Club World Cup Scouting Report: River Plate on mission to prove they're South America's fiercest competitors

Los Millonarios are looking to prove they're Argentina's finest – and the kings of South America

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Marcelo Gallardo's men will march to the U.S. this summer on a mission to prove they're South America's finest at the Club World Cup.

One of two Argentine teams competing, River will look to show the world what Argentine football is all about. Led by veterans Marcos Acuna, Franco Armani, German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez Quarta and Gonzalo Montiel – scorer of the penalty kick that helped his country lift the World Cup in 2022 – River will pair experience with a bit of youth.

As 38-time domestic league champions – their last title came in 2023 – River exude excellence when it comes to the Argentine game. And that means they will give every opponent something to worry about, from Group E to – potentially – the knockouts. One of six CONMEBOL teams in total in this tournament, watch out for

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is River Plate with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the Argentine side at the tournament.

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  The Basics

  DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Argentine Primera División

  CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Made their tournament debut in 2015

  GROUP: E (Inter Milan, Monterrey, River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds)

  OPENING MATCH: Urawa Red Diamonds – June 17, 3 p.m. ET, Seattle

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• How they got here

  The Argentine side qualified through the CONMEBOL Ranking pathway. They secured a berth by defeating Club Libertard from Paraguay in the Copa Libertadores.

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  The player to watch

  Franco Mastantuono is the next rising star to come out of the Argentine club. At 17-years-old, he's been linked with some of Europe's top clubs with a potential transfer away from the club.

  In seven appearances this season, he's scored one goal and recorded two assists – but his technical ability on the ball has been captured and gone viral multiple times this spring.

  In 2024, he made 42 appearances for River, recording six goal-contributions at 16. Now, come this summer, he'll have a chance to put his talents to the test against some of the world's best.

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  Realistic expectations

  There is a clear path out of the Group Stage and into the Knockouts for River. It's expected that Italian giants Inter Milan will top the group, but second place is up for grabs – and River will have a legitimate opportunity to contend.

  They'll first clash with Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds, and then take on Liga MX giants Monterrey. They will then meet Inter in the Group Stage finale. If they can manage at least four points through their first two games, it would put them in a good place to advance into the knockouts.

  Their biggest match, arguably, will be game two, as it's likely either River or Monterrey will compete for second place. From there, Gallardo will look to guide them through the competition.