Bayern coach Vincent Kompany warned that competing in the expanded Club World Cup in the U.S. will give his squad “almost no preparation” for the 2025–26 Bundesliga campaign. Despite the US$1 billion prize pool, he highlighted the upside of bonding and integrating newcomers like Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof while on tour.
Kompany admitted the team must forgo their usual pre-season training regime but noted the sustained training block allows work on advanced tactics—unlike brief national-team windows. After thrashing Auckland City 10–0 and edging Boca Juniors 2–1, Bayern face Benfica in Charlotte under intense summer heat, aiming to top Group C.
