River Plate Prepares for World Club Debut Against Urawa Red Diamonds

SEATTLE, USA — River Plate will face Urawa Red Diamonds today at 4:00 p.m. local time in their first match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at Lumen Field. This important event marks River’s return to the tournament after seven years, seeking a strong start against the Asian champions.

Head coach Marcelo Gallardo‘s team enters this tournament after a tumultuous start to the year. River Plate finished 2024 without a title and faced elimination in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores against Atlético Mineiro.

Despite these challenges, River qualified for the World Club tournament based on their position in the CONMEBOL rankings from 2021 to 2023. “We are looking for the win to build momentum,” Gallardo said before the match.

Urawa Red Diamonds, who earned their spot by winning the AFC Champions League in 2022, currently sit fourth in the J-League. They are eager to surprise River and make their mark in this high-stakes competition.

“We have come here to compete fiercely against one of the best teams in South America,” Urawa manager Maciej Skorza stated during a press briefing.

River’s lineup will include notable players such as Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, and Sebastián Driussi. The Japanese squad will feature Shusaku Nishikawa and Hirokazu Ishihara. The match is expected to attract enthusiasm not only for the teams but also from South American fans who have gathered in Seattle.

Fans of River Plate have already made their presence known, painting the streets of Seattle in the club’s red and white colors. These supporters gathered outside The Westin hotel, where the River team is staying.

The match will broadcast live on Telefe and DAZN. A victory today would be a vital step for River Plate as they aim for glory in the expanded World Club format.