Boca Juniors Eye Club World Cup as Chance for Redemption, but Challenges Loom Large

For Boca Juniors, the upcoming Club World Cup is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s the perfect opportunity to shift focus away from a disappointing season, with early exits from both the Copa Libertadores and the Argentinian Apertura still stinging. On the other hand, those same struggles are a reminder that the team isn’t at its best, making progress beyond the group stage, especially against the likes of Bayern Munich and Benfica, feel like wishful thinking. Auckland City may offer some respite, but only on paper.

Still, there’s a sense of cautious optimism at La Bombonera, largely thanks to the return of veteran coach Miguel Ángel Russo. He’s seen as a steadying hand and a key figure for club icon Juan Román Riquelme, who’s hoping to turn fan criticism into renewed support. Beyond pride and performance, there’s also a financial incentive: a deep run in the tournament could bring in much-needed funds to bolster the squad and get Boca back to the top of South American football.

A Team with Firepower, But Still Searching for Identity

Russo inherits a squad with talent up front but still lacking a clear playing style. The attacking unit is led by Miguel Merentiel, Edinson Cavani, Carlos Palacios, and Milton Giménez, though uncertainty surrounds midfielder Ander Herrera, who’s missed most of the season due to injury.

Players to Watch

Miguel Merentiel stands out as Boca’s top threat. The Uruguayan forward can lead the line or play just behind the striker, combining flair with the typical fighting spirit of players from his country. He’s tallied seven goals and three assists in 21 appearances this season, finishing as Boca’s top scorer in the Apertura with six goals, sixth-best in the league overall.

Alongside him is Edinson Cavani, who’s had a rollercoaster run in Buenos Aires. Since joining in 2022, expectations have been sky-high, but he’s struggled to deliver in key moments. His costly miss against Alianza Lima, just before a decisive penalty shootout that knocked Boca out of the Libertadores, remains fresh in fans’ minds. At 38, Cavani was supposed to be the leader, but that elusive spark hasn’t quite returned.

The Russo Factor

Miguel Ángel Russo begins his third spell with Boca Juniors. He first led the team in 2007, guiding them to their last Copa Libertadores title with a dominant 5-0 win over Gremio in the final. He returned in 2019 and stayed through 2021, reaching another Libertadores final and winning the Superliga.

This time around, Russo joins from San Lorenzo, where he had been coaching since October 2024. After a semi-final loss to Platense in the Apertura, he accepted Riquelme’s call to return to Boca, a team in desperate need of direction. Tactically, Russo prefers a 4-2-3-1 setup, though he’s also comfortable with a traditional 4-4-2, which he often used during his last Boca stint.

Club World Cup Fixtures

Matchday 1 — June 17: Boca Juniors vs. BenficaBoca kicks off against Portuguese giants Benfica. While the Lisbon side narrowly missed out on both the league and cup titles (losing to Sporting in both competitions), they remain a top-tier team. Key players include Nicolás Otamendi, Orkun Kökçü, Vangelis Pavlidis, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu. Ángel Di María, who had returned to Rosario Central, is no longer with them.Matchday 2 — June 21: Boca Juniors vs. Bayern MunichIf the opening match is tough, the second is a mountain to climb. Bayern, one of the tournament favorites, boasts a star-studded lineup: Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, and Michael Olise. They’re fresh off winning the Bundesliga and a solid Champions League run to the quarter-finals.Matchday 3 — June 24: Boca Juniors vs. Auckland CityShould Boca still be in contention by the third match, things could finally swing their way. Auckland City, from New Zealand, are among the weakest teams in the tournament. They regularly dominate the Oceania Champions League, but rarely compete at this level. Boca will be expected to take all three points here, assuming they make it that far.