Fresh off lifting the 2024/25 Bundesliga crown, Bayern Munich are setting their sights on even more silverware as they gear up for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Their road to glory kicks off on June 15 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, where the German powerhouse will square off against Auckland City. On paper, it’s a true David vs. Goliath clash—with Bayern stepping in as the heavy favorites.
Auckland City may rule the roost in Oceania, boasting 11 OFC Champions League titles in the past 13 years, but the gap in class couldn’t be more clear.
Bayern roll in with world-class talent and a stacked trophy cabinet, while their Kiwi counterparts operate on a shoestring budget. Most Auckland players are amateurs, pocketing just around $90 a week to cover basic expenses.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this FIFA Club World Cup match in Australia:
- TV Channel: Foxtel Channel 507
- Live Stream: DAZN
Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City is available for live TV broadcast in Australia on Foxtel's dedicated World Cup channel on Foxtel Channel 507.
For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the tournament will also be available to watch live on DAZN.
All of the 63 matches throughout the tournament will be on DAZN and new users can sign up to watch every game for FREE.
What time does Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City kick off?
This Club World Cup clash takes place at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, and kicks off on Sunday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Australia:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Mon, Jun. 16 | 2:00 a.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Mon, Jun. 16 | 1:30 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Mon, Jun. 16 | 12:00 a.m. |
Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City predicted lineups, team news
Vincent Kompany may have his eyes on the Club World Cup jackpot, but don’t expect him to throw the kitchen sink at Auckland City right out of the gate. With such a stark gulf in quality, the Bayern boss is likely to keep a few cards close to his chest.
Manuel Neuer should anchor the back, potentially flanked by Jonathan Tah and Eric Dier, while Dayot Upamecano might stay on ice until the deeper rounds. In midfield, steady hands like Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic could get the nod to keep things ticking.
Out wide, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané are both in the mix, though Sané may be handled with care—his contract runs out at month’s end, making this tournament a possible farewell tour.
Up top, Harry Kane is practically a lock to lead the line. And with Jamal Musiala battling fitness issues, the ever-reliable Thomas Müller might step into a more advanced role to pull the strings behind the striker.
Bayern Munich predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Neuer (GK) — Laimer, Tah, Dier, Guerreiro — Kimmich, Pavlovic — Gnabry, Muller, Sane — Kane.
Injured: Jamal Musiala.
Suspended: None.
Auckland City look set to go with a familiar formula as they prepare for their biggest test yet. Between the sticks, Conor Tracey is expected to wear the gloves, backed by a backline featuring Adam Bell, Nikko Boxall, Adam Mitchell, and Nathan Lobo—each ready to put their bodies on the line.
In the engine room, the trio of Gerard Garriga, Michael Den Heijer, and Mario Ilich could be tasked with holding the fort and connecting the dots. Up front, Dylan Manickum, Myer Bevan, and Joe Lee are likely to lead the charge, hoping to find a spark against one of the game’s giants.
It’s a lineup that may not turn heads on paper, but every player will be raring to punch above their weight and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime shot under the bright lights.
Auckland City predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Tracey (GK) — Bell, Boxall, Mitchell, Lobo — Garriga, Den Heijer, Ilich — Manickun, Bevan, Lee.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Club World Cup fixture schedule for this week
All times AEST
Sunday, June 15
- Al-Ahly vs. Inter Miami (10:00 p.m.)
Monday, June 16
- Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City (2:00 a.m.)
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid (5:00 a.m.)
- Palmeiras vs. Porto (8:00 a.m.)
- Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders (12:00 p.m.)
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