The 2015 runners-up River Plate travel to Seattle to begin their FIFA Club World Cup Group E journey against Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on Tuesday, 17 June.
Check out more FIFA Club World Cup predictions after viewing our River Plate vs Urawa Reds preview.
Contents
River Plate vs Urawa Reds prediction: La Banda to pull through
Key Stats
- River Plate are on a two-game winless streak (D1, L1).
- That streak included a first loss in 17 matches (W9, D7) for the Argentine outfit.
- Urawa Reds have won just twice in their last seven matches (D3, L2).
- The Red Devils have lost half of their last eight Club World Cup matches (W3, D1).
Correct score prediction: River Plate 3-1 Urawa Reds
River Plate qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup as the best-ranked team from the CONMEBOL confederation, thanks to their performances in the Copa Libertadores. The Argentine heavyweights clearly carry the momentum with them, viewing this clash as a must-win in a group containing Inter Milan and Monterrey.
Urawa have been shaky of late, winning just once in their last four matches. When these forces collide at Lumen Field, expect River Plate’s pedigree to prevail and disrupt Urawa’s fourth Club World Cup appearance.
Betting offer – Win up to £40 in bonus bets
With the above in mind, we have a unique betting offer for the duration of the Club World Cup you don't want to miss out on, thanks to our friends at Betano.
All you need to do to take advantage of this offer is to open an account, bet £10, and they'll pay out £30 in bonuses as well as a £10 casino bonus.
Use our link below to claim this unique welcome offer.
18+ New Customers Only. Opt-in, bet £10 on any FIFA Club World Cup match at odds of 1/1+ by 20:00 on 13.07.2025. Get 3x£10 free Bet for set markets + £10 casino bonus for set games, 40x wagering, max redeem £250. Bonuses: expire in 10 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Pre-game odds and win probability: River Plate with the advantage
- HOME: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 27%
- AWAY: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite a couple of recent hiccups, including a first defeat in 17 games across all competitions, River Plate’s pedigree as a consistent South American threat makes them favourites to grab all three points. They are favourites with odds of 4/7 (1.57), indicating a 63.6% chance of success against a shaky Uruwa outfit.
Maciej Skorza’s Reds enter this clash in poor form, and haven’t faced a team of River Plate’s calibre in a while. Urawa will count their chances as one of the four AFC teams to have qualified for the new-look competition, but they are still considered minnows, with 19/4 (5.75) odds hanging over their heads.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Account opening
River Plate and Urawa Reds have never clashed, although the former have experience of playing and winning against Japanese opposition previously in the Club World Cup (vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima & Kashima Antlers).
River Plate preview: Gallardo eyes winning start
Marcelo Gallardo misses newcomer Agustin Roberto and Gonzalo Montiel, who has been left out for the past month over injury concerns. Apart from them, River Plate travel with near-perfect squad.
Predicted lineup: Armani (GK), Acuna, Quarta, Pezzella, Bustos, Castano, Prez, Galoppo, Colidio, Mastantuono & Druissi
Argentina Liga Profesional 12/05/25
W
Barracas Central
0
River Plate
3
Copa Libertadores 09/05/25
W
Barcelona Guayaquil
2
River Plate
3
Argentina Liga Profesional 04/05/25
W
Velez Sarsfield
1
River Plate
4
Argentina Liga Profesional 27/04/25
W
Boca Juniors
1
River Plate
2
Copa Libertadores 24/04/25
D
Independiente del Valle
2
River Plate
2
Urawa Reds preview: One missing
Skorza has a near-full squad for their visit to Seattle, with only Kai Shibato sitting out due to a knee injury.
Predicted lineup: Nishikawa (GK), Ogiwara, Boza, Hoibraten, Ishihara, Gustafson, Watanabe, Yasui, Savio, Matsuo & Kaneko
Japan J-League 11/05/25
D
Albirex Niigata
1
Urawa Red Diamonds
1
Japan J-League 06/05/25
L
Gamba Osaka
1
Urawa Red Diamonds
0
Japan J-League 03/05/25
W
Tokyo Verdy
0
Urawa Red Diamonds
2
Japan J-League 25/04/25
W
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
0
Urawa Red Diamonds
1
Japan J-League 20/04/25
W
Yokohama F-Marinos
1
Urawa Red Diamonds
3
Player to watch: Franco Mastantuono
With his transfer to Real Madrid all but confirmed, the 17-year-old Argentine prodigy will be in high spirits to make a difference.
Mastantuono has five goals in his last nine appearances for River Plate, including two assists in the process.