Boca Juniors Fans Pack Miami for Club World Cup Debut

Ahead of their Club World Cup debut against Portuguese club Benfica, Boca Juniors fans took over Miami and Atlanta with vibrant displays of support, turning Miami Beach into a festive 'Boca Beach' filled with chants, drums, and Argentine traditions. More than a thousand Boca fans gathered at North Shore Park and Bark Beach, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Boca Juniors' home stadium, La Bombonera, while thousands more formed long queues outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, underscoring the club's passionate and extensive international fanbase. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosted a crowd of 55,574, with Boca fans comprising roughly 90 percent, who cheered loudly throughout a thrilling 2-2 draw against a ten-man Benfica side. Boca's goals came from Miguel Merentiel, who was named Man of the Match, and Rodrigo Battaglia, with fans chanting and celebrating energetically before and during the match. The Boca Juniors supporters' fervor added a genuine World Cup atmosphere to the expanded tournament, which is being held in the U.S. for the first time, highlighting the club's global appeal and the significance of the event. This passionate fan presence was also noted at other matches, including sold-out games featuring Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain, emphasizing the tournament's growing popularity.