Club World Cup Preview: Urawa Red Diamonds

In partnership with

Hooligan Soccer

·9 June 2025

Club World Cup Preview: Urawa Red Diamonds

The twentieth 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: Saitama, Japan
How They Qualified: They won the AFC (Asia) Champions League in 2022.
Best CWC Finish: This will be their 4th appearance in the tournament. In 2007 they finished third; finished fourth in 2023.

Recent Form: Their recent success in the AFC Champions League is not reflected in their league form Last year they finished 13th (of 20) in the J1 League. They have not won a Japan league title since 2006. Currently in third place.
Facts: The “Red Diamonds” refers to the club’s ownership by the Mitsubishi Corporation, whose logo had three diamonds. A single red diamond is still prominent on the crest. They were the first team to win the Japanese domestic treble (league, Emperor’s Cup and League Cup) in 1978. In 1989-1990 they spent two years in the Japanese 2nd tier. 82% of the players are Japanese. Remaining countries: BRA (3), SWE, NOR, POR

The Team

Manager: Maciej Skorża Coached the side in 2023, then returned in Sept. 2024.
Star Players: Shinzo Koroki Striker. A veteran goal-scorer who’s more of a legend as his form has dipped. Ryoma Watanabe Box-to-box midfielder, 6g/1a. Thiago Santana Brazilian striker. Has played limited time compared to last year, with 3 goals in 11 matches). Matheus Sávio Brazilian left winger, 2g/4a in 21 matches. Signed back in January. Danilo Boza Brazilian defender who’s started and played every minute this season.
Young Players: The club lists a handful of young players (<24) but none of them have yet to touch the pitch.
Training Sites: University of Portland, Portland, Oregon

When to Watch

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

The Hooligan Take

Advancing out of the group phase would be a major coup for the Reds. They’re a solid, if unspectacular, team that will give you a good, competitive game for ninety minutes. Snooze on them and they could make you pay, particularly with their treble of Brazilians who form the team’s spine.