Seattle is buzzing with anticipation as River Plate kick off their 2025 Club World Cup campaign.
In the opening clash of Group E, the Argentinian giants will square off against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field, a match-up that pits a South American powerhouse against a well-drilled underdog eager to shock the world.
River enter the tournament as CONMEBOL's top-ranked side, having secured a place under Martin Demichelis, but they will now be led by Marcelo Gallardo, the club's most decorated manager, back in charge for another shot at international glory.
With a star-studded lineup that includes World Cup winners Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, and Marcos Acuna, plus a farewell appearance from rising phenom Franco Mastantuono before his move to Real Madrid, expectations couldn’t be higher.
Urawa Red Diamonds present a fascinating challenge. Japanese football may not carry the same global weight, but Urawa's disciplined, physically relentless style, mirroring Japan's famous World Cup upsets over Germany and Spain, makes them a dangerous opponent.
Coached by Bruno Lage, the three-time Asian champions will be hoping to play spoiler against one of the tournament favorites.
Paddy Power sees River as the clear frontrunner, with a win paying 4/9. A Red Diamonds upset sits at 6/1, while a draw comes in at 10/3.
The Sporting News presents odds and predictions to bet and make the match more exciting.
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River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds prediction, tips, bet builder and odds for Club World Cup clash
Over 2.5 Goals in the match: 4/6 (Betway)
Both River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds enter the Club World Cup with attacking flair, and defensive cracks to match. In six of River's last seven games, this over has hit, and Urawa has seen similar outcomes in four of their last five.
Marcelo Gallardo's side plays with an offensive mindset that often opens them up at the back, leading to end-to-end action. Aside from a 3–0 shutout of Gimnasia, River's last five matches have seen both teams on the scoresheet, making this pick look more than promising.
Sebastian Driussi to score at anytime: 4/1 (Betway)
After a slow start upon returning from MLS side Austin FC, Sebastian Driussi has finally hit his stride in River's attack. Now the go-to option up front, he's pushed Miguel Borja to the bench and racked up six goals in the last half-season, split evenly between the Apertura and Copa Libertadores.
Nearly a decade after featuring in the 2015 Club World Cup final against Barcelona, Driussi is back on this stage, facing a Urawa defense that’s allowed goals in five of its last six matches. This could be his moment.
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River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds predicted score and most likely results
Here's some of the most likely results for this Club World Cup match-up, according to Paddy Power. Odds are correct at the time of publish, but are subject to change.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| River 1-0 | 13/2 |
| River 2-0 | 13/2 |
| River 2-1 | 15/2 |
| Draw 1-1 | 15/2 |
| Draw 0-0 | 14/1 |
| Red Diamonds 1-0 | 18/1 |
| Red Diamonds 2-1 | 18/1 |
How to watch River vs. Urawa Red Diamonds in Club World Cup action
- Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- Venue: Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida
- Time: 8:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN