KLIK SAJA - Having won two previous editions of the Club World Cup, German champions Bayern Munich head into the revamped 32-team tournament with high hopes of going all the way once again.
However, before they can dream of glory, Bayern must first navigate a challenging group stage.
They are drawn into Group C alongside Portuguese giants Benfica (two-time European champions), Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors (seven-time Copa Libertadores winners), and Auckland City (13-time OFC Champions League winners).
Bayern’s prospects have been given a major boost with the return of Jamal Musiala from injury, as he joins Vincent Kompany’s traveling squad.
With their blend of world-class talent and experience across all positions, Bayern are widely expected to top the group and advance comfortably to the Round of 16.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Auckland City enter the competition as clear underdogs.
The New Zealand side is likely to struggle against their high-profile opponents, and realistically, they may end up at the bottom of the group after three matches—especially considering the attacking nature of the other three teams.
This leaves Benfica and Boca Juniors as the two teams likely to battle it out for the second qualification spot behind Bayern.
Benfica are desperate for redemption after losing the Primeira Liga title race to Sporting Lisbon and falling short in the Taca de Portugal final.
Meanwhile, Boca Juniors are looking to bounce back from a disappointing exit in the Apertura playoff quarter-finals.
We predict that Bruno Lage’s Benfica will edge out Boca Juniors for second place, especially since they’ve avoided defeat in regulation time across their last 13 competitive matches.
Bayern striker Harry Kane could also be a major figure in this group.
The prolific England captain already boasts an impressive haul of individual honors, including three Premier League Golden Boots, two Bundesliga Golden Boots, a European Golden Shoe, and a FIFA World Cup Golden Boot.
Fresh off a spectacular 2024–25 season—scoring 38 goals in 46 competitive matches, including 26 in the Bundesliga—Kane finally lifted his first major club trophy.
