Introduction: A European Showdown in Charlotte
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is serving up some mouthwatering matchups, and on June 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM EDT, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, will host a thrilling Group C clash between Bayern Munich and Benfica. Bayern, the German giants, are coming off a 10-0 demolition of Auckland City, while Benfica, Portugal’s pride, cruised to a 6-0 win over the same opponent. With both teams eyeing a knockout spot, this match could set the tone for Group C.
Whether you’re a Bayern fan in the US, cheering for Benfica from the UK, or tuning in from Canada or Australia, this pre-match preview has everything you need to get hyped. We’ll break down tactics, spotlight key players, crunch the numbers, and predict how this blockbuster will unfold. Let’s dive in!
Image Caption: Bank of America Stadium lights up for Bayern Munich vs Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 24.
Image Alt Text: Aerial view of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, set for the Bayern Munich vs Benfica match in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Tactical Breakdown: How Will the Teams Line Up?
Bayern Munich’s Game Plan
Under coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation that blends relentless pressing with clinical attacking. Their 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City showcased their firepower, and they’ll likely stick to their strengths:
-
High Press: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will lead a ferocious press to win the ball high up the pitch, as seen in their five first-half goals against Auckland.
-
Wide Overloads: Wingers Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala will stretch Benfica’s defense, creating space for Harry Kane to exploit. Bayern’s 12 shots on target against Auckland highlight their attacking depth.
-
Set-Piece Threat: Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are dangers from corners, with Bayern scoring twice from set-pieces in their opener.
Bayern’s high defensive line could be a risk, though. Benfica’s pacey forwards might exploit gaps on the counter if Bayern overcommit.
Benfica’s Approach
Coached by Bruno Lage, Benfica favors a 4-3-3 formation that balances possession with quick transitions. Their 6-0 win over Auckland City showed their attacking flair, and they’ll likely:
-
Counter-Attacks: Ángel Di María and João Mário will target Bayern’s high line with rapid runs, supported by striker Gonçalo Ramos. Benfica’s three counter-attack goals against Auckland prove their threat.
-
Midfield Control: Orkun Kökçü’s playmaking (two assists vs. Auckland) will aim to bypass Bayern’s press, while Fredrik Aursnes adds defensive steel.
-
Compact Shape: Defenders Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva will sit deep to frustrate Kane, forcing Bayern to break down a tight block.
Benfica’s challenge is maintaining discipline against Bayern’s relentless attack. If they lose possession in midfield, Bayern’s forwards could punish them
Stats to Know
-
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
-
Bayern Munich: W-W-W-D-W (Bundesliga and Club World Cup)
-
Benfica: W-W-D-W-W (Primeira Liga and Club World Cup)
-
-
Group C Standings (as of June 23, 2025):
-
Bayern Munich: 1 win, 3 points, +10 goal difference
-
Benfica: 1 win, 3 points, +6 goal difference
-
Auckland City: 0 wins, 0 points, -16 goal difference
-
Mamelodi Sundowns: 0 wins, 0 points (yet to play)
-
-
Head-to-Head: Bayern and Benfica last met in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, with Bayern winning 5-2 and 4-0. Bayern have won 7 of their 10 competitive meetings.
-
Key Stat: Bayern’s 10 goals against Auckland City were the most in a single Club World Cup match since 2019, while Benfica’s 62% possession in their opener shows their control.
Key Players to Watch
Bayern Munich
-
Harry Kane (Striker): The English captain scored a hat-trick against Auckland City and has 12 goals in the 2024-25 Bundesliga. His movement and finishing make him Bayern’s X-factor.
-
Jamal Musiala (Winger): The 22-year-old’s dribbling and two assists against Auckland City will test Benfica’s full-backs.
-
Joshua Kimmich (Midfielder): Kimmich’s 90% pass accuracy and defensive work rate anchor Bayern’s midfield.
Benfica
-
Ángel Di María (Winger): The 37-year-old Argentine scored and assisted against Auckland City. His experience and flair are crucial for Benfica.
-
Gonçalo Ramos (Striker): With two goals in the opener, Ramos’ pace could exploit Bayern’s high line.
-
Nicolás Otamendi (Defender): The veteran’s leadership will be key in containing Kane and co.
Match Context: What’s at Stake?
Bayern Munich kicked off their campaign with a 10-0 rout of Auckland City, signaling their intent to dominate Group C. A win here would cement their knockout spot, with only Mamelodi Sundowns left to face. As six-time UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern are favorites but can’t afford complacency against a tricky Benfica side.
Benfica, fresh off a 6-0 win over Auckland City, are also in pole position for the knockouts. Their Primeira Liga form (unbeaten in 10) shows their resilience, but facing Bayern is their toughest test yet. A draw or win keeps them in control of Group C, while a loss could make their final match a must-win.
The Opta supercomputer gives Bayern a 68.2% chance of victory, Benfica 15.7%, and a draw 16.1%. But Benfica’s counter-attacking threat could make this closer than expected.
Predictions: Who Will Come Out on Top?
This clash pits Bayern’s attacking juggernaut against Benfica’s tactical nous. Here’s how it could go:
-
Best Case for Bayern Munich: Kane and Musiala combine for a 3-1 win, with Bayern’s press overwhelming Benfica’s midfield.
-
Best Case for Benfica: Di María and Ramos strike on the counter for a 2-2 draw, frustrating Bayern’s attack.
-
Our Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1. Bayern’s depth should edge it, but Benfica’s pace will keep it tight.
The midfield battle—Kimmich vs. Kökçü—will decide who controls the tempo.
How to Watch in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
-
US: Stream free on DAZN or watch on TNT/TBS. Streaming also available via YouTube TV or fuboTV.
-
UK: DAZN offers free streaming. Check Sky Sports or BBC for potential TV coverage (2:00 PM BST).
-
Canada: DAZN is the go-to for free streaming.
-
Australia: DAZN provides free access, with possible coverage on Optus Sport (5:00 AM AEST, June 25).
Pro Tip: Use a VPN like NordVPN to access DAZN if traveling abroad.
Image Caption: Bayern Munich fans pack Bank of America Stadium, ready to cheer on Kane against Benfica.
Image Alt Text: Bayern Munich supporters wave flags in the stands during a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match.
FAQs
When is Bayern Munich vs Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
The match is on June 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM EDT (2:00 PM BST, 5:00 AM AEST) at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte.
Where can I watch the match live?
Stream free on DAZN globally. In the US, check TNT or TBS. Streaming options include YouTube TV or fuboTV.
Who are the key players to watch?
Bayern’s Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala are must-watch, while Benfica’s Ángel Di María and Gonçalo Ramos are threats.
What’s at stake in this match?
A win for either team likely secures a knockout spot in Group C. A draw keeps both in contention.
How can I buy tickets?
Visit FIFA.com/tickets or Ticketmaster.com for official ticket sales.
Fan Pov: Why This Match Has Me Buzzing
As a soccer nut, I’m counting down the minutes for this one! Bayern’s been my team since those epic Champions League nights, and watching Kane tear it up in Charlotte feels surreal. But Benfica’s got that underdog fire—Di María’s still got that magic touch. Bank of America Stadium is gonna be electric with Bayern’s red and white clashing with Benfica’s eagle spirit. I’m rooting for a Bayern win, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Benfica pulls off a sneaky counter. This is why I love the Club World Cup—pure, global soccer drama. Let’s go, Charlotte!
Don’t Miss This Group C Thriller
Bayern Munich vs Benfica is set to light up Bank of America Stadium on June 24, 2025. With Bayern’s firepower facing Benfica’s counter-attacking threat, this match promises goals, drama, and intensity. Tune in on DAZN, grab tickets, or join the vibe in Charlotte. Who’s your pick to win? Drop your predictions below, and check out SportsPear.com for more FIFA Club World Cup coverage!