The Rose Bowl is set for a thunderous evening under the California lights. But don’t let the group-stage label fool you—this is no ordinary match.
On Wednesday, June 25 (local time), CF Monterrey face off against Urawa Red Diamonds in a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group E clash packed with tension, emotion, and more than a few million dollars on the line.
Whether you’re a fan of the underdog story, the chaotic mathematics of football group stages, or just want to know how to watch Monterrey vs Urawa Red Diamonds live, this is a match worth your time. And if you’re lucky enough to be in California? Yes, Monterrey tickets are still available for this high-stakes showdown at Pasadena’s legendary Rose Bowl.
Monterrey’s Narrow Road to the Knockouts
Let’s get this straight: Monterrey must win. It’s their only chance of progressing to the Round of 16.
After two tense draws—1-1 vs Inter Milan and 0-0 vs River Plate—Monterrey come into this final fixture with just 2 points. Inter and River both sit above them with 4. And the qualification scenarios? Let’s break them down for those who enjoy high-stakes permutations:
If Monterrey beat Urawa and either Inter or River wins, Monterrey go through. If Inter and River draw 0-0, Monterrey just need any win over Urawa to qualify. If Inter and River draw 1-1, Monterrey must beat Urawa by three goals or more and score at least 3 themselves. But if Inter and River play out a 2-2 draw or higher, Monterrey are out, even if they win.
So yeah—no pressure.
Manager Domènec Torrent knows this is a tactical tightrope. With experienced leaders like Sergio Ramos, creative brain Sergio Canales, and the ever-solid Esteban Andrada between the sticks, Monterrey have the spine for this kind of battle. But they’ll be without suspended midfielder Jorge Rodríguez, making the balance even more delicate.
How to watch the game
For fans looking to support Monterrey from home or on the go, you can watch the Monterrey vs Urawa match live and for free on DAZN—no subscription required.
Although if you want to watch it on replay or the highlights you’ll need a DAZN subscription.
If you part with money, be sure to cancel your subscription if you no longer want DAZN after the game or after the FIFA Club World Cup has concluded.
Urawa Red Diamonds: Out of the Tournament, But Not Out of Reasons to Fight
Now here’s where it gets wild: Urawa Red Diamonds are already eliminated after back-to-back defeats to River Plate (1-3) and Inter Milan (1-2). But despite sitting bottom of the group with 0 points, they have plenty of motivation—and it’s not just about pride.
Thanks to the jaw-dropping $1 billion prize pool at this year’s Club World Cup, every group stage win earns a team an extra $2 million. Urawa already earned $9.55 million just by qualifying, but a win over Monterrey would bump their total up to $11.55 million—a payday that could seriously influence their J-League ambitions next season.
That’s not speculation—that’s just how ludicrously rewarding this tournament is.
For a team like Urawa, where player development and domestic competitiveness can hinge on cash injections like this, beating Monterrey is more than a farewell—it’s a financial pivot point.
A Team Playing With Their Hearts (and Eyes on the Future)
After Urawa’s official elimination, goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa broke down in tears, later telling Japanese press:
“This experience is definitely going to make me stronger… This emotion must be channelled into the next game. We have to win against Monterrey and go home.”
Head coach Maciej Skorża echoed that mentality, saying:
“We will fight to win the last match. To get the only win of the tournament.”
Even attacker Takuro Kaneko joined in, calling the final match “a chance to leave with our heads high.”
There’s also a sense of global pride in Urawa’s camp. Their release of “WORLD EDITION” merchandise celebrates their participation on the world stage—a nod to the club’s fans and a subtle statement that their journey isn’t ending, just evolving.
Match Details: How to Watch, Where to Be, What’s at Stake
For those wanting the full matchday experience—or even wondering how we enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup in person—here’s everything you need to know:
Date: Wednesday, June 25 (local) / Thursday, June 26 (Japan/UK) Kick-off Time:
9:00 PM ET 6:00 PM PT 2:00 AM BST (Thursday)
10:00 AM Japan Time
7:00 PM Mexico Time
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
How to Watch: Free on DAZN, globally
Monterrey Tickets: Available via official channels and local vendors for fans in California
One Match. Two Futures. No Middle Ground.
For Monterrey, it’s knockout or bust. For Urawa, it’s legacy and cold, hard cash. It’s not just about points—it’s about purpose. This is the kind of game that reminds you why group-stage matches can carry the weight of finals.
Monterrey want another 90 minutes on the world stage. Urawa want to turn heartbreak into hard currency.
And for us? We enjoy these moments—the tension, the meaning, the collision of ambition and reality—because this is what football is about…like the blog? Subscribe and don’t miss more coverage.
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