Introduction
The Lumen Field in Seattle will witness the clash between two bowl giants of football: Inter Milan and River Plate. Their match marks the grand finale of Group E in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Both teams end with equal points while differing on goal differences; hence, this is an exact defining game for grouping further into knockout rounds.
Match Details: Inter Milan vs. River Plate
- Date: Thursday, June 26th, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 01:00 AM (UTC)
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
- Matchday: 3 of 3 in Group E
Tournament Context: What’s at Stake
Both Inter Milan and River Plate are tied with four points in Group E. Monterrey is still in the race with two points, and Urawa Red Diamonds are mathematically eliminated.
- If Inter or River win, they qualify for the Round of 16.
- If the match ends in a draw: A 2-2 draw or higher sees both teams advance based on head-to-head goals.
- If Monterrey beats Urawa, the loser between Inter and River is eliminated unless it’s a 2-2+ draw.
Team Form & Group Standings
Group E Table Before Matchday 3:
| Team | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 |
| Inter Milan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| Monterrey | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Urawa Red D. | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
Venue Insight: Lumen Field, Seattle
Lumen Field is a multi-purpose stadium where the Seattle Sounders and NFL games are held. It has its very own Aerospeed drainage type of artificial turf, which contributes to a high-energy atmosphere conducive to fast-paced transitions and counter-attacking football.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Inter Milan and River Plate. While Inter has beaten Argentine sides in historic Intercontinental Cups, River Plate's only win against a European opponent came in 1984.
Inter Milan Preview
Recent Form:
- Match 1: Inter 1-1 Monterrey (Lautaro Martínez 45’)
- Match 2: Inter 2-1 Urawa Red Diamonds (Martínez 78’, Carboni 90+3’)
Team News & Injury Updates:
- Marcus Thuram remains doubtful.
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński, and Yann Bisseck are all unavailable.
- Luis Henrique started for the first time in the last match.
- Petar Sučić and Sebastiano Esposito are likely to feature again.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Sommer; Darmian, Bastoni, Acerbi; Henrique, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco; Martínez, Esposito
Key Player to Watch: Lautaro Martínez—The Inter captain has 24 goals this season and has scored in both Club World Cup matches. A constant threat with his movement and finishing.
River Plate Preview
Recent Form:
- Match 1: River Plate 3-1 Urawa (Colidio, Driussi, Meza)
- Match 2: River Plate 0-0 Monterrey
Team News & Suspensions:
- Kevin Castaño (red card) suspended
- Enzo Pérez & Giuliano Galoppo (yellow accumulation) suspended
- Major reshuffling needed in midfield
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Pezzella, Acuña; Kranevitter, Fernández, Martínez; Mastantuono, Colidio, Meza
Key Player to Watch: Franco Mastantuono— At just 17, this Real Madrid-bound talent could light up his final match in River colors.
Tactical Analysis & Match Prediction
Most probably, Inter will try to control the midfield and press in a rather organized form. River will then try to attack wide and use the vertical runs of Meza and Colidio. With the core weakened, the midfield battle would be important.
With both teams knowing that a 2-2 draw guarantees progression, there’s talk of a “biscotto” (mutual draw). But pride and tactical discipline from Chivu and Gallardo might still push one side to go for the win.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-2 River Plate—Lautaro and Meza on target in a cautiously played thriller.
Who Will Advance?
This is it—a grandstand finish in Group E. Inter Milan are built for tournament football and have enough grit to hold on. River Plate, however, has youth, pace, and nothing to lose.
Whether it ends in a tactical truce or a last-minute winner, Lumen Field will witness fireworks. And with Stake.com’s exclusive Donde Bonuses, fans can enjoy the action on and off the pitch.
Prediction Recap: Inter 2-2 River Plate Both teams advance; Monterrey misses out.
