Bayern Munich kick off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Auckland City, seeking to start strong and add global silverware to their domestic success.

Bayern Munich are gearing up to face Auckland City in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, and they’re looking to make a statement.

After securing their 35th Bundesliga title in the 2024-25 season, the German champions are hungry for more. With a flawless record in previous Club World Cup appearances and two titles under their belt (2013, 2020), Bayern Munich is confident of advancing to the next stage.

The Bavarians will be without key defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae due to injury, and Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito have been left out of the squad.

However, Jamal Musiala’s return to training could see him feature in the match. New signings Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof are expected to make their debuts, adding fresh talent to the squad.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise are set to lead the attack, with Kane’s 26 Bundesliga goals in the 2024-25 season a testament to his goal-scoring prowess. Olise’s 35 goal contributions last season also make him a player to watch out for.

Thomas Müller, who is set to leave the club post-tournament, might make one final appearance in the Club World Cup.

Given the vast difference in professional pedigree, this match promises to be a David vs Goliath encounter. Bayern Munich’s experience and talent are likely to give them the edge they need to secure a win. With Benfica and Boca Juniors also in Group C, the German champions will be looking to start their campaign on a high note and set themselves up for a strong run in the tournament.

Bayern Munich Predicted XI

Neuer; Guerreiro, Stanisic, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Muller, Olise; Kane