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Tag: Club world cup

  • World Cup Winner Samuel Umtiti Retires from Football

    World Cup Winner Samuel Umtiti Retires from Football

    Former France international defender Samuel Umtiti, a 2018 World Cup winner, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31.

    Umtiti confirmed the decision on Monday in a post on Instagram, reflecting on a career marked by both success and injury setbacks. “After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye… I gave EVERYTHING with passion and I regret NOTHING,” he wrote.

    Born in Cameroon, Umtiti moved to France as a child and developed through Lyon’s youth system, eventually breaking into the first team. His performances earned him a move to Barcelona in 2016, where he won two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies during a seven-year spell.

    The centre-back played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph in Russia, scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final victory over Belgium before Les Bleus went on to lift the trophy.

    Umtiti becomes the fifth member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad to retire, joining Raphael Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, and Steve Mandanda.

    Persistent injuries hampered the latter stages of his career. After a loan spell with Lecce in Italy, he joined Lille in January 2024 but featured only sparingly due to recurring fitness problems and knee surgery.

    Despite the setbacks, Umtiti remains regarded as one of France’s most influential defenders of his generation, remembered for his decisive role in delivering the country’s second World Cup title.

  • Real Madrid Push for Biennial Club World Cup

    Real Madrid Push for Biennial Club World Cup

    Real Madrid and several other top clubs have proposed that the FIFA Club World Cup be held every two years instead of its current four-year cycle. However, FIFA has reportedly rejected the idea for now, citing scheduling constraints, according to Madrid Zone via @Rodra10_97.

    The push comes after FIFA expanded the Club World Cup format from 7 teams to 32, with the inaugural edition of the revamped tournament taking place in 2025. Chelsea emerged as champions, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the final held in the United States.

    Following the tournament, FIFA declared Chelsea as the first official winners under the new Club World Cup format. In a rebranding move, previous champions of the 7-team format—including 2023 winners Manchester City, who beat Fluminense 4–0—will now be referred to as “Intercontinental Champions.”

  • Chelsea crush PSG in final to crown landmark season with global glory

    Chelsea crush PSG in final to crown landmark season with global glory

    Chelsea secured a historic 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium, clinching the maiden edition of FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup in emphatic fashion.

    The Premier League side stunned the UEFA Champions League winners, with Cole Palmer delivering a standout performance — scoring a brace and assisting once — to seal the triumph.

    Palmer struck first midway through the opening half and doubled Chelsea’s lead by the 30th minute. He later turned provider, setting up Joao Pedro for the third goal in the 43rd minute, as Chelsea raced to a commanding 3–0 lead by halftime.

    PSG, who had demolished Real Madrid 4–0 in the semifinals, entered the match as strong favourites. However, the French giants failed to replicate their previous form and were undone by Chelsea’s clinical execution and defensive discipline.

    The game further soured for PSG late on, as midfielder Joao Neves was sent off in the 86th minute following a VAR review for violent conduct against Marc Cucurella.

    The win caps a remarkable season for Chelsea, who not only became the first champions of the expanded Club World Cup, but also lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy and secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

    The Blues are also set to earn approximately $125 million in prize money from the tournament — a financial windfall that makes their packed fixture schedule and shortened off-season worthwhile.

    Cole Palmer was named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, while Robert Sánchez took home the award for Best Goalkeeper.

  • Pedro brace seals final spot for Chelsea in New York

    Pedro brace seals final spot for Chelsea in New York

    Joao Pedro and Enzo

    Chelsea’s latest signing Joao Pedro made an immediate impact, scoring both goals in a 2-0 semi-final victory over Fluminense to book the Premier League side a place in Sunday’s Club World Cup final.

    The Brazilian forward, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £60 million last week, marked his first start with a superb performance at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He found the net in both halves, sealing Chelsea’s spot in the final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

    Pedro, 23, joined Chelsea mid-preseason and made his debut off the bench in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras. Starting in place of the suspended Liam Delap, he was clinical against his former club, where he began his career before moving to Watford in 2020. Out of respect, he chose not to celebrate either goal.

    The first goal came in the 18th minute, with Pedro curling a precise effort into the far corner after controlling a loose ball outside the box. His second came in the 56th minute after he latched onto a through ball from Enzo Fernandez and smashed it home off the underside of the bar.

    Chealsea playerts celebrating pedro goal

    Fluminense, captained by 40-year-old Thiago Silva — a former Chelsea defender — offered moments of threat. They nearly equalized in the first half when Hercules lifted the ball over Robert Sanchez, only for Marc Cucurella to clear off the line. They were also briefly awarded a penalty for handball against Trevoh Chalobah, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

    Despite their spirited performance, Fluminense could not find a way back into the match, ending South America’s hopes of lifting the Club World Cup title in this expanded 32-team edition. The Brazilian side had earlier impressed by defeating Inter Milan and Al Hilal, but Chelsea’s superior quality ultimately proved decisive.

    Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was without Levi Colwill and Liam Delap due to suspensions, but welcomed back Moises Caicedo to his midfield. The Blues now look ahead to Sunday’s final, where they will aim to secure the Club World Cup crown against one of Europe’s elite.

  • Luis Enrique: ‘Real Madrid Game Is Special, Not About Mbappe’

    Luis Enrique: ‘Real Madrid Game Is Special, Not About Mbappe’

    Luis Enrique

    Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has described the upcoming Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid as a “special” occasion but dismissed the significance of his reunion with former PSG star Kylian Mbappe, now at the Spanish club.

    Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the clash will take place on Wednesday night, Enrique emphasized the importance of the fixture while downplaying past tensions involving Mbappe.

    “Playing against Real Madrid is always special,” Enrique stated. “We’re thrilled to be in this position. A Club World Cup semi-final is a huge achievement and a chance to fight for another title.”

    This match will mark PSG’s first competitive meeting with Mbappe since the French forward’s high-profile summer switch to Real Madrid, following a season of controversy in Paris. During his final year at PSG, Mbappe was benched for refusing to sign a contract extension and saw limited playing time as a result.

    Asked about the nature of his relationship with Mbappe, Enrique responded, “That belongs in the past. We’re focused on the present. This game is important on its own merit—we are one step away from another final, and that’s our motivation.”

    PSG, fresh off winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, are chasing more silverware to cap a historic season. However, they will be without defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended following red cards in their dramatic quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.

    On the opposite side, Real Madrid are entering a new chapter under freshly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso. The Spanish legend was unable to address the media after Madrid’s travel plans were disrupted by severe weather in Florida, delaying their flight to New York.

    Enrique, who once played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, had warm words for his former Spain teammate.

    “Real Madrid are the most successful club in the world. Xabi is just starting out in this role, but he has everything needed to succeed. It’s always a pleasure to face them,” he said.

    The winner of Wednesday’s match will face Chelsea in Sunday’s final. The Premier League side secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Brazilian club Fluminense in the other semi-final.

  • 2025 club world cup quarter-final fixtures confirmed

    2025 club world cup quarter-final fixtures confirmed

    The eight teams for the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup have been confirmed, following the completion of the Round of 16 on Wednesday morning.

    Reigning European champions Real Madrid booked their place with a narrow 1–0 victory over Juventus, thanks to a 54th-minute strike from Gonzalo Garcia. They will now face Borussia Dortmund, who edged Monterrey 2–1, with Serhou Guirassy scoring twice in the first half.

    One of the tournament’s major upsets saw Al Hilal eliminate Manchester City, setting up a quarter-final clash with Brazilian side Fluminense.

    Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster European encounter, while Chelsea will battle Palmeiras for a semi-final berth.

    The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled to take place on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, with the winners advancing to the semi-final round.

  • Guardiola: We gave everything, but it wasn’t enough

    Guardiola: We gave everything, but it wasn’t enough

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has commended his side’s performance despite a shock 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup, describing the match as a tough battle shaped by missed opportunities and exceptional goalkeeping.

    City were eliminated on Monday night in one of the tournament’s most surprising results. The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, but a late extra-time goal from Marcos Leonardo secured a famous win for the Saudi Arabian champions.

    “In these stages, every game is difficult. We allowed transitions, but we also created a lot. Overall, we played well,” Guardiola said post-match. “It’s a pity. We were in a strong position. I want to thank the staff for their hard work in preparing the team — they’ve given everything.”

    The Premier League champions started brightly, with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring in the ninth minute after a low cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri. Although Al Hilal players protested a potential handball in the build-up, the goal was upheld.

    City controlled possession and carved out several chances to widen the gap. However, Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered a standout performance, making key saves to deny Jeremy Doku and Silva.

    “We made many moves, but Bounou was incredible. There’s not much more to say. I still feel the team played well,” Guardiola added.

    Al Hilal capitalized on City’s missed chances, drawing level and eventually sealing victory in extra time. The win propels them into the quarter-finals, where they will face Brazilian side Fluminense.

    Despite the setback, Guardiola emphasized the need to regroup: “Now it’s time to rest, refresh our minds, and prepare for next season.”

  • Delap scores first Chelsea goal as blues cruise into club world cup last 16

    Delap scores first Chelsea goal as blues cruise into club world cup last 16

    Liam Delap

    Liam Delap scored his first goal for Chelsea as the Premier League side defeated Tunisian champions Esperance 3-0 on Tuesday, securing a spot in the last 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

    The match, played in sweltering conditions at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, saw Chelsea net two goals in first-half stoppage time. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a header from Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick, before Delap doubled the lead with a composed finish.

    Tyrique George added a third goal late in injury time, helping Chelsea bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the previous match. The result means the Blues finish second in Group D behind the Brazilian side, while Esperance exit the competition.

    Head coach Enzo Maresca, who made eight changes to the starting XI following the Flamengo loss, praised Delap’s performance in just his third appearance for the club.

    “Against Flamengo, he had three clear chances, which shows he’s always in the right place,” Maresca said. “We have no doubts Liam will score goals for us.”

    Chelsea now prepare for a last-16 clash against Portuguese champions Benfica on Saturday in Charlotte. The two clubs last met in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, which Chelsea won 2-1.

     

     

    Maresca emphasized the difficulty of playing in the current heatwave and explained his decision to rotate the squad. “It’s impossible not to rotate in these conditions, with matches every three days,” he said.

    Josh Acheampong, making his 10th appearance of the season, came close to scoring in the 36th minute but was denied by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said. Fernandez also had a chance before providing assists for both first-half goals.

    Despite a late penalty claim being overturned by VAR, Chelsea sealed the win when George’s low shot slipped past Ben Said in added time.

    Esperance coach Maher Kanzari acknowledged the quality of their opponents: “We came up against a top-level team. Though we were dominated, we didn’t disgrace ourselves.”

     

  • Palmeiras hold Miami in thriller as Messi eyes clash with former club

    Palmeiras hold Miami in thriller as Messi eyes clash with former club

    Lionel Messi is poised for a high-stakes reunion with former club Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami secured a spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.

    The Brazilian side mounted a late comeback at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, cancelling out earlier goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez to claim a crucial point. The result ensured progression for both teams, with Inter Miami now set to face European champions PSG, while Palmeiras will meet fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the next round.

    Few had predicted Inter Miami’s advancement from Group A, but the MLS club’s strong tournament run has been a surprise package. For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the upcoming clash in Atlanta marks the first time he will face PSG since departing the French club in 2023.

    “It’s a historic night for MLS,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We are among the best 16 teams in the world, and all of MLS should be proud.”

    The match saw a fast-paced opening with Palmeiras nearly scoring early through Gustavo Gomez, only for Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to make a crucial save. Miami responded in the 16th minute as Suarez brilliantly set up Allende, who sprinted through and finished clinically.

    The Brazilian side struggled to contain Miami’s midfield, where Messi, Busquets, and Redondo controlled the tempo. Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a vintage solo effort, beating two defenders before firing into the top corner.

    However, Palmeiras struck back with goals in the 80th and 87th minutes. Substitute Paulinho finished off a clever Allan Andrade pass, and Mauricio leveled the match after a defensive lapse left him unmarked.

    Despite the disappointment of losing top spot in the group, Mascherano praised his side’s overall performance. “It’s tough to draw like that, but playing at this level against these teams is something I would’ve gladly taken before the tournament,” he said.

    Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira was blunt in his halftime assessment, calling his team’s first-half display “unacceptable,” but he credited their second-half fightback. “We showed the character needed to stay in the competition,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Portugal’s FC Porto bowed out after a thrilling 4-4 draw in New Jersey failed to produce a clear qualifier.