River Plate Clashes with Urawa Red Diamonds: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Starting XI

River Plate Clashes with Urawa Red Diamonds: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Starting XI

River Plate, among South America's most prestigious football clubs, will commence their Club World Cup campaign against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds.

The Argentine giants secured their tournament berth through FIFA's CONMEBOL club rankings system. When "El Millonario" reached the 2024 Copa Libertadores round of 16, they guaranteed their Club World Cup participation. This marks River Plate's first tournament appearance since defeating eternal rivals Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final to qualify for the 2019 edition.

Urawa represents one of Japan's premier clubs and earned their Club World Cup place as 2022 AFC Champions League champions. Despite being considered among the tournament's more modest participants, the Red Diamonds will make their third Club World Cup appearance, having previously achieved a fourth-place finish.

Alongside Inter Milan and Liga MX representatives Monterrey in Group E, River Plate should be favored to begin the tournament successfully against what bookmakers consider the group's weakest opponent.

Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup encounter.

When Does River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds Begin?

River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds Historical Matchups

These teams have never previously met in competitive action.

Recent Performance (All Competitions)

River Plate

Urawa Red Diamonds

River Plate 1–1 Universitario de Deportes - 27/05/25

Urawa Red Diamonds 2–1 Yokohama FC - 01/06/25

River Plate 1–1 Club Atlético Platense - 20/05/25

Urawa Red Diamonds 0-0 Cerezo Osaka - 28/05/25

River Plate 6–2 Independiente del Valle - 15/05/25

Nagoya Grampus 2–1 Urawa Red Diamonds - 24/05/25

River Plate 3–0 Barracas Central - 12/05/25

Kawasaki 2–2 Urawa Red Diamonds - 21/05/25

Barcelona SC 2–3 River Plate - 08/05/25

Urawa Red Diamonds 3–2 FC Tokyo - 17/05/25

Where to Watch River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds

Country

TV Channel/Live Stream

United Kingdom

DAZN

United States

DAZN

Canada

DAZN

Mexico

DAZN

River Plate Squad Updates

Manager Marcelo Gallardo chose not to bring in additional players for the tournament, meaning the starting eleven for their Club World Cup opener should closely resemble the squad that lost to Club Atlético Platense in the Torneo Apertura quarterfinals.

Three 2022 FIFA World Cup winners are expected to anchor the defense, with Franco Armani in goal and fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña providing width in defensive positions.

The central midfield partnership of Enzo Pérez and Kevin Castaño remains intact, with both players becoming cornerstones of Gallardo's tactical setup.

All eyes will focus on 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono. Before his anticipated move to Real Madrid after the tournament, this exceptional young talent aims to make his Club World Cup debut memorable as his farewell performance for his childhood club.

River Plate Expected Starting XI vs. Urawa Red Diamonds

River Plate Expected Starting XI vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Díaz, Acuña; Castaño, Pérez, Fernández; Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio

Urawa Red Diamonds Squad Updates

Under Polish coach Maciej Skorża's guidance, Urawa Red Diamonds aim to create an upset despite entering as underdogs against River Plate and throughout Group E.

Within a roster featuring just five foreign players, Swedish center-back Marius Høibråten emerges as the defensive cornerstone. Since arriving from Bodø/Glimt in 2023, Høibråten has made over 100 appearances and will be crucial to their tournament ambitions.

In attack, midfielder Ryōma Watanabe represents the Red Diamonds' primary threat. The 28-year-old has netted six goals with one assist across 17 domestic league matches this season. His creativity and technical skills must shine if Urawa hopes to advance beyond the group phase.

Urawa Red Diamonds Expected Starting XI vs. River Plate

Urawa Red Diamonds Expected Starting XI vs. River Plate (4-2-3-1): Nishikawa; Ishihara, Boza, Høibråten, Ogiwara; Yasui, Gustafson; Kaneko, Watanabe, Savio; Matsuo

River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds Match Forecast

Expectations run high for River Plate entering the tournament, with the Argentine powerhouse targeting an unexpected deep run into the elimination rounds.

River Plate should control most of the match but may struggle to break down Urawa's organized and disciplined defensive structure. Ultimately, however, River's superior individual talent will prove too much for their opponents to handle across the full 90 minutes.

Mastantuono and Franco Colidio are predicted to score, giving Gallardo's team a winning start to their Club World Cup journey.

Forecast: River Plate 2–0 Urawa Red Diamonds