MIAMI — Bayern Munich, the German powerhouse, takes on Argentina’s Boca Juniors in a pivotal Group C match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It’s Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors.
Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. EDT, with Bayern aiming to secure a spot in the round of 16 after a 10-0 rout of Auckland City in their opener. Boca Juniors, coming off a fiery 2-2 draw against Benfica, look to upset the favorites with their passionate fanbase turning Miami into a sea of blue and yellow on Friday night.
Bayern’s attacking prowess was on full display against Auckland City, with Jamal Musiala scoring a hat-trick and Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, and Thomas Müller each netting braces. Harry Kane, despite not scoring in the opener, is expected to lead the line, hungry to open his tournament account.
Coach Vincent Kompany has a near-full squad, with only Minjae Kim (Achilles) sidelined. Bayern’s predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane.
Boca Juniors, led by coach Miguel Angel Russo, face challenges with suspensions to Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal from their Benfica match, where they squandered a 2-0 lead. Edinson Cavani (calf) and Marco Pellegrino (muscle) are doubtful, but Miguel Merentiel, who scored against Benfica, is likely to start. Boca’s projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Marchesin; Advincula, Rojo, Costa, Blanco; Belmonte, Battaglia; Zenon, Velasco, Palacios; Merentiel.
Fans can watch the match live on TBS or stream it on DAZN, which offers free coverage of all 63 tournament matches. In the U.S., DirecTV Stream also provides streaming options. Radio coverage is available via SiriusXM FC, with pre-game analysis starting at 5 p.m. EDT on Al Jazeera Sport. In the UK, the match airs on Channel 5 at 2 a.m. BST (Saturday). Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $50 via FIFA’s official portal.
Bayern, favored at -556 odds, face a stern test against Boca (+1200), whose fans are expected to create a hostile, electric atmosphere. “It’ll feel like an away game,” Kane said, acknowledging Boca’s passionate supporters. A Bayern win would cement their Group C lead, while Boca aims to channel their 1977 Intercontinental Cup triumph over German opposition.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4, Boca Juniors 2.
It’s Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors and it’s live from Miami.
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