Match preview for Inter Milan v River Plate
Both Inter Milan and River Plate head into their final Group E match tied on four points, with first place and progression to the knockout rounds up for grabs at Lumen Field on Wednesday.
Cristian Chivu, in his second group match in charge, watched his side recover from an early deficit to beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1, thanks to late strikes from Lautaro Martinez and a clever finish from Valentin Carboni .
Before that Inter had settled for a 1–1 draw with Monterrey, making this a huge clash in their bid to win the Club World Cup.
River Plate, meanwhile, opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Urawa, and then battled to a 0-0 draw with Monterrey.
While the Argentines sit first by virtue of a marginally better goal difference, both teams control their fate. A draw would seal their spot in the last 16, while a win ensures top billing, avoiding the risk of being leapfrogged by Monterrey should they win and snatch River’s goal advantage.
Always 🔛🔥@FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/ngKr1QlJUk | @DAZNFootball @DAZN_IT #ForzaInter #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/Z3e7wnjqLw
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) June 24, 2025
Team news for Inter Milan v River Plate
Inter Milan continue to nurse several injuries. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alessandro Bastoni have recovered from knocks and could return.
Meanwhile, the likes of Denzel Dumfries (muscle), Hakan Calhanoglu (thigh), Davide Frattesi (muscle), Marcus Thuram (flexor), Piotr Zielinski (calf), Benjamin Pavard (ankle), Yann Bisseck (thigh), and Mehdi Taremi (travel-related) remain unavailable.
River Plate must adapt without key midfielders due to suspension. Kevin Castano was sent off against Monterrey, while Enzo Perez and Giuliano Galoppo received yellow-card suspensions.
Expected line-ups for Inter Milan v River Plate
Inter Milan: Sommer; De Vrij, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito, Martinez
Chivu’s formation aims to integrate returning personnel. Expect Bastoni to anchor alongside Acerbi and De Vrij, with the midfield rebalanced by the returnees. Up top, Esposito partners Martínez to maintain attacking momentum.
River Plate: Armani; Montiel, Martinez Quarta, Diaz, Acuna; Fernandez, Kranevitter, Aliendro; Mastantuono, Colidio, Meza
How to watch Inter Milan v River Plate: TV channel, online stream
Inter Milan v River Plate will kick-off at 02:00am on Thursday morning in the UK and is available to watch for free on DAZN.
The stats for Inter Milan v River Plate
- Inter Milan boast eight wins, three draws, and just one loss across their last 12 matches
- Inter have scored three goals in the group and conceded two
- River Plate, with four points, have scored three and conceded just one
- River Plate registered their first clean sheet in five games with their draw against Monterrey
- Three of River’s last five outings, and four of Inter’s last seven, featured multiple goals
Preparándonos para nuestro próximo objetivo: Inter ✊⚽️#FIFACWC | #RiverMundial 🤍❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/2gmSVp1BLU
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) June 24, 2025
Prediction
Form in this match suggests a tight encounter. Inter will be desperate to top the group, which puts them at a slight advantage.
However, South American sides have been formidable in the competition so far, and a draw is a likely outcome that would see both through to the knockouts.
Prediciton: Inter Milan 1-1 River Plate
