2025 FIFA Club World Cup Guide: Group C teams, managers, schedule

The football does not stop this summer, as almost three dozen of the world's best teams contest the revamped FIFA Club World Cup , with every game live and for free on DAZN .

Thirty-two teams will do battle in a new format that expands the event to a structure similar to those of major international tournaments, with eight groups of four set for 2025 .

Here, DAZN News profiles the contenders and pretenders, and up next is  Group C - as we figure out just who will reach the knockout rounds and who will be packing their bags.

Group C - at a glance 

Clubs

Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, Auckland City, Benfica 

Fixtures 

 

Bayern Munich  

Getty Images

Bayern head into the tournament as one of the most decorated sides involved in the USA, having won the Bundesliga a record 33 times during their history. 

The Germans are also two-time winners of the FIFA Club World Cup, having lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2020 when they were reigning Champions League winners. 

The 2025 Munich have just regained the league title in Germany, having lost out in 2024 to Bayer Leverkusen, and they boast one of the most formidable attacks around thanks to the likes of Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry. 

There's no doubt 'FC Hollywood' will be among the favourites to win this summer's tournament. 

Key man - Harry Kane 

Who else but the England skipper, who's proved what a world-class goalscorer he is by making the Bundesliga his playground. 

In his first season at Bayern, he netted more goals than any other player in Europe, and he's continued to rack up the numbers this year, too. 

Now he's added that elusive trophy to his CV, he has earned his place as one of the game's true greats. 

Manager - Vincent Kompany 

Eyebrows were raised when Vincent Kompany swapped a relegation to the Championship with one of Europe's top jobs last summer, but so far, it's proved to be a shrewd move for all. 

The Manchester City legend led Bayern's charge back to the top of the Bundesliga with their league title win in 2025. 

Could he add a FIFA Club World Cup to his dream season, too? 

Fixtures 

Auckland City  

Auckland City

No team has appeared at more FIFA Club World Cup tournaments than Aukland City, with 2025 marking the twelfth time they've competed in the competition. 

Unfortunately for the New Zealanders, they've only made it past the first stage on one occasion and, in fact, have only won three out of 17 games in the tournament. 

With a revamped tournament and a bolder group stage, the 10-time New Zealand National Football League champions will hope to ruffle a few feathers in the USA. 

However, they'll face the might of some big hitters in Group C, so it could be their biggest challenge yet. 

Key man - Angus Kilkolly

Top scorer for Aukland City for the past two seasons, Kilkolly is the New Zealander's best hope of causing an upset in the US this summer. 

The big striker used to be a painter and decorator, and he'll be trying to give some of the game's best defenders the brush off as he leads Auckland's attack. 

Manager - Paul Posa 

Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Aukland have appointed the man who led them to one of their best-ever performances in the competition, Paul Posa, who previously managed the club from 2008-2010.

He returned to the club in January ahead of the 2025 season, having previously won the OFC Champions League and National League titles as boss. 

Fixtures 

Boca Juniors   

Juan Manuel Baez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In world football, few teams are revered as much as the famous blue and yellow shirts of Boca Juniors. 

The Argentinian side has been the home of some of the world's biggest-ever names - including Diego Maradona - and it continues to be one of the biggest names in South America. 

However, the 35-time Primera Division champions haven't won a trophy since 2022, so the FIFA World Club Cup could be the perfect opportunity for them to get back to doing what they've become used to doing in Buenos Aires. 

Their game against Bayern Munich will be one of the most anticipated of the group stage this summer. 

Key man - Edinson Cavani 

Still banging in the goals at 38 years old, the Uruguayan has been one of this generation's most deadly and prolific strikers. 

A legend in Napoli and a record-breaker at PSG, Cavani even enjoyed successful stints at Manchester United and Valencia before heading to Argentina, and now is the club's skipper. 

Manager - Mariano Herrón 

Mariano Herrón assumed interim manager status in April, following the sacking of Fernando Gago.

A former midfielder with extensive experience throughout the Argentine top flight, Herrón has served as an assistant manager at Boca since 2020 and is now in his fourth term as caretaker.

Fixtures 

Benfica 

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

A European giant and a team full of history, Benfica are Portugal's most successful and, arguably, most famous name. 

They've won a record 38 Primera Liga titles, as well as two Champions League wins in their 1960s Eusebio-fuelled heyday. 

The 2025 Benfica just missed out on a league title, as Sporting bested them in the Premiera Liga, but with still be a danger at the Club World Cup. 

This summer will mark their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Key man - Angel Di Maria 

Back where it all began and still as dangerous and effective as ever, there aren't many things in football Di Maria hasn't achieved. 

A multi-time, multi-league winner across Spain and France, the Argentine has also lifted the World Cup and Copa America with his country. 

The 38-year-old is often overlooked when talking about modern-day greats, but Angel is still the real deal. 

Manager - Bruno Lage

Things may not have gone to plan for Laga in Wolverhampton, but he's back as Benfica boss, and it's a place that suits all. 

In his first spell with the club, he led them to the league title and could repeat the trick this season. 

Fixtures 

 

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.