Bayern Munich are set to begin their 2025 Club World Cup campaign on 15 June with a predicted lopsided match against Oceania representative Auckland City. It will see two European football giants meet, with Bayern Munich’s star-studded squad set to face a semi-professional team from New Zealand.
Bayern won the 2024/25 Bundesliga title in style once again, finishing the season 13 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, with 82 points. Vincent Kompany’s team were dominant, scoring 99 goals in 34 games — their highest tally since the 1972–73 season.
Die Roten’s defence was also solid, conceding only 32 goals — the best record of all Bundesliga participants this season. However, Kompany still has some work to do, having been knocked out of both the Champions League quarter-finals by Inter Milan and the DFB-Pokal by Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern have previously won the Club World Cup twice, in 2013 and 2020. They are now aiming for a third title, and Auckland City are relatively easy opponents to open with on paper. Moreover, Bayern ended the season in good form, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games, scoring 20 goals and achieving four clean sheets.
Despite the possibility of rotation, Kompany has selected several key players. Harry Kane is almost certain to start, supported by Thomas Müller, who is replacing Jamal Musiala, still in doubt. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic could fill the midfield, while Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane are likely to be the mainstays on the wings.
Auckland City secured their place in the tournament by winning the OFC Champions League after beating Hekari United FC 2-0 in the final. This was their fourth consecutive Oceania title. Domestically, they finished with 25 points, just four behind league leaders Birkenhead United.
Paul Posa’s team perform well at home, but playing against Bayern in a 26,000-capacity stadium such as the TQL Stadium will be a significant challenge. Most of Auckland’s players are semi-professional and accustomed to playing in front of 3,500 spectators.
Predicted line-ups:
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Dier, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlović; Gnabry, Müller, Sané; Kane
Auckland City (4-3-3):
Auckland City (4-3-3):
Tracey; Bell, Boxall, Mitchell, Lobo; Garriga, Den Heijer, Ilich; Manickum, Bevan, Lee
Bayern Munich 5–0 Auckland City FC score prediction
Given the stark difference in quality, it is unlikely that Auckland City will be able to cause an upset. Bayern are expected to win by a landslide, especially as players like Kane will be looking to score goals and build momentum early in the tournament.
How to Watch Bayern Munich vs Auckland City FC 2025 Club World Cup
Indian football fans can catch Bayern Munich take on Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 via DAZN. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025, with a 9:30 PM IST kick-off.
For viewers in the UK, the game will be available to watch live on Channel 5 and DAZN.
