1): Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, António Silva, Álvaro Carreras; Florentino, João Mário; Di María, Rafa Silva, Aursnes; Tengstedt.
Auckland City (4‑4‑2): Tracey; Vale, Mitchell, Kaltack, Otene; Manickum, Howieson, R. Lewis, Rogerson; Tade, de Vries. (Subject to match‑day confirmation)
Betting Odds & Tips
Outcome Odds*
Benfica win 1/100 (‑10 000)
Draw 33/1 (+3300)
Auckland win 66/1 (+6600)
*Best available prices as of 10:40 a.m. ET, 20 June 2025.
theplayoffs.news
Handicap Tip: Benfica –4.5 goals @ 1.85
Anytime Scorer: Di María @ 1.90 – the veteran is on penalties and free‑kicks.
Correct Score Punt: 5‑0 (small stake) – Benfica will push to eclipse Boca’s draw and boost goal difference.
Gamble responsibly – odds can change. Local regulations may apply.
Stat Corner
Benfica are unbeaten in 14 competitive matches since March 2025 (9 W, 5 D).
Auckland City have conceded 15 goals in their last two Club World Cup fixtures (including the 2023 edition).
The Portuguese side average 63 % possession this season, the highest among European entrants.
Score Prediction
Benfica’s superior quality, squad depth and motivation to stay in Bayern’s slipstream point to a one‑sided affair. Auckland City will battle bravely, but their defensive block is unlikely to survive 90 minutes of sustained pressure.
Final Call: Benfica 6 – 0 Auckland City
Expect the Eagles to wrap the game up early, allowing Schmidt to rotate and rest key legs for the decisive clash with Bayern Munich.
Live Updates & Post‑Match
Bookmark this page – we’ll embed the official FIFA live commentary widget once the match kicks off and add player ratings, highlight clips, and instant reaction right after the final whistle. Follow us on X (@UpdateNewsInfo) for micro‑updates direct from Orlando.
