2025 Club World Cup Group C Tour - Bayern is strong, can Zhou Tong become a disruptor

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group C brings together top powerhouses from all over the world, but compared with the high-intensity duels in other groups, the strength of Group C is a bit one-sided. The teams in this group include German ball dominant Bayern Munich and Portuguese super giant Benfica, as well as Argentina's permanent king Boca youth and Oceania champion Auckland City. According to strength, there is no big problem with Bayern's promotion. The second place should be the competition between Boca youth and Benfica. Auckland City is probably only able to become a running role.

Bayern Munich

1. Defending the leader of the Club World Cup, winning the championship is their goal

As an evergreen in European football, Bayern Munich has performed stably in the semi-finals of the Champions League for four consecutive years in the 2021-2024 season, and has become the first giant to be shortlisted for the Club World Cup through the "long-term dominance" channel with its points advantage. This achievement is the best certification of the club's continued competitiveness - under the new regulations, stable European output is more valuable than accidental champions. The Bundesliga giants have won the Club World Cup twice.

participated in the competition as a triple crown twice, demonstrating his background as a top European giant. Now, Bayern regards the Club World Cup as a key springboard for strategic upgrades. Coach Kompany bluntly said: "This event is a golden platform to connect global fans and strengthen brand value." They are not only competitive representatives, but also an important bargaining chip for UEFA and FIFA in the commercialization of the event.

2. Kompany's emotional intelligence has made Bayern

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany is writing a new paradigm for wealthy management with his unique coaching philosophy. Since taking over the team in 2024, the Belgian young coach has shown political wisdom that is inconsistent with his age - he cleverly maintains a delicate balance between the authority of the supervisory board and the autonomy of coaches. Unlike his predecessor Tuchel's public criticism of Heness, Kompany chose to use office lights instead of press conference spotlights, reshaping the club's professional standards with an average daily work intensity of 12 hours. When the outside world questioned whether the young coach could calm the locker room, his tactical analysis meeting at 2 a.m. and detailed player interviews are quietly changing Bayern's power ecology.

Heres's evaluation of Kompany is quite meaningful: "He has brought football back to purity. "This purity is reflected in three dimensions: in the art of management, Kompany pioneered the dual-track mode of "silence-communication" - keeping media silent externally, and resolving differences internally through special technical meetings three times a week; in terms of training concepts, he perfectly integrates the dynamic formation concept of Anderlecht's period (free switching between four defenders and three central defenders) with Bayern tradition; in terms of tactical innovation, the "speed football" that combines field control and wing blasting not only retains the rigor of German football, but also injects the liquidity of modern football. This all-round innovation may be the key to breaking the spirituality of South American teams and the iron barrel formation of Asian teams when Bayern competes in the Club World Cup.

What is more interesting is Kompany's transformation of the club's political ecology. When Nagelsman was questioned for his training duration, Kompany redefined his work ethics with his hands-on practice; when the members of the Supervisory Board pointed fingers on tactics, he used professional meetings to resolve the contradictions in the conference room on Sebena Street. This practice of transforming political capital into professional authority has allowed the management who once criticized his ex's "lack of presence" to gain an unprecedented sense of control under the new system.

3. Many players quickly joined

Bayern Munich gained a lot of joy and sorrow in the transfer market: the team successfully signed 19-year-old midfielder Bissov from Hoffenheim. The young player joined this summer as a free agent and is expected to complete the registration of the Club World Cup in June. However, German international Jonatan Ta's transfer is deadlocked. Although the ten-year meritorious central defender who played for Leverkusen has reached a free transfer agreement with Bayern (contract until 2029), it has been hindered by the huge differences in the amount of compensation between the two clubs.

29-year-old Jonatan Ta played 4 goals in 49 games for the pharmaceutical factory this season, and the German turnover price reached 30 million euros. The Hamburg youth training defender made 402 appearances during his time at Leverkusen and won three trophies including the Bundesliga championship with the team. Although Bayern is willing to pay a token compensation of up to 1 million euros, Leverkusen insists on asking for a sky-high price of 5 million euros, a requirement that is regarded as "absurd blackmail" within Bayern.

Bayern senior executives are trying to convince the pharmaceutical factory to release people through emotional cards, emphasizing that the loyal and dedication of this meritorious veteran over the past ten years is worthy of a decent farewell. If the negotiations break down, Tajikistan will have to wait until the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup to represent its new club - this is undoubtedly a major blow to Bayern, who is determined to compete for the championship. The Tower has been confirmed to wear Bayern No. 4 jersey, but when it will be officially unveiled depends on the results of the game between the two clubs.

Faced with this world's top event, Bayern Munich is sure to be ready to fight. Although there are still wounded soldiers, they are also a favorite to win the championship.

Benfica

1. European star "black store" debuted in the Club World Cup for the first time. Can it defend its strength?

Benfica has become the most famous "Star Dream Factory" in European football in recent years. Its excellent youth training system and unique scouting network have built an efficient talent training mechanism. From Di Maria to Ruben Dias, from Nunes to Enzo Fernandez, these superstars shining in European football have completed the transformation from rough jade to treasure at the Lisbon Stadium. The club's original "black shop" business philosophy - discovering potential new stars with a precise perspective and achieving a leap in value through systematic cultivation - not only ensures fiscal sustainability, but also reshapes the talent supply chain of modern football.

In the 2021-2024 cycle, this Portuguese Super League giant has accumulated enough European points with its stable output in the Champions League, and finally ranked among the top 32 in the first new version of the Club World Cup as a non-champion.. This achievement not only confirms its competitive level as the leader of the second-tier European league, but also is the best compliment for its long-term "competitive-economic" dual-track development model. Nowadays, when Benfica players compete with top clubs around the world in the Club World Cup, they not only carry the honor of the club, but also represent the victory of Portuguese football philosophy. As one of the most successful clubs in Portugal, Benfica will strive to win the glory of global football for themselves in this new form of competition with their profound historical heritage and outstanding skills and tactics.

2. Can Felix's wanderer return home save the team?

Benfica is accelerating the "Golden Boy" Felix's return plan. The career of this ill-fated genius may usher in an important turning point. Felix's football journey began at Porto youth training, but was abandoned at the age of 14 because of his weakness and was eventually taken over by Benfica, who was keen on. In 2019, he joined Atletico Madrid for 127 million euros that set a record transfer fee for Portugal, which even exceeded the record held by Ronaldo. However, after moving to Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan, the 25-year-old Felix has never been able to realize his talent. His sluggish performance of only 1 goal in Milan this season has caused the Ross and Blacks to give up the buyout.

According to the Portuguese "Record", Benfica sports director Rui Costa personally handled the transaction and proposed a quotation of "15 million euros loan fee + 30 million euros forced buyout" while Chelsea insisted on a permanent transfer asking price of 40 million euros, and the two sides are still fighting fiercely. It is worth mentioning that if Felix returns, he will reunite with his former teammates. This pair of masters and apprentices won the championship in the 2019 European Youth Championship. Now it may reappear in Benfica's "new and old inheritance" story. The key time node of this deal is the registration deadline for Club World Cup in early June. Benfica hopes that Felix can catch up with this globally catching event. For Felix, returning to the familiar Portuguese Super League environment may be the best choice to revive his career. It was here that he handed over 20 goals and 11 assists to help Benfica win the league championship.

3. The opponent's contrast makes Benfica more hope

Many authoritative analysts in international football are generally optimistic that Benfica will advance to the Club World Cup knockout round as the second in the group. The general view is that Bayern Munich will lock in the top spot in the group without any suspense, while the Argentine giant Boca youth is limited by two fatal weaknesses - poor away record and a severely aging lineup, which makes Benfica, with a more reasonable lineup structure and rich experience in European games, have a clear advantage.

If you successfully break through, Benfica is very likely to encounter South American Liberators champion Flamenco in the quarter-finals. This potential duel is praised by the "Peaceful Conversation in Football Philosophy": on one side is Portugal's traditional precision transmission and control system, and on the other side is Brazil's iconic improvisation samba steps.

Boca Youth

1. The former overlord of South America, the Argentine giant, Boca Youth, was founded in 1905. It has long become a symbol of Buenos Aires and even the entire Argentine football. In 2022, the team won the Argentina Top League Championship trophy for the 35th time after drawing 2-2 with the Independent Team in the final match of the Argentina League. As one of the most successful clubs in South American football, Boca Youth also has 6 shining South American Liberators Cup champion trophys.

However, since the top A-League in 2022, this traditional powerhouse has fallen into a short trough. Not only has it missed the championship for two consecutive seasons, but it also unexpectedly failed to compete in the South American Liberators Cup Qualification Tournament this season. However, with its stable performance in the South American Liberators Cup in the three seasons of 2021-2023, the Boca Youth still qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup - this qualification was finally confirmed on August 23 last year. At that time, the results of Sao Paulo's 2-0 victory over Montevideo's Nationals ensured the Boca Youth's points advantage. Today, this team that carries the glory of Argentine football will show the unique charm of South American football to the world on the stage of the Club World Cup with the passion and dream of "Candy Box Stadium". For Boca youth, this is not only a competitive challenge, but also a key opportunity to revive the grandeur of the wealthy family.

2. Cavani's sword is still old. Can the former rivals shine again? Boca youth are famous for their iconic South American football philosophy - they perfectly combine the art of quick counterattack with the strength of midfield strangling, and tear the opponent's defense with the innate flexibility and exquisite small-scale cooperation of the players. However, the tactical system of this Argentine giant has obvious weaknesses, and the shortcomings in high-altitude ball defense often become the opponent's key target of attack. The number one star in Boca's youth team is the 38-year-old Uruguayan legend Cavani. He can be regarded as the team's spiritual leader. The striker who once shines with Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United still maintains a keen sense of goal and excellent heading ability. The veteran's statement not only demonstrates the team's ambition, but also reveals the unique football culture of Boca youth: integrating the technical talents of South American players with European tactical discipline. Despite the defensive risks, Boca youth are still ready to write new legends on the Club World Cup stage with their passionate football philosophy.

3. Can the interim head coach become a god?

69-year-old Argentine coach Miguel Angel Russo took over the Boca youth coaching stick for the third time on June 3, 2025. This dramatic return has attracted widespread attention in Argentine football. Russo previously coached Boca youth twice. The first time he led the team briefly in 2007 and led the team to win the South American Liberators Cup. The second time was the coach who had a coaching career spanning more than 20 years during the 2020-2021 season. He has rich experience. He has traveled to more than ten teams including San Lorenzo, Riyadh Victory, Rosario Central, and led Rosario Central to win the championship in 2020, proving that his sword is still old..

However, Russo's return faces severe challenges: Boca youth failed to enter the South American Liberators Cup this season, and qualified for the Club World Cup only with past points. The media reported that the team had problems such as loose discipline and chaotic management. This is urgently needed by the old coach. Considering the situation of the Club World Cup group opponents, Russo's rich intercontinental event experience may become the key. If the locker room can be quickly rectified and core players such as veteran Cavani can be activated, the Boca youth still has a great possibility of breaking through.

Auckland City

1. Is the Oceania champion so famous?

Auckland City Football Club is a legend in Oceania football - this amateur team established in 2004 has established an undisputed dominance in regional football. As the most successful club in the history of the Oceania Champions League, their record of winning the championship trophy 13 times has been unmatched.

The 2014 Club World Cup in Morocco became the peak moment in the club's history: this team consisting of teachers, firefighters and other amateur players defeated local champion Magrebttuan and African overlord Setif, and finally defeated the Mexican giants Blue Cross in the third place game, creating the best record of the Oceania team in the Club World Cup. This miracle of "David's victory over Goliath" perfectly interprets the charm of football - when the final whistle at the Adlar Stadium in Morocco sounded, the feat of this amateur team had already been recorded in the history of the Club World Cup. Today, Auckland City still maintains its pure football intention: the players engage in their own professions during the day and gather in the evening to train. This unique operating model has instead created the team's tenacious fighting spirit, making it a symbol of Oceania football's unyielding spirit.

2. The only Chinese player in the Club World Cup

This civilian team from New Zealand shines with a unique Chinese brilliance - Zhou Tong, a former Beijing Guoan youth training player, has become an indispensable midfield core in Auckland City since joining in 2023. This Chinese active international helped the team dominate the Oceania Champions League for three consecutive seasons, achieving three consecutive championships, and becoming the only Chinese player to make his debut in this Club World Cup.

Without a lineup of superstars, Auckland City interprets the strength of the team with the purest football philosophy: the teachers rushed to the training ground after school, and the firefighters immediately put in preparation for the battle after completing their duty. It is this true love for football that has created the team's unique cultural genes. Zhou Tong's growth trajectory is perfectly in line with the spiritual core of this team - moving from the Chinese youth training system to the world stage, writing his own legend with diligence and persistence.

The upcoming Club World Cup journey, Auckland City will make its debut again as a "challenger". Faced with the huge opponents of the giants with huge strength, the whole team still has the belief of creating miracles. Zhou Tong and his teammates know that every touch is acclaiming the reputation of Oceania football, and every shout conveys the strongest voice of grassroots football. This extraordinary teacher composed of ordinary people is waiting to continue writing a new fairy tale on the world's highest stage.