FIFA Club World Cup shock: Auckland City hold Boca Juniors to sensational draw

Auckland City produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by holding South American giants Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw in Nashville — a result that ultimately eliminated the Argentine club from the tournament.

In truth, external factors played a role in the outcome, as a fierce thunderstorm interrupted play midway through the second half. Weather delays have become a recurring theme at this year’s tournament.

Boca had taken the lead in the first half following a fortunate sequence. A header from Di Lollo struck the post and then bounced off the Auckland goalkeeper before crossing the line on 26 minutes. Heading into the final matchday, Boca Juniors knew that only a convincing win over Auckland City — combined with a Benfica defeat to Bayern Munich — would be enough to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. But as news filtered through of Benfica's victory, it became clear that Boca's efforts on the night would ultimately be in vain.

And just before the weather interruption, Auckland City struck back. A corner from the right found Christian Gray, who buried a header past the keeper to level the match. Gray was later named Man of the Match for his all-action display at both ends of the pitch.

After the storm delay, Boca returned to the pitch knowing Benfica had already won. Though they continued to push forward, the urgency had gone — and the resilient New Zealanders held firm to claim a famous point.

For Boca Juniors, it marks the end of a disappointing campaign in the United States. For Auckland City, it’s a result that will live long in the memory.

Read also: Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16?

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Auckland City - Boca Juniors 1:1 (0:1)
Goals: Garrow, 26 (own goal) (0:1); Gray, 52 (1:1)

Auckland City: Garrow; Boxall; Gray; Mitchell; Murati (Connolly, 54); Ilich; Garriga (Vale, 54); Lagos (Lee, 83); Manickum (Zeb, 68); Yoo (Ellis, 54); Bevan
Bench: Ciganda; Tracey; Bell; den Heijer; Lobo; Rogers; Manuel; Foo; De Vries; Kilkolly

Boca Juniors: Marchesín; Blanco La.; Di Lollo; Pellegrino М.; Battaglia R.; Velasco (Braida, 54); Zeballos (Zenón, 26); Advincula; Cavani (Giménez M., 54); Merentiel; Palacios C.
Bench: Brey; García Javier; Blondel; Rojo; Fabra; Belmonte; Miramon I.; Alarcón; Janson; Aguirre; Martegani