Club World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup draw

      by

      ARSENE WENGER left fans in stitches after he was awkwardly forced to dance live on air.The legendary ex-Arsenal boss works as Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development.Arsene Wenger left fans stunned after he danced live on airCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESThe ex-Arsenal boss was roped into dancing by co-host Ana JurkaCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESFans were left ‘dying at cringe’Credit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESHe made an appearance during the Fifa Club World Cup live draw.However, fans did not expect the 75-year-old to be roped into dancing.After the broadcast switched over to the downtown Miami studio, co-host Ana Jurka introduced some of the guests including singer Vikina, also nicknamed Miss 305.Vikina was asked to bring the Miami party and burst out into a dance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Jurka then gestured over to Wenger to go towards her and said: “You promised me.”Wenger pretended to run away but he was then counted down before bursting out into some dance moves. Fans were left astonished by the turn of events. Reacting on social media, one fan said: “I’m dying of cringe. Enough. They screwed Wenger, this was all a mistake.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Wenger, what are you doing…”A third added: “Arsene Wenger is now being forced to dance. God, this whole thing has been horrific.”Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawAnother said: “Cringing watching the hosts make Arsene Wenger dance on stage at the Fifa Club World Cup draw…”Wenger was not the only person to leave fans scratching their heads, with US President-elect, Donald Trump, making a shock appearance during the stream. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup draw

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled after US President-elect Donald Trump made a surprise appearance during the draw for the Fifa Club World Cup.Chelsea and Manchester City were among the 32 teams across the world waiting to find out who they would be drawn against for the controversial post-season tournament.Donald Trump made a surprise appearance during the draw for the Fifa Club World Cup after being introduced by Gianni InfantinoCredit: ReutersHe was introduced by his ‘friend’, ‘Johnny’ who later revealed the trophy for the tournamentCredit: ReutersHowever, during a speech by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump made an appearance with a pre-recorded message, although some fans believed he mispronounced the Fifa president’s name.He said: “The event is going to be incredible. I will try and be there if I can, I would, we’ll see what happens.”But I just want to say you’re led by a man named Jonny, I just know him as Jonny and he’s a winner and he’s the president and I’m the president.”We’ve known each other a long time and I’m so honoured to have this kind of relationship because Soccer is going through the roof as everybody knows.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 78-year-old continued by speaking about his son, Baron, and his relationship with football.He added: “It’s been doing so fantastically well, my son Baron is a tremendous soccer fan, he’s actually a good player – I guess not quite that kind of good but he’s a very good player.”But he loves soccer and it really is taking over the United States in terms of a sport and I congratulate everybody.”But in particular I wish you too have a good time and I want to send my highest regards and respect to Jonny.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Arsenal boss was roped into dancing by co-host Ana JurkaCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ES”It’s been an honour to be with you and will be with you very soon and we’re going to watch the World Cup very importantly also very soon.”I was very responsible along with Jonny in getting it and it’s going to be a fantastic thing.”Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup drawReacting to the appearance, one fan online said: “What’s Trump saying about Gianni lmao, he pronounced it as Johnny.”A second said: “My goodness, this Fifa Club World Cup draw has had an address from Donald Trump. Absurdity.”A third added: “Donald Trump randomly showed up at the Fifa club world cup draw.”The opening game of the tournament will be in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with the USA.Trump’s video was far from the only bizarre moment from the draw.Fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they later spotted former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger DANCING live on camera.Meanwhile, the trophy of the tournament was also revealed as a stunning gold plate – which Infantino opened with a huge golden KEY. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa Club World Cup draw simulated with Chelsea landing horror group and Man City facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

      by

      THE REVAMPED Fifa Club World Cup increases to 32 teams in 2025 with Manchester City and Chelsea among those in action. It will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup, staged next year in America from June 15-July 13.Erling Haaland’s Manchester City are a top seed in the groupCredit: RexCole Palmer’s Chelsea face a horror drawCredit: RexTeams will be divided into eight groups of four and play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.But it all kicks off with the group-stage draw, staged in Miami, where the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich find out their fate.Certain teams cannot draw each other, for example sides from the same league such as Chelsea and City or Flamengo and Fluminense.READ MORE IN football Fifa split the top seeding pot by handing four slots to Europe and four to South America, based on their continental coefficient ranking.So City, Madrid, Bayern and PSG are joined by Brazilians Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense and Argentina’s River Plate.The other eight European sides, including Chelsea, are in pot two.Pot three is made up of the remaining South American teams – Boca Juniors and Botafogo – and the two highest ranked sides from the other three major confederations.Most read in FootballPot four will see the remaining sides, although Inter Miami are already confirmed as playing in Group A and Seattle Sounders will play all their games at home.SunSport simulated the draw and it would be exciting news for City fans but not so much for Chelsea.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueThe Premier League champions drew Inter Milan, Botafogo and Inter Miami – meaning they would come up against Lionel Messi. But Chelsea suffered a horror draw alongside Real Madrid, Monterrey of Mexico and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns FC.There were also glamour ties including Flamengo vs Port and Palmeiras vs Juventus. Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich also looks particularly exciting.Details on how footy fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa Club World Cup draw: Live stream FREE, start time, format, pots and which teams will be playing

      by

      THE Fifa Club World Cup draw will take place in Miami TODAY.Two clubs will represent England in the newly revamped tournament taking place next summer.Manchester City won the Fifa Club World Cup in 2023Credit: APPremier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City have qualified for the Club World Cup as both sides have won the Champions League in the last four years.Pep Guardiola’s men are the current champions after they thrashed Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final.The 21st edition will see the tournament expanded to 32 clubs – SunSport brings you all the information you need ahead of the draw.When is the Club World Cup draw?The Club World Cup draw will take place on Thursday, December 5.The draw will take place at 6pm GMT.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat’s the format of the Club World Cup format?The revamped Club World Cup will run in a similar way to the international World Cup.32 teams that have qualified will be divided into eight groups of four, who will play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.There is no third-place play-off between the two losing semi-finalists.Most read in FootballWhat are the Club World Cup draw pots?Pot 1Manchester City (ENG)Real Madrid (ESP)Bayern Munich (GER)PSG (FRA)Flamengo (BRA)Palmeiras (BRA)River Plate (ARG)Fluminense (BRA)Pot 2Chelsea (ENG)Dortmund (GER)Inter (ITA)FC Porto (POR)Atletico Madrid (ESP)Benfica (POR)Juventus (ITA)Salzburg (AUT)Pot 3Al Hilal (SAU)Ulsan HD (SOUTH COLOR)Al Ahly (EGI)Wydad Casablanca (MAR)Monterrey (MEX)Leon (MEX)Boca Juniors (ARG)Botafogo (BRA)Pot 4Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)Al Ain (UAE)Hope of Tunis (TUN)Mamelodi Sundowns (AFR)Pachuca (MEX)Seattle Sounders (USA)Auckland City (NZL)Inter Miami (USA)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the Club World Cup draw FREEThe Club World Cup draw will be broadcast live on Fifa.com for FREE.You can also catch the event via Fifa’s official YouTube channel.When is the Club World Cup?The Club World Cup begins on Sunday, June 15 2025.It will take place over 29 days.The final will take place on Sunday, July 13.The United States will host the Club World Cup. More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Major broadcast decision as Fifa Club World Cup 2025 lands £790million TV deal

      by

      UK-BASED streaming giant DAZN has won the broadcast rights to Fifa’s new Club World Cup.In a deal that has been rumoured for weeks, the company, whose headquarters are in London, agreed a £790m contract to screen all 63 matches in the inaugural tournament.DAZN has won the broadcast rights to Fifa’s new Club World CupMan City are the reigning Club World Cup championsCredit: GettyFifa President Gianni Infantino will be in Miami to help conduct the draw in which the fate of the 32 teams, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid and Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, will be known.And the confirmation of the DAZN deal – with suggestions that it might lead to significant investment in the company from Saudi Arabia – will add further impetus to Infantino’s belief that the tournament will be a major success.Unlike the World Cup, the new tournament is not one of the UK’s “listed events” that must be screened on free to air terrestrial television.But the terms of the DAZN deal will ensure that the matches will all be freely available through the streaming platform.READ MORE IN football Hailing a “landmark agreement”, Fifa said the entire tournament would be “live-streamed, free to view on DAZN worldwide” although the company could sub-license games to linear broadcasters in markets.Infantino said: “This deal means every single football fan across the globe can watch the best players from the 32 best clubs compete in the new Fifa Club World Cup to be the first official ‘Fifa Club World Champions’.“The new Fifa Club World Cup is a merit-based, inclusive tournament that will be the pinnacle of global club football, capturing the imagination of players and fans across the world. “Through this broadcasting agreement, billions of football fans worldwide can now watch what will be the most widely accessible club football tournament ever – and FOR FREE.”Most read in FootballAll 32 Club World Cup Teams Pot 1: Manchester City (England), Real Madrid (Spain), Bayern Munich (Germany), PSG (France), Flamengo (Brazil), Palmeiras (Brazil), River Plate (Argentina), and Fluminense (Brazil)Pot 2: Chelsea (England), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Inter (Italy), Porto (Portugal), Atlético de Madrid (Spain), Juventus (Italy), and Salzburg (Austria).Pot 3: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Ulsan HD (South Korea), Al Ahly FC (Egypt), Wydad AC (Morocco), Monterrey (Mexico), Club León (Mexico), Boca Juniors (Argentina), and Botafogo (Brazil).Pot 4: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Al Ain FC (UAE), Esperance (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), Pachuca (Mexico), Seattle Sounders FC (USA), Auckland City (Australia), and Inter Miami (USA).CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe US – who will also be hosting the World Cup proper in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada – will offer up 12 stadiums for the tournament.The chosen grounds range from capacities of 20,000 to a whopping 88,500.Matches will stretch from coast to coast with games played in iconic US cities like Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington D.C. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup final stadium set to be abandoned by footy giants with plans to build 78,000-seater ‘Marvellous City’ arena

      by

      FLAMENGO are to leave the legendary Maracana Stadium for a new state-of-the-art stadium in Rio de Janeiro.According to Coliseum, the new ground’s designers Arena Events+Venues have presented their plans to the club’s board of directors and members.Flamengo are leaving the legendary Maracana Stadium to build their new home – imagined in this artist’s impressionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The new stadium is expected to have a capacity of 78,000Credit: www.coliseum-online.comThe ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional visionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of eventsCredit: www.coliseum-online.comThis comes after the Brazilian giants submitted a winning bid to secure land at the Gasometro site in Rio for their new stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of 78,000.The ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional vision.Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of events.It will offer unique experiences for fans and tourists, including the Flamengo Museum, a Megastore and a unique rooftop walkway with breathtaking views of the “Marvellous City”.Read More on FootballThe stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029, coinciding with the club’s anniversary. Flamengo, though, are not ruling out the possibility of opening the stadium earlier. Arena Events+Venues CEO Carlos de la Corte said: “This project represents the fusion of tradition and innovation, uniting the passion for sports with a design that reflects the greatness of Flamengo and its fans, as well as the culture of Rio de Janeiro.“Our goal is to create a space that transcends sports, offering a lasting legacy for the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Maracana, though, will not be abandoned after Flamengo’s exit.The ground is still being used by Fluminense and Brazil’s national team.Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 The esteemed Maracana has hosted two World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014.The stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029Credit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The decision means abandoning the Maracana, which has hosted two World Cup finalsCredit: ReutersGermany lifted the World Cup at the stadium in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa boss sends thinly-veiled threat that stars will see their salaries SLASHED amid row over playing too many games

      by

      UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin claims that reducing the number of matches played by top stars will cut the wages of the entire game.Ceferin remains sceptical about Fifa’s new 32-team Club World Cup, which will include Chelsea and Manchester City when it launches in the USA in June.Aleksander Ceferin has warned reducing the number of matches could cost playersCredit: PAMajor European leagues are backing the international players’ union Fifpro in their European Court case against Fifa, seeking to block the new competition and bring in a fixed maximum of matches played by stars each season.But while Ceferin hinted at his unhappiness over Fifa’s latest expansion project – despite being part of the world body’s ruling Council which backed the plan – he warned that the knock-on effects of a court victory for the union might end up hitting their own members in the pocket.Ceferin said: “When we say that footballers are modern gladiators, we are exaggerating a bit.“The better the footballer, the bigger the star, the more protected he is by the referees, who are also constantly in the fans’ teeth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is true that the players play a lot and that the match calendar could not be more full.“But I would not agree that only those at the highest level are the most burdened.“The players from my country, Slovenia, play as often as, for example, those from Real Madrid. Except that they are paid 500 times less.“If we were to reduce the number of matches, we would end up with the result that the salaries of football players would also fall, because the clubs would have less income.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s a vicious cycle. The compromise is that no new competitions are introduced.”Fifa are, of course, introducing one, with the draw for the clubs – which also include Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham’s Real, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and major sides from Brazil and Argentina – scheduled for the start of next month.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Ceferin added: “The rhythm of matches for football players is already at the upper limit.“The problem is that the new Club World Cup will take five weeks after the end of the season every four years.“Meanwhile, we already have the World Cup, the European Championship.“I saw that the union of professional footballers with the European leagues has already filed a lawsuit against FIFA.“The problem is that European clubs want the competition, as it would increase revenue and make it easier to pay footballers.“So, as I said, it’s a vicious cycle. It will be necessary to sit down with the professional footballers’ union and find out what they want.“If we reduce the number of matches, wages will have to be reduced as well. There is no other way.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England could be forced to field World Cup qualifying ‘bomb squad’ as new Fifa rule threatens to rule out ELEVEN players

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL could be plunged into a club versus country row after Fifa ordered Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to play their strongest teams in the new Club World Cup.New England boss Tuchel will discover next month if he will have to start the Three Lions World Cup campaign in June.New England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBut Fifa’s demand that the 32 competing teams field their strongest slides for the £600m new tournament which starts in the USA less than a week after the scheduled international dates may leave Tuchel in the middle of a major dilemma.Skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Munich’s glory push in the States, with Jude Bellingham central to Real Madrid’s chances and Conor Gallagher scheduled to appear for Atletico Madrid.Tuchel will also see Cole Palmer, Reece James and Levi Colwill required by Chelsea, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis in City’s ranks.Fifa’s desperate determination to make the inaugural episode of the tournament a major success has now seen world chiefs giving themselves the power to order clubs to release players to Club World Cup sides BEFORE their current contracts end.READ MORE IN football World chiefs have now released regulations that state clubs must field their “strongest teams throughout the tournament”.Fifa said that competing clubs must still release their players for the international window including World Cup qualifiers from June 2 to June 9.But the prospect of top clubs pulling rank and demanding their needs are put ahead of international commitments in the immediate lead-up to the tournament – due to start on June 15 – tees up a serious worry for German Tuchel.That Fifa window will leave little time for the players involved to get back into club groove before the new tournament.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe possible problems come after the international players’ union Fifpro launched a legal challenge against Fifa in the European Court, with the aim of forcing Zurich chiefs to back down on their plan.But Fifa put the screws on the clubs by announcing that any team which pulls out now will be fined “at least” £220,000, while withdrawals after mid-May would see that fine doubled to nearly £450,000.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The hardline expectations came as it emerged FIFA chiefs could order clubs to release players due to join Club World Cup sides early.Fifa announced last month that they were creating a special transfer loophole to apply at the tournament that will be played in the USA.Competing clubs will be able to complete some of next term’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under the special regulations, clubs will be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10 – rather than being forced to stick to the usual June 30 cut-off for registration changes.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, while Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.Canada left-back Alphonso Davies is one of SEVEN senior players at Kane’s Bayern Munich who are out of contract at the end of the season.Initially it had been suggested that early registration would only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve, with nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.But it has now emerged that FIFA will decide on any disputes between Club World Cup teams who each want to take the same player to the tournament.Man City won the Club World Cup in 2023Credit: Getty More