KLIK SAJA - River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds will kick off their Club World Cup campaigns by facing each other on Tuesday, with both sides eager to start their Group E journey on a high note.
Inter Milan is the clear favorite to top the group, leaving River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Monterrey in a fierce battle for the remaining spot in the next round.
River Plate stands as the most successful club in Argentine football history, boasting 38 league titles—three more than their arch-rivals, Boca Juniors.
Nicknamed Los Millonarios, River secured their spot in this prestigious tournament as the highest-ranked eligible team in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking and are widely tipped to be serious contenders for a place in the knockout stage—most likely behind Inter Milan.
Marcelo Gallardo’s side will face Monterrey in their second group match on June 22, an ideal schedule that allows them to meet Inter Milan on the final matchday.
Adding to their strength, River Plate will feature talented young prospect Franco Mastantuono, who is set to showcase his skills this summer before officially joining Real Madrid once he turns 18 in July.
On the other hand, Urawa Red Diamonds booked their ticket to the Club World Cup by winning the 2022 AFC Champions League.
Known as The Red Devils, Urawa is one of Japan’s most successful clubs, with three AFC Champions League titles and a joint-record eight Emperor’s Cup victories.
This marks Urawa’s third appearance in the Club World Cup, and their J1 League campaign has been temporarily paused to focus on this tournament.
The Japanese side is seen as a potential dark horse, thanks to the recent rapid growth of football in Japan.
Both River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds are backed by passionate, loyal supporters and are expected to deliver an electrifying atmosphere with impressive choreography in the stands.
Maciej Skorża’s squad last played on June 1, defeating Yokohama 2–1. They currently sit fourth in the J1 League standings with 34 points from 21 matches.
Urawa’s second group match will be against Inter Milan on June 21, making a positive result against River Plate crucial to boosting confidence ahead of that clash.
River will once again turn to Mastantuono, who will be eager to leave a lasting impression before his high-profile move to Madrid in August.