As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup progresses, one of the most anticipated group-stage matchups takes place tonight between FC Bayern Munich and SL Benfica. FC Bayern Munich faces SL Benfica in a crucial 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group C decider, with top spot and knockout phase progression on the line. This pivotal encounter at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, will determine which team secures top spot in Group C and who advances to the knockout phase.

What’s at Stake?

Bayern Munich has already booked its spot in the last 16 after victories against Boca Juniors and Auckland City. The German giants have accumulated six points from their first two games and will need at least a draw against Benfica to finish top of the group.

For Benfica, the stakes are equally high. With four points from their opening two games, they only need a draw to secure a place in the next round of the competition. However, a win would not only ensure progression but also elevate them to the top spot in the group, ahead of Bayern Munich.

A loss for Benfica, however, would see them eliminated from the tournament, and given their ambitions to make a mark on the world stage, this is a game they can’t afford to lose.

Team News and Lineups

Benfica will face some key challenges ahead of this must-win match. Defensive midfielder Florentino is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while striker Andrea Belotti remains suspended for the second game in a row due to a red card against Boca Juniors. Former Bayern Munich player Renato Sanches is set to feature against his former side, adding extra intrigue to this encounter. Manager Bruno Lage is expected to make a few tactical tweaks, especially in defense, with Aursnes moving to right-back in place of the suspended Álvaro Carreras. Samuel Dahl will start on the left.

Key players missing for Benfica:

• Florentino (shoulder injury)
• Andrea Belotti (suspended)
• Alvaro Carreras (suspended)

The starting lineup for Benfica is likely to be as follows: Trubin; Aursnes, António Silva, Otamendi (c), Samuel Dahl; Renato Sanches, Kökçü, Barreiro; Aktürköglu, Pavlidis, Di Maria.

Bayern Munich, already through to the knockout stages, will be looking to rest some key players but still field a strong team. Captain Manuel Neuer will continue in goal, with Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, and Guerreiro in defense. The midfield will feature Kimmich and Goretzka, while the attacking trio of Olise, Müller, and Coman will support star striker Harry Kane, who will be looking to increase his tally in this tournament.

Key players missing for Bayern:

• Alphonso Davies (knee injury)
• Buchmann (shoulder injury)
• Kim (Achilles injury – doubtful)

Bayern Munich's likely lineup: Neuer (c); Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Müller, Coman; Kane.

Key Players to Watch

For Bayern Munich, much of their attacking threat will come from Jamal Musiala, who has been in scintillating form, scoring a hat-trick in their 10-0 demolition of Auckland City. Despite suffering a minor injury against Boca Juniors, Musiala has returned to training and should be available in some capacity. 

Alongside him, Harry Kane will be key in leading the line for Bayern, bringing his prolific scoring form to the tournament after finding the back of the net in their victory over Boca Juniors.

On the Benfica side, Ángel Di María, the veteran Argentine winger, will be crucial in leading the charge. He has scored three goals in the competition so far, all from the penalty spot, and will be looking to add to his tally. Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek striker, will also be a key figure, having been in excellent goal-scoring form domestically and in the tournament. His ability to finish and create opportunities will be essential for Benfica to break down Bayern’s defense.

Tactical Battle: Styles of Play

Bayern Munich’s tactical setup under Vincent Kompany is focused on high pressing and quick transitions. The Bavarians have been incredibly dynamic in their attacking play, with players like Musiala and Coman exploiting the space left by opposing defenses. The team’s aggressive pressing game allows them to recover possession quickly, creating a fast-paced attacking flow. 

However, Bayern has shown some vulnerability in defense, especially against set-pieces and balls played behind their defense. This could be an area for Benfica to exploit, as the Portuguese side is strong in set-piece situations.

Benfica, under Bruno Lage, has a more methodical approach, relying on counter-attacks and quick transitions to exploit defensive lapses. Their defense will be tested against Bayern's high-pressing game, but if they can absorb the pressure and break quickly, they have the pace and skill to threaten Bayern's backline. The match will likely hinge on how well Benfica can manage Bayern’s pressure while taking advantage of any lapses in the Bayern defense.

Historical Context and Rivalry

Historically, Benfica has struggled against Bayern Munich in European competitions. In 13 previous meetings, Benfica has never defeated the Bavarians, recording just three draws and ten losses. 

Their most recent encounter came in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage, where Bayern won 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Jamal Musiala. This record looms large, but Benfica will hope that this encounter in the Club World Cup can be a turning point in their fortunes against Bayern.

Goals for each teams

The outcome of this match has major implications for both teams. Bayern Munich is looking to top Group C and continue their strong run in the tournament, with the hope of adding another Club World Cup trophy to their collection. The Bavarians have won the competition twice before (in 2013 and 2021) and are one of the favorites to win this year’s edition.

Benfica, meanwhile, is aiming to secure their first-ever victory in this prestigious competition. Their journey so far has been impressive, and with the match taking place on neutral ground in Charlotte, the Portuguese side will have the opportunity to make history. A win would not only secure qualification but would also send a strong message that Benfica is ready to challenge the very best.

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and will kick off at 20:00 (London Time). Fans worldwide can tune in to watch this exciting encounter between two European giants as they battle for supremacy in the FIFA Club World Cup.