Club World Cup Preview: River Plate

In partnership with

Hooligan Soccer

·9 June 2025

Club World Cup Preview: River Plate

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.