Tue Jun 17 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **River Plate Set to Kick Off Club World Cup Campaign Against Urawa Red Diamonds**

**Doha, Qatar** – South American powerhouse River Plate begins its quest for Club World Cup glory today against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. The Argentine club secured its spot in the tournament based on FIFA’s CONMEBOL club rankings after reaching the Copa Libertadores round of 16 earlier this year. This marks River Plate’s first appearance since their memorable 2019 victory over arch-rivals Boca Juniors to win the Copa Libertadores and qualify for that edition.

Urawa Red Diamonds, the 2022 AFC Champions League winners, are making their third appearance in the Club World Cup. While considered an underdog, they aim to surprise in Group E, which also includes Inter Milan and Liga MX side Monterrey.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. River Plate enters the match as the favorite, despite a recent mixed bag of results in domestic competitions. Their lineup is expected to feature a strong core, including three World Cup champions: goalkeeper Franco Armani and defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña. All eyes will be on 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono, who is expected to join Real Madrid after the tournament, as he aims to make a lasting impression for his boyhood club.

Urawa, coached by Maciej Skorża, will rely on a primarily Japanese squad, with Swedish center-back Marius Høibråten leading the defense and Ryōma Watanabe spearheading the attack.

Analysts predict River Plate will control the game but may face a tough challenge breaking down Urawa’s defense. Ultimately, the South American side’s superior quality is expected to prevail. Sports Illustrated predicts a 2-0 victory for River Plate, with goals from Mastantuono and Franco Colidio.

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