HOOLIGAN SOCCER

River Plate Club World Cup Group E

Club World Cup Preview: River Plate

Above: Team members applaud for their supporters before a Copa Libertadores match.

Gary Striker

The nineteenth in our continuing series highlighting all thirty-two clubs in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The event starts on Saturday, June 14th.

Club Background

  • From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • How They Qualified:
    • Came through the CONMEBOL ranking pathway based on Copa Libertadores performances over four seasons
  • Best CWC Finish:
    • This is their third time qualifying.
    • They were runners up in 2015; third place in 2018.
  • Recent Form:
    • They are currently in fourth place in Liga Professional.
    • Sitting atop their Copa Libertadores Group B.
      • Not dominating, they have 3W – 3D and a four point cushion.
    • Won the Superclásico 2 – 1 in late April.
  • Facts: 
    • Known as La Banda (for the red stripe on their badge)
    • Their derby with Boca Jrs. is known as the Superclásico.
      • It is one of the most fiercely competitive fixtures in the world.
      • I should know, I’ve been to one.
    • The club signed Sebastián Driussi from Austin FC in January for $10M.
      • Highly unusual move for MLS players to go south; it’s usually the other way around.
    • 75% of the team is Argentinian; 100% from South America.

The Team

  • Manager: Marcelo Gallardo
    • Returned for his second turn as River Plate manager after an eight-month stint coaching al-Ittihad in the Saudi League.
  • Star Players:
    • Miguel Borja
      • Colombian striker, 6g/2a in 24 games.
      • His form has dipped since sustaining an injury in late April.
    • Sebastián Driussi
      • Argentine attacking midfielder, 6g/1a, signed from Atlanta United in January.
    • Kevin Castaño
      • Colombian box-to-box midfielder who signed in March for $14.5M.
  • Young Players:
    • Franco Mastantuono
      • A 17 year old right winger with 7g/4a this season in 19 games,
      • Expect to see big things.
    • Santiago Simón
      • Argentine midfielder, 22 years old.
  • Training Sites:
    • Sounders FC Clubhouse and Training Facility, Renton, Washington

When to Watch

  • 3:00pm ET on Jun 17, 2025 vs. Urawa Red Diamonds @ Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • 9:00pm ET on Jun 21, 2025 vs. vs. CF Monterrey @ Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
  • 9:00pm ET on Jun 25, 2025 vs. Inter Milan @ Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

The Hooligan Take

I could try to plot out the pathways, but instead I will simply offer up a prayer to the god of bracketology and hope that fans will get a taste of the Superclásico on U.S. soil. What a match that would be! Of course, to get there River Plate will have to clear this group. Inter Milan being their final match could either be a blessing or curse. The best strategy is to enter Lumen on that day with two wins under your belt. Urawa should be beatable; Monterrey will be tough.

Other Group E Teams

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