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    Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

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    NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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      Fuming Ukrainian FA blast Fifa over ‘unacceptable error’ during World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THE Ukrainian FA sent a furious letter to Fifa and Uefa complaining about an “unacceptable error” during the World Cup qualifying draw. Ukraine learnt who they will face to try and book their spot at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ukraine hit out at Fifa and Uefa following an ‘unacceptable error’Credit: ReutersThe World Cup qualifying draw map excluded Crimea from UkraineCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCHowever, the country was left apoplectic following a map graphic depicting countries which could not cross borders to face each other – such as Ukraine and Belarus, Spain and Gibraltar and Kosovo versus either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia.On it, though, the shaded Ukrainian region excluded the territory of Crimea.The peninsula in the Black Sea – officially the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is classed as an administrative division of Ukraine after previously being annexed by Russia in 2014.Russia occupy the territory and have several military air bases stationed there during the war between the two nations, which has now claimed the lives or injured a million people since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion in February 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUkraine, though, continue to view the region as part of their country so they were understandably indignant following Friday’s draw.And the Ukrainian Association of Football wrote to Fifa Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and Uefa Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to express their anger. The raging letter said: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. “The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.Most read in Football”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. “It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion ok his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukranian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time.SunSport has contacted Fifa for comment.  Ukraine were pitted in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and the winners of the two-legged France vs Croatia Nations League quarter-final.Thomas Tuchel’s England, meanwhile, got Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in a five-team Group K. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar More

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      When is the World Cup 2030 and where is it being held? Plus info on the 2034 edition

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      EVERY football player dreams of lifting the World Cup – and the details for the 2030 edition have been confirmed earlier than expected!For the first time, three countries from two different continents are set to be the main hosts of the iconic competition.This will be the 100th FIFA World Cup anniversaryCredit: EPAAnd there will be a special celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup which will be held on a DIFFERENT part of the planet.Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup doesn’t get underway until after the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 edition.But SunSport can reveal all the details on the history-making event SIX years in advance.When is the World Cup 2030?The opening match of the World Cup 2030 will take place on Thursday, June 13.Read more on World CupAnd the final showdown of the iconic competition is penciled in for Sunday, July 21.There will be 48 teams from six confederations battling it out to lift the prestigious trophy.And 20 different venues across 20 different cities is where matches will be played.Where is the World Cup 2030 being held?The World Cup 2030 will be held across three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Most read in FootballThis means it will be the first-ever World Cup to be held in North Africa with Morocco being one of the hosting countries.However, to commemorate the 100th anniversary, the first match of the competition is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay – where the first World Cup was held.In addition to that, fans will witness a special centenary celebration to mark the occasion.Argentina has been selected to host the second match while Paraguay will host the third and then the rest of the games are set to be played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. What has been said?The World Cup 2030 has already been met with backlash from fans, football officials and environmental groups.There are concerns about a huge increase in carbon footprint due to fans having to travel large distances between South America and Europe.Furthermore, players part of teams that get drawn with Argentina, Paraguay or Uruguay will have a significantly shorter amount of rest once having to travel back to the main hosts in Iberia and Morocco.Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned that the number of hosts that the World Cup 2030 is preparing to have would cause the tournament to ‘lose its identity’.Where is the World Cup 2034 being held?SunSport’s Martin Lipton has confirmed that FIFA memberships agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESPresident Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, FIFA has gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both passed with flying colours. More

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      World Cup 2034 announcement hit by embarrassing technical blunder as Fifa feed cuts out during Saudi celebrations

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      SAUDI ARABIA’S big World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical fault in a stunning Fifa farce.The world body’s 211 member association voted “by acclamation” to hand Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 tournament, although the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Saudi Arabia’s World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical faultCredit: AFPFifa handed Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 World CupCredit: EPAFifa then confirmed Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hostsCredit: EPAFifa’s feed cut out during Saudi celebrationsCredit: ReutersIn an unprecedented joint “vote” at the “virtual Congress” run from Zurich, delegates were displayed on a video wall as they applauded to confirm the 2034 event will take place in the desert Kingdom.But the two-hour Congress was overshadowed  by technical issues from the outset, with a delayed start and problems with the sound on the video link to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.And when Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed over to the Saudi capital Riyadh for the “great scenes of celebration” the screens on the official Fifa feed went black.Despite the vote result having been pre-ordained and in a statement laced with unintended irony, Infantino had opened proceedings by declaring “the essence of football is its unpredictability”.Read More on FootballBut after Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al Saud had declared “a proud day” for his nation and promised “an extraordinary version of the World Cup”, Infantino then appeared to fire a potential warning shot across the Saudi bows.The Fifa chief said: “The World Cup is a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.“We are inclusive and non-discriminatory and want to obtain a positive social impact, to bring true and lasting change.“The world will be watching and we are positive that the unique spotlight of a World Cup will be on what can and should improve in terms of social improvement and positive human rights impacts, the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDuring the Congress, delegates were unable to make any comments about either award.But the Norwegian FA did “raise its concerns” that the process “does not fully align with the principles and objectives” of Fifa with specific regard to human rights and social responsibility, while the Swiss FA also wrote a letter questioning the procedure.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesLike the other major associations, the FA applauded in favour of both “technically strong” bids.A Wembley spokesperson added: “The FA Board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail.“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans.“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.“Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change and we will work with Fifa and Uefa to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.” More

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      Hosts of two World Cups confirmed – 2030 across three continents and 2034 in Saudi’s £2.5TRILLION desert dream

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      FIFA has finally confirmed the worst-kept secret in football – as the hosts of the next two World Cups were announced.After a “virtual Congress” of the 211 member national associations, Zurich chiefs announced the 2030 event will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Gianni Infantino confirmed the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World CupsCredit: PALionel Messi’s Argentina won the first winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022Credit: PAThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousThe 2034 World Cup will be staged in Saudi ArabiaCredit: www.dezeen.comSome of the designs for the stadia are utterly crazy and groundbreakingCredit: www.dezeen.comBut to mark the Centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, the first three games of the 2030 tournament will all be held in South America – in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.And the Fifa membership also agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” – that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 tournament as part of the Gulf state’s £2.5TRILLION ($3.2trillion) mega project. Both host decisions had been signposted 14 months ago after Fifa President Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, Fifa have gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both unsurprisingly passed with flying colours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Infantino left no room for any criticism as he ensured there was no way for nations to raise issues such as human rights in Saudi without voting against BOTH bids.While the FA meekly fell in line with Fifa – with Wembley chiefs mulling a 2029 Women’s World Cup bid and unwilling to damage the chances of that succeeding – the Norwegian and Danish FAs did both register their frustration at the mechanism.Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness made it clear she would abstain rather than vote in favour.Denmark did support the decision but stated it “expects Fifa to follow up on demands for human rights, freedom of expression and equal access to World Cup matches”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Swiss FA’s support came alongside a demand for Fifa to establish “independent bodies to guarantee human rights and transparency” in the Gulf state.Spain has proposed 11 stadia in nine cities, with six cities put forward by Morocco and Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesOne of the Moroccan venues would be the record-breaking Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, set to be built by 2028 with a staggering capacity of 115,000 – making it the biggest football ground in the world. However, the epic new stadium may not even get to host the final – with Real Madrid’s renovated Santiago Bernabeu or the updated home of Barcelona, the Nou Camp, both keen. Speaking of futuristic purpose-built new grounds, the Saudi bid foresees 15 venues across five cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Khobar and Neom – a city which is still in construction and is not due to be completed until five years AFTER the World Cup.The various stadium plans include artificial canyons, crystal-like shards and a 45,000-seater venue built into a cliff.Morocco, Spain and Portugal saw their bid be successfulCredit: FifaSaudi Arabia got the 2034 hosting rightsCredit: FifaBut the most ambitious of all will be the Neom Stadium, with the pitch 350m above the ground as part of the bonkers 110-mile-long The Line sideways skyscraper. However, the King Salman Stadium with a capacity of 92,000 is set to be the grandest venue of all and host the opening match and final.The state-of-the-art arena will include a royal box, 120 hospitality suites and 300 VIP seats – as well as VVIP areas – plus a shopping centre. As in Qatar in 2022, it is almost certain to be a winter tournament – causing even more disruption to the traditional European club season – but likely to take place in January 2024 rather than the November-December window of the first Arab World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that will undoubtedly spark a backlash from Europe’s top leagues – who could go seven weeks without club football – with Prem chief executive Richard Masters likely to be among those fighting the unwanted schedule. The January 2034 timeline would help to avoid the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December at the end of the year. The newly-renovated Bernabeu will play a key role in the 2030 tournamentCredit: GettyThe futuristic design in Morocco may not even host the finalCredit: PopulousThe Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be renovated to increase seating capacityCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will see a 45,000-seater stadium built into a cliff edge in RiyadhCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Jeddah Central Development Stadium will be entirely surrounded by buildingsCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Salman International Stadium will be the country’s largest stadium when it completesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Economic City Stadium will have a drum-shaped design to host 45,000 footie fansCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium will be built from locally-sourced materialsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium plans to become the most colourful stadium of the lotCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Khalid University Stadium can boast a spectacular show of lightsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Saud University Stadium will be renovated for the 2034 World CupCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Aramco Stadium is set to have a whirlpool-shaped designCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Fahd Sports City Stadium will be revamped to increase the capacity from 58,000 to 70,000Credit: www.dezeen.comThe South Riyadh Stadium will be an amalgamation of modern design and rich historyCredit: www.dezeen.com More

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      Second winter World Cup all but certain with Saudi Arabia set to be named 2034 hosts after Fifa change vote protocol

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      PREM chiefs are facing an uphill battle to stop a SECOND winter World Cup.Saudi Arabia will be named the 2034 hosts at a ‘virtual’ meeting of Fifa’s 211 associations today.Saudi Arabia are set to be named the 2034 World Cup hostsCredit: GettyFifa president Gianni Infantino will oversee a vote that will see the 2030 and 2034 tournaments awarded as a joint package, with no possibility for associations to object to either tournament individually.In a further sign of Infantino’s power, the FA will line up with most of the other European associations to nod through the two hosting decisions “by acclamation”.The Norwegian FA are likely to be the lone voice speaking out after Oslo officials criticised the “flawed” process.But the FA, keen on hosting the 2029 Women’s World Cup, is understood to be reluctant to rock the apple cart and follow suit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 2030 event will mainly be staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, although the opening three matches will be split between Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Confirmation that Saudi Arabia will host another desert event, 12 years after the first winter tournament in Qatar in 2022, will lead to a backlash from Europe’s top leagues.Prem chief executive Richard Masters is certain to be among those fighting a winter tournament.The Saudi tournament is likely to be played over 38 days from the start of January 2034 to avoid a clash with the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEurope’s biggest leagues, fearful of SEVEN WEEKS of no club football to accommodate the event, are certain to try to block it from being played in the middle of the season.The World Cup in 2022 was won by Argentina in Qatar after a thrilling final against France.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupFull list of Saudi Arabia’s amazing stadiumsRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010Lionel Messi achieved his dream of leading his country to the heralded trophy after a penalty shootout.England reached the quarter-finals in the tournament but were knocked out by finalists France.The Three Lions will be led by German manager Thomas Tuchel at the 2028 edition as they bid to win the trophy for the first time since 1966.NOBODY wants another winter World Cup.But Prem chiefs are burying their heads in the desert sands to try to block Fifa from staging 2034 in Saudi Arabia during January and February.Moving the showpiece to mid-season once again will be a huge disruption — that’s obvious.It would mean a minimum seven weeks without top-flight action.And will also see concertinaed domestic and European schedules in the seasons either side of the World Cup, with even less rest for already over-played stars.Yet what is the alternative when you could fry an egg on the pavements in Riyadh, Jeddah and the still-to-be-built city of Neom in June and JulyWith 45C-plus temperatures, everyone just has to bite the bullet and get on with it. More

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      Fifa show off incredible new Club World Cup trophy that has be opened with a giant gold KEY

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      IT took something magical and mystical to eclipse Arsene Wenger’s dancing and Donald Trump’s quirky speech at the Club World Cup draw.I give you the bewitching new trophy for next summer’s hugely-expanded, 32-team extravaganza in the USA.Italian TV presenter Diletta Leotta, who is married to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, shimmered alongside the glittering trophyCredit: EPAOne fan labelled it the ‘most gorgeous trophy’ he’d ever seenFifa president Gianni Infantino was the man entrusted with the keyThe globe-like sphere even needed a golden key to open it.And when Fifa president Gianni Infantino did just that, viewers labelled it “the most gorgeous trophy I’ve ever seen” and “like an ancient relic possessing arcane knowledge”.US President-elect Trump had sent a surprise video message – saying “the event is going to be incredible” while praising son Baron’s “very good” skills at “soccer”.Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal boss Wenger was persuaded to dance live on stage – a jig so distressing to many viewers that one was “dying of cringe”.READ MORE TOP STORIESFortunately, the live draw from Miami soon went from the tragic to the magic of the cup – as fans raved about the spectacular trophy.It came as Chelsea were paired with old boy David Luiz’s Flamengo, as well as Mexicans Club Leon and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia.The Prem’s other representatives, champs Manchester City, were drawn in a group with Juventus, Moroccans Wydad AC and UAE side Al Ain.But many viewers had their eyes fixed on the trophy rather than the four pots of eight teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne observer said: “It’s a beauty indeed. Better than the World Cup.”Another posted: “The new Club World Cup trophy is stunning. The addition of a key that opens it up adds an extra level of intrigue and excitement. A true masterpiece for football.”Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar praise included: “Beauty at it peak” and “Wow …it’s so nice”.But one fan didn’t seem to know if he should feel enlightened or frightened by the trophy’s spellbinding shape.He wrote: “Sort of looks like an ancient relic possessing arcane knowledge. Not sure I’d want to open that up.”Let’s hope he didn’t find the unlocking too shocking. More

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      Diletta Leotta wows in busty outfit at Fifa Club World Cup draw but fans baffled as Italy icon calls her an ‘immigrant’

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      DILETTA LEOTTA stole the show as she made her entrance during the Fifa Club World Cup draw.The initial opening of the draw by presenter Samantha Johnson.Diletta Leotta stunned in a black dress as she joined presenting duties for the Fifa Club World CupCredit: GettyAlessandro Del Piero joked they were ‘immigrants’Credit: GettyHowever, a short while later Leotta was introduced to join and help out with presenting duties.The Italian Dazn presenter wore a dazzling black dress for the occasion.But as she made her entrance, Alessandro Del Piero made some strange comments to welcome her.He was heard firstly saying: “Another Italian in Miami.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDel Piero then added: “Another wave of immigrants.”Johnson stood by and awkwardly laughed at the comment, trying to brush it off.Fortunately for the draw, Leotta did not allow the comment to knock her off stride.She said her greetings to Del Piero and Johnson when making it to the stage before carrying on with the rest of the draw in a professional manner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe bizarre draw also saw a surprise appearance from US President-elect Donald Trump.Arsene Wenger was then forced to dance later on by co-host Ana Jurka in their downtown Miami studio.Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup drawThe draw itself saw Chelsea drawn against Flamengo, Esperance Tunisie and Club Leon in Group D.Meanwhile, Manchester City were placed in Group G against Juventus, Wydad and Al Ain.Leotta is married to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.The couple welcomed their first child together earlier this year. More

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      Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw in full as Chelsea get shock reunion with cult hero while Man City face European giants

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      CHELSEA landed a plum draw in the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup – including a reunion with a club cult hero.The revamped tournament will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup – staged next year in America from June 15-July 13 and featuring 32 of the globe’s top teams.Gianni Infantino with the new Club World Cup TrophyCredit: GettyThere was a special message from US President-elect Donald TrumpCredit: EPATrump’s daughter Ivanka was at the draw, and her son Theo helped pick out the first teamCredit: APDiletta Leotta was on hand to present the showCredit: EPAIt all kicked off with a glitzy group-stage draw from Miami, featuring a host of global football legends, and presented, in part, by Italian beauty, and former Premier League Wag, Diletta Leotta.Each country is limited to two entrants in the tournament, with the Blues and Manchester City taking England’s slots as the two most recent Champions League winners.Chelsea wound up in Group D, along with Brazil’s Flamengo, Club Leon of Mexico and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia. And that likely means a shock clash against for Blues title winner David Luiz, who is still playing for the Brazilians at the age of 37.READ MORE IN football City meanwhile face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE.Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will play Saudi champions Al Hilal, RB Salzburg of Austria and Mexico’s Pachuca.Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich take on Benfica, Boca Juniors and Aukland City in Group C. Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger was on hand to help pick out the teams but only after being made to perform some awkward dad dancing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUS President-elect Donald Trump’s eight-year-old grandson Theo also helped pick out the draw with the politician’s daughter Ivanka.There was even a message from President Trump – who referred to Fifa president Gianni Infantino as “Jonny”. Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawDavid Luiz won the Premier League with Chelsea and now could face them aged 37Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrump 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.”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 Johnny.”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 Johnny in getting it and it’s going to be a fantastic thing.”The new Club World Cup format sees teams divided into eight groups of four and play each other once.Top two teams in each group then progress to the knockout stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.Details on how fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights.Arsene Wenger performed some awkward dad dancingCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESBrazilian model Adriana Lima also presentedCredit: AFPDiletta Leotta with host Samantha Johnson Alessandro del PieroCredit: EPA More