The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is off and running, with four strong days of fun and drama already in the books. So let’s get you caught up with what you missed and what’s ahead today and tomorrow.
Check in with ESPN as we bring you the latest news and analysis, all the way up to the tournament final at MetLife Stadium on July 13.
The lead: Boca, Benfica deliver CWC’s first classic
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — The press box at Hard Rock Stadium trembled as Boca Juniors fans celebrated the opening whistle of the team’s inaugural Club World Cup match against Benfica. Argentine supporters traveled in their thousands to take over the 200 and 300-level sections behind one of the goals, hanging yellow-and-blue flags and banners on the railings to create a makeshift La Bombonera more than 4,4000 miles away in Miami Gardens. It was no surprise after Boca Juniors supporters organized a massive gathering the day prior to the match to celebrate the beginning of the tournament, bringing instruments, flags, banners and an immense passion to Miami Beach. A sea of blue and yellow dominated as far as the eye could see while “Boca, Boca, Boca” resonated throughout. Families, from months-old babies to great grandparents, boasted the jerseys.
The Boca Juniors fan base completely took over the city and stadium, making the Argentine team locals away from home. And as the match progressed, the energy inside Hard Rock intensified and proved an integral part of Boca Juniors’ success on the pitch.
Boca began Miguel Angel Russo’s third term as head coach of the team with the opening goal against Benfica in the 21st minute. Miguel Merentiel shocked the Portuguese team to sneak a goal past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Fans erupted in cheers, throwing drinks in the air, hugging the nearest neighbor before singing “Dale Bo, Dale Bo” in perfect unison. Benfica players seemed flustered on the field, overwhelmed by the intensity of the Argentines both on and off the pitch.
Boca Juniors fans and players jumped at any split call from the referee Cesar Ramos, leaving Benfica vulnerable to the pressure. Once Rodrigo Battaglia doubled the lead, the South Americans appeared unstoppable. But the feeling of power, superiority and intensity backfired, leading to a penalty scored by Angel Di Maria for a foul inside the box.
Tension continued to rise, eventually leading to a red card for Boca Juniors’ Ander Herrera on the bench and Benfica player Andrea Belotti to leave the Portuguese side down to 10 men on the field.
And it only got worse for Boca Juniors in the second half, when Nicolas Otamendi, loyal fan of their eternal rivals River Plate, scored the equalizer for Benfica. When the announcer presented Otamendi at the beginning of the game, his name was drowned out by boos from Boca fans. This time, fans simply stood in silence and confusion at what just happened in front of their goal.
By the 87th minute, hostility on the pitch took an elevated form and a third, and final, red card was given to Boca Juniors’ Jorge Figal to equalize the playing field to 10 each.
The 2-2 draw seemed like an appropriate ending to a tension-fueled match that saw drama on and off the field. And It’s only the beginning of the Club World Cup for these two teams. — Lizzy Becherano
