Boca Juniors' journey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup came to a dramatic and premature end as their second group-stage match against Auckland City was suspended due to a lightning storm, and their hopes of advancing were mathematically erased during the stoppage.

As the game remained tied and news broke of Benfica's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, Boca's chances vanished. The Portuguese side took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in the 13th minute, moving to 7 points, an unreachable mark for the Argentine club—even if they had completed and won their match.

What Did Boca Need to Advance?

Boca Juniors entered the final group match still holding slim mathematical hopes. They needed a convincing win over Auckland City and a Bayern Munich victory over Benfica. Instead, with Benfica’s victory, not even a blowout win could have kept Boca alive in the tournament.

Group Standings Finalized

• Benfica : 7 points – Group winner
• Bayern Munich : 6 points – Runner-up
• Boca Juniors : 2 points – Eliminated (at the moment)
• Auckland City : 1 point – Eliminated (at the moment)

Boca’s Tournament Ends Without a Full Match

In a surreal scenario, Boca Juniors were eliminated without finishing their final group-stage match. The storm delay combined with Benfica’s win meant their fate was sealed while they waited to resume play. They now exit the competition having failed to reach the Round of 16, in one of the most unusual eliminations of the tournament so far.