Urawa, who secured third place in the 2023 edition, will be looking for big performances, particularly from Ryoma Watanabe – their top scorer this season with six goals in 17 appearances.

Eyes will also be on Matheus Savio, who joined the Saitama outfit after a standout spell with Kashiwa Reysol. The Brazilian playmaker, named in the J.League Best XI last year, amassed 34 goals and 32 assists in 164 appearances between 2019 and 2024.

Maciej Skorza’s side are fourth in the J1 League table, picking up 34 points from their 21 matches and the Polish tactician will be hoping his team can carry the domestic momentum into their continental challenge.

River are unbeaten in their last five games and will be coming into to tie high on confidence.

Head coach Marcelo Gallardo will have the talented Argentine prodigy and Real-Mardrid bound Franco Mastantuono, the youngest player to feature in a competitive match for Argentina.

Venue: Lumen Field (Seattle)

Kick-off: Tuesday, 12:00 (UTC-7)