Gallardo’s River Faces One Midfield Question Ahead of Club World Cup Debut

River Plate is set to kick off its Club World Cup 2025 campaign on Tuesday at 4 p.m. (Argentina time) against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Marcelo Gallardo’s side will aim for a strong start in Group E, which also features Monterrey and Inter Milan.

As reported by Bolavip, Gallardo has already outlined his starting lineup, with one decision still pending in midfield. The debate centers on Nacho Fernández or Giuliano Galoppo, though Fernández is expected to start. River’s likely XI includes Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Paulo Díaz, Marcos Acuña; Kevin Castaño, Enzo Pérez, Nacho Fernández, Franco Mastantuono; Sebastián Driussi and Facundo Colidio.

On the other side, Urawa Red Diamonds have taken note of River’s talent. Brazilian midfielder Matheus Sávio praised Mastantuono but emphasized team focus: “He’s a quality player, I’ve seen him in Copa Libertadores matches. But it’s not just him—they have players like Nacho Fernández and Miguel Borja. We need to fight as a team and stay intense both in attack and defense throughout the game.”