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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reviewing Carlo Ancelotti's First Two Matches as Brazil Manager
The legendary Italian coach is bringing order, discipline, and quiet confidence to a Brazil side that has recently struggled to live up to its rich history. With his first two matches under his belt, Carlo Ancelotti isn't just adjusting to South American football — he's laying the foundation for a more balanced and battle-ready Brazil. We revisit Brazil's first steps under Ancelotti with tactical analyst and YouTuber Filippo Silva, aka Tactical Manager. Carlo Ancelotti's debut as Brazil's manager was anything but smooth sailing. Facing Ecuador in the hostile setting of Guayaquil, Ancelotti went with a 4-3-3 setup. The result? A hard-fought 0-0 draw that showed just how challenging CONMEBOL qualifiers can be, especially for a coach still learning the rhythms of South American football. With limited time to implement his ideas, there were few takeaways beyond the grit and shape the squad displayed. Still, there were signs of Ancelotti's intentions. The return of Casemiro after a two-year absence brought stability to the midfield. Alisson, Marquinhos, Vinícius Júnior, and Richarlison — key figures Ancelotti has worked with or played against in Europe — formed the spine of this early iteration of his Brazil. The familiarity clearly helps as the new coach tries to mold a team that blends talent with structure. Advertisement Brazil's second game, a home fixture against Paraguay, offered a clearer look at the direction Ancelotti wants to take. Brazil was dominant throughout, outshooting Paraguay 11-5 and controlling 75% of possession. The lineup was more fluid, with Gabriel Martinelli and Raphinha added to inject pace and unpredictability. It was a slim 1-0 win, but one that sealed World Cup qualification and gave Ancelotti his first taste of victory in yellow and green. 'I'm very happy with today's result,' said Vinicius, who scored the winner, after the match. 'We needed to win at home for our fans too and qualify for the World Cup, which was our goal. 'Now [Ancelotti] will have more time to work, to see what he can improve. Today wasn't one of our best games, but the important thing in qualifying is to win and prepare well for the World Cup.' A Much-Needed Tactical Shift According to Filippo Silva, better known under his moniker Tactical Manager, what stood out in Ancelotti's early games wasn't flair, it was focus. Advertisement 'I liked the fact that the team had a much better defense, more defensive solidity,' Silva said. 'The team was not defending well under Dorival Júnior. In these two games Brazil was very solid with Marquinhos and Alexsandro Ribeiro as the center backs, and the return of Casemiro helps. This was the first window where Brazil got two clean sheets.' That stability is no accident. Ancelotti is known for simplifying roles and making teams harder to beat. For a Brazil side that has too often looked disjointed and chaotic in recent years, his steady hand could be exactly what it needs. 'Brazil played much more like a team,' Silva added. 'It wasn't pretty, both were tough opponents as Paraguay was undefeated for various games and Ecuador barely concedes goals. Brazil finally functioned as a team.' Breaking the Taboo: A Foreign Fix for a Local ProblemAdvertisement Ancelotti's hiring represents a break from tradition. Brazil may have a lot of playing talent but their coaching at the professional level, locally, has fallen behind considerably. Clubs cycle through managers at a frantic pace, rarely giving anyone time to build a real project. Many of the best-performing coaches in Brazil's domestic leagues — like Abel Ferreira and Leonardo Jardim — aren't even Brazilian. Ferreira has been the best coach in the country for the last five years with Palmieras. The Portuguese manager has won 10 titles including two Copa Libertadores. Newcomer Leonardo Jardim, also from Portugal, has his Cruzeiro side tied for first place, but Brazilian soccer isn't a place for long term plans and it's not a stretch to see a head coach having over 10 jobs in less than 15 years. It has also become a carousel of coaches jumping and being fired from club to club, which has hurt the head coaching ranks in Brazil heavily as few coaches ever have time to fully flesh out their identities. Enter Ancelotti, a man who not only brings elite-level experience but also has worked directly with Brazil's top stars at the club level. That deep familiarity is a major advantage. Unlike coaches unfamiliar with Brazil's player pool or culture, Ancelotti steps in already knowing how to manage egos, build trust, and get the most out of players like Vinícius Júnior and Casemiro. Advertisement For a national team drowning in short-term fixes and tactical confusion, Ancelotti offers clarity. His approach isn't about flashy innovation, it's about building a team that understands its roles, plays to its strengths, and competes with purpose. If Brazil wants to reclaim its spot among the world's elite, it needs more than talent — it needs direction. Reclaiming the Spirit of Jogo Bonito, the Right WayThe romantic ideal of Brazil's jogo bonito may be fading, but Ancelotti could help revive it, and not in the way many expect. Brazilian players now leave for Europe younger than ever, learning to operate in rigid, tactical systems. The iconic flair remains, but it's been shaped by the demands of modern football. Advertisement Ancelotti has a history of creating balanced teams that both entertain and win. His Milan sides were masterclasses in harmony, and his Real Madrid squads have always been deadly efficient without sacrificing flair. That's the blueprint Brazil needs. A team that can be disciplined without being dull. Creative without being chaotic. Above all, Ancelotti knows when to loosen the reins and when to tighten them. In a football culture often torn between freedom and function, he might be the rare coach who can offer both. Looking Ahead: A New Core Takes ShapeWith World Cup qualification secured, attention turns to squad building. Silva sees several players already rising in Ancelotti's estimation. Advertisement 'Alexsandro Ribeiro, his stock went up, he could be a starter on the national team,' Silva said. 'Matheus Cunha I thought he played very well… and for what it's worth, Vinícius Júnior, he wasn't outstanding, but we started to see a little bit of a better version of him. If he can consistently play well like he did against Paraguay, he can become 'the man' for the national team.' Vinícius Júnior: Unlocking the Superstar There may be no player more vital to Ancelotti's Brazil than Vinícius Júnior. The 24-year-old has dazzled at Real Madrid, but his national team numbers — just seven goals in 41 caps — still fall short. Vini also famously struggled in his first few years in Madrid, but took off once Ancelotti returned to the club in 2021. If anyone can help the prodigious winger bridge the gap between his play for club and country, it's the man who helped turn him into one of the world's deadliest players. Advertisement Vinícius thrives on space, chaos, and one-on-one battles. He brings energy, unpredictability, and now, thanks to Ancelotti, more polish and consistency. He's already out of the gates strong under Ancelotti with one goal in two games — a small but meaningful step. While some purists may grumble about a foreign coach leading Brazil, even the most die-hard traditionalists can't deny that the team needed help. And it's getting it from one of the most respected winners in football history. Ancelotti may not sip caipirinhas or dance samba, but he understands something that Brazil desperately needs: how to win with style, but never at the cost of structure.
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
PSG vs Atletico Madrid TV channel: How to watch Club World Cup on free
Palmeiras – Winners of the 2021 Copa Libertadores Porto – Fifth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Al Ahly – Winners of the 2020/21 CAF Champions League Inter Miami – Winners of the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield PSG – Second-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Atletico Madrid – Sixth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Botafogo – Winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores Seattle Sounders – Winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Bayern Munich – Best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Auckland City – Best OFC Champions League winners in the OFC four-year ranking Boca Juniors – Second-best ranked eligible team in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking Benfica – Seventh-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Flamengo – Winners of the 2022 Copa Libertadores Esperance de Tunis – Best-ranked eligible team in the CAF four-year ranking Chelsea – Winners of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League Los Angeles FC – Winners of the play-in match River Plate – Best-ranked eligible team in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking Urawa Red Diamonds – Winners of the 2022 AFC Champions League Monterray – Winners of the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League Inter Milan – Fourth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Fluminense – Winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores Borussia Dortmund – Third-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Ulsan HD – Best-ranked eligible team in the AFC four-year ranking Mamelodi Sundowns – Second-best ranked eligible team in the CAF four-year ranking Man City – Winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League Wydad AC – Winners of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League Al Ain – Winners of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League Juventus – Eighth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Real Madrid – Winners of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Al Hilal – Winners of the 2021 AFC Champions League Pachuca – Winners of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League Red Bull Salzburg – Ninth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking
New York Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Club World Cup stadium guide: 12 venues set to host some of the world's best
There is always one important factor, or at least a general understanding, that comes with an American-led sporting event: that stadiums will be top of the line. That Americans know how to put on a show. In many cases, venues in the U.S. are tailor-made for the world's biggest entertainment and sporting events. Advertisement Even the country's oldest stadiums, such as the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., which debuted in 1922, are still considered iconic sites for today's modern-day events. There's also the notion that security and crowd control measures are always top of mind in the U.S. If they are, and that's a big if, the past year has been a wake-up call for U.S.-based organizers, and for FIFA. Two separate incidents of unruly behavior from fans (and players) during last summer's Copa América in the U.S. reinforced the idea that international soccer tournaments are still misunderstood by those in charge of securing a venue. The Copa América semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia nearly turned into a crowd riot after fans from both countries brawled in the Bank of America Stadium stands. Several Uruguayan players joined the melee, including Liverpool's Darwin Núñez, which led to sanctions. The Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia was marred when thousands of fans were trapped outside the Hard Rock Stadium gates. Miami-Dade officials, Hard Rock Stadium officials and CONMEBOL, the tournament organizers, all pointed fingers at each other for the failed security protocols. Some context is needed, however. Simply peruse social media on an NFL Sunday and you'll find numerous videos of fans engaging in disorderly behavior. The terrorist attack before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal — the Sugar Bowl — in January in New Orleans was another incident that has raised alarms for Club World Cup host cities and local governments. All that being said, the Club World Cup will carry on as planned this summer, and all eyes will be on the 12 venues that were selected to host FIFA's expanded tournament. Here's a look at each stadium and what makes it unique. Of all the Club World Cup venues, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the most eye-catching. Its enormous halo board and pinwheel-designed retractable roof are major features of the massive NFL structure. There are bars, restaurant stands and food stations throughout the stadium, and frankly, there isn't a bad seat in the house. One thing fans like most about MBS is that the stadium's food is among the most affordable in the U.S. Hot dogs, soft drinks and popcorn are all $2. In this economy, that's a dream. Advertisement MBS is the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United. Its location in downtown Atlanta, close to a plethora of hotels and restaurants and Centennial Olympic Park, makes MBS an ideal venue for big events. The Premier League Summer Series has visited Atlanta recently, and in 2024, MBS hosted the inaugural Copa América match between Argentina and Canada. It's an artificial turf field that will be replaced with natural grass ahead of the tournament. How to get there using public transportation: MARTA, a citywide rail and bus system, provides two stops on the stadium's doorstep. The closest station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, and the Vine City stop also provides convenient access. Another downtown venue, Bank of America Stadium, is an open-air, multi-use ground that is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and MLS side Charlotte FC. It's located in the Uptown section of the city, according to locals. There are a handful of cities in the U.S. that have proclaimed themselves to be Soccer City USA. Charlotte hasn't gone that far, but with the growing interest in the sport, Charlotte is among the newest 'soccer cities' in the country. Bank of America Stadium has become a routine stop for international friendlies and Concacaf Gold Cup clashes, including hosting Mexico's sizable community of fans in the Southeast. Charlotte FC draws big crowds, as well, and with Real Madrid, CF Pachuca and Bayern Munich set to play one group stage match each in Charlotte, a solid turnout of fans is expected in the Queen City. How to get there using public transportation: To arrive closest to the stadium, catch the LYNX Blue Line light rail, with FIFA advising to disembark at Brooklyn Village Station, around a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Several bus routes also provide easy access. TQL Stadium, home to MLS side FC Cincinnati, might be my favorite soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. On a chilly night and with a packed crowd, it has a true European feel. When the U.S. hosted Mexico for a pivotal 2022 World Cup qualifier in November 2021, the energy was palpable. The stadium was brand new, but there was a rustic feel to it as thousands of fans sang and marched throughout the concourse. Advertisement The U.S. won that game 2-0 and established Cincinnati as a viable home for the U.S. national team. It's early in the stadium's history, but it should continue to be an option for international and club competitions. There are strong German roots in the city, which should bode well for support for Bayern Munich and their Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund. How to get there using public transportation: Connector streetcar service (free) has 10 stops within a 10-minute walk of the stadium, the nearest being Liberty Street and Washington Park. There are modern marvels like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and there's the iconic and battle-tested Rose Bowl. This is truly the crown jewel of American stadiums. It has hosted two Olympic Games (1932 and 1984) and two memorable World Cup finals. The 1994 men's final between Brazil and Italy was the culmination of an iconic World Cup. That tournament put the U.S. on the map in the world of international football competitions. And who can forget Brandi Chastain's winning penalty kick in the 1999 Women's World Cup final? The U.S. win over China was its second World Cup title. Of course, American college football also has a long and rich history at the Rose Bowl, and there have been many hotly contested matches between rivals Mexico and the U.S. in Pasadena, too. The Club World Cup will reintroduce the stadium to a global audience before it is a main attraction for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. How to get there using public transportation: The Metro A Line serves Pasadena's Memorial Park Station, around 2.4 miles from the Rose Bowl. If that walk in the summer heat sounds grueling, a Rose Bowl Shuttle connects the station with the venue. The Club World Cup will begin in Miami on June 14. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will face Al Ahly of the Egyptian Premier League in the same stadium that saw Messi win his last international trophy. Hard Rock Stadium was the site for the 2024 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia. Argentina prevailed 1-0 in extra time, but the match was marred by a lack of crowd control that led to a near stampede outside the stadium's gates before kickoff. It was a security disaster for the tournament's organizers (CONMEBOL) and the local government. I was there that day. There are scenes of unconscious men and women and crying children pressed against the gates that will stay with me forever. Advertisement The Club World Cup will be another opportunity for Hard Rock Stadium to prove it can host international football matches safely before the 2026 World Cup. Messi will be the main attraction, but major brands like Real Madrid and Boca Juniors will attract local fan groups and neutrals alike. How to get there using public transportation: There is no public transportation system to the stadium, making driving or apps such as Uber or Lyft the most common way for fans to reach the site. If you want to feel as close to the action as possible, travel to Nashville and take in the intimate confines of GEODIS Park. The newest of the 12 venues, the home of Nashville SC has a similar feel to Cincinnati's TQL Stadium. The seats are close to the pitch, which makes Nashville's home stadium a fun venue for locals and neutrals. The city itself is worth a visit. There is always something to do in Music City. The matchups in Nashville don't jump off the page, but Mexican side Pachuca should certainly feel at home in the southern city when it faces Al Hilal on June 26. The opportunity to see Boca Juniors against Auckland City FC, a team of part-time footballers against one of the most scrutinized teams in the world, should make for some interesting storylines. How to get there using public transportation: Nashville's WeGo public transit system of buses and rail offers free rides on Club World Cup matchday on the 52 Nolensville Pike and 77 Thompson/Wedgewood routes. No venue will host more Club World Cup matches than MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Both semifinals and the final will be played in the same stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final. After having been to MetLife Stadium multiple times to cover the Copa América last summer, I can understand why the venue has been chosen for back-to-back FIFA tournament finals. It's gigantic. It's the type of stadium that makes one feel tiny in comparison with the colossal concrete structure. Argentina's Copa América semifinal against Canada was a prime example of what MetLife Stadium can sound like for a big international football match. The Argentines took over the ground, chanting and singing throughout the game. Unfortunately, the press box is enclosed with large glass windows, which suppresses the ambient sound. So instead of feeling like I was part of the crowd, I felt like I was in a focus group, watching a game with the volume turned down. It's not a perfect venue, but it's the right stadium to host a major final. How to get there using public transportation: From New York City, NJ Transit trains marked 'SEC' from Penn Station stop at Secaucus Junction. Departure boards at Secaucus direct passengers to the correct platform to catch a train to the stadium. Camping World Stadium opened before World War II, and it's a huge stadium that is well known in the U.S. as a neutral site stadium for college football games. It has undergone several remodels and expansions that make the venue ideal for big concerts. In that sense, it's clear why FIFA picked Camping World Stadium as one of the stadiums that will host one of the tournament's marquee games. Juventus versus Manchester City will have a U.S. summer tour feel to it. This time it'll be, in theory, a meaningful match in which two European powers battle for first place in Group G. Advertisement It'll be scorching hot in Orlando, so bring your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. And try not to lose your wallet at Disney World. How to get there using public transportation: The LYNX bus service has routes 20, 21, 36 and 107 all linking with Camping World Stadium; additionally, Route 8 from Central Station, and Route 107 passes a block away from the stadium. Orlando has two stadiums as Club World Cup venues. The city failed in its bid to host matches for next year's World Cup, so perhaps this was a concession. Regardless, Inter&Co Stadium is a soccer-specific venue that is home to MLS side Orlando City. In MLS, Orlando City has one of the more authentic atmospheres. The crowd is hostile toward opponents, and there is a distinct Latin flavor to the drum sounds and energy when Orlando City plays. That is unlikely to be the case this summer when Orlando hosts South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Korean side Ulsan HD. The second match in Orlando won't make anyone's mouth water, either. It's surprising that FIFA did not put any of the four Brazilian teams in Orlando for the first round, considering the large community of Brazilians who call the city home. It's a downtown stadium, so fans who do attend matches here will be close to the city's center. How to get there using public transportation: The stadium is in downtown Orlando, so it will likely be within walking distance from your hotel. If you're staying slightly further out, SunRail is your best bet. Church Street Station is only a short walk from the stadium, so ensure your train stops there. Philadelphia will be a busy host with eight matches being held at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. There are some intriguing matches, too. On June 20, Brazilian power Flamengo will take on Chelsea, and Real Madrid will meet FC Salzburg on June 26. Advertisement The stadium is located in South Philadelphia, and it's part of a bustling sports complex that includes Major League Baseball stadium Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies play, and Wells Fargo Center, home of the NBA's 76ers and the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. Of course, there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit, too, such as the Rocky Balboa statue. Hopefully, a brave coach or physio will make their team run the stairs that lead up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just as Sylvester Stallone did in the classic 1976 film 'Rocky.' How to get there using public transportation: The SEPTA Broad Street subway line offers the quickest way to the stadium. Exit at the last southbound stop, NRG Station. Another NFL stadium that is also home to an MLS side is Seattle's Lumen Field, a loud open-air venue that has for years been a bastion of home-field advantage for the Seahawks and the Sounders. Seattle is getting the best group-stage games of this Club World Cup. Look at the wide range of football cultures that will land in the Pacific Northwest. Botafogo, River Plate, Inter Milan, PSG and Atletico Madrid. Even the J-League power Urawa Red Diamonds should be a must-see club, and they should attract the large Japanese community that resides in Greater Seattle. The home side Sounders have been put into a brutal group. 'Seattle in that group – it's going to be a bloodbath,' an MLS executive told The Athletic in February. That might be true, but the Sounders should benefit from playing before their loyal fans. If I had to choose a city to visit for this Club World Cup, it would be Seattle. The city's culture, the history of iconic grunge music and indie bands, the food, the mountain air… Throw in some legitimate football heavyweights, and you've got a nice little vacation plan. Advertisement How to get there using public transportation: Multiple transit options connect to Lumen Field, including Link light rail, Sounder trains, ST Express buses and several Metro routes. The nearest stations, Stadium and International District/Chinatown Link, are a short walk away. Special Sounder game trains will be in operation for five of the six Club World Cup matches. In D.C., locals view Audi Field like a minor miracle. It still seems improbable that the city finally built a new stadium after MLS club D.C. United spent nearly 15 years trying to move the project forward. The result is a 20,000 soccer-specific stadium on the Southwest Waterfront that's surrounded by restaurants, hotels, bars and shops. The location includes Nationals Park, home of the city's baseball team. But compared with other MLS stadiums, Audi Field is quite basic. It's new, but it isn't a modern marvel by any means. D.C. United is pushing the city to expand the stadium's capacity, but for now, Audi Field is what it is: a place where former England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney once called home. Rooney's last-minute assist to Luciano Acosta versus Orlando City in 2018 is the stadium's most iconic moment to date, which tells you how bad D.C. United has been over the past decade. His tackle and cross-field assist is on a mural inside the Audi Field concourse. So if you're in the nation's capital this summer and feel motivated to watch Al Ain FC versus Juventus FC or a Middle Eastern clásico between Wydad AC and Al Ain FC in the hot D.C. sun, by all means, get yourself to Audi Field. How to get there using public transportation: Audi Field recommends accessing the venue via the Navy Yard Metrorail station on the Green Line. Waterfront station is another nearby option. (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Iconsportswire / Getty, Kirby Lee / Associated Press)
Metro
6 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
What teams are in the Club World Cup 2025 and how did they qualify?
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is here with the opening game between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Al Ahly kicking-off in the early hours of Sunday morning. The newly-expanded format sees 32 teams involved, with a group stage before the knockouts, leading to the final in New Jersey on July 13. Teams from around the globe head to America, with 12 qualifiers coming from Europe (UEFA), six from South America (CONMEBOL) and four each coming from Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF) and Central America (CONCACAF). Oceania (OFC) got one spot in the event, while the host nation also got a team in the tournament, which turned out to be Inter Miami. The routes into the Club World Cup come through continental tournaments, although there is some confusion over qualification as it dates back a number of years. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Chelsea, for example, have not been in the Champions League of late, but did win it in 2021, which is the first qualification year for this edition of the Club World Cup. The Blues are joined by Manchester City, Champions League winners in 2023, in representing the Premier League in the States this summer. Palmeiras – Winners of the 2021 Copa Libertadores Porto – Fifth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Al Ahly – Winners of the 2020/21 CAF Champions League Inter Miami – Winners of the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield PSG – Second-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Atletico Madrid – Sixth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Botafogo – Winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores Seattle Sounders – Winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Bayern Munich – Best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Auckland City – Best OFC Champions League winners in the OFC four-year ranking Boca Juniors – Second-best ranked eligible team in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking Benfica – Seventh-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Flamengo – Winners of the 2022 Copa Libertadores Esperance de Tunis – Best-ranked eligible team in the CAF four-year ranking Chelsea – Winners of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League Los Angeles FC – Winners of the play-in match River Plate – Best-ranked eligible team in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking Urawa Red Diamonds – Winners of the 2022 AFC Champions League Monterray – Winners of the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League Inter Milan – Fourth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Fluminense – Winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores Borussia Dortmund – Third-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Ulsan HD – Best-ranked eligible team in the AFC four-year ranking Mamelodi Sundowns – Second-best ranked eligible team in the CAF four-year ranking Man City – Winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League Wydad AC – Winners of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League Al Ain – Winners of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League Juventus – Eighth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Real Madrid – Winners of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Al Hilal – Winners of the 2021 AFC Champions League Pachuca – Winners of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League Red Bull Salzburg – Ninth-best ranked eligible team in the UEFA four-year ranking Mexican side Leon were due to play in the Club World Cup as the winners of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League. However, they were removed as they violated rules on multi-club ownership as Leon and Pachuca have the same owner. More Trending A match was played to decide their replacement between Los Angeles FC and Club America, with the American side winning 2-1. LAFC were runners-up to Leon in 2023, while the Mexican side were the top-ranked CONCACAF team at the end of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Channel 5 will be showing 23 matches from the tournament, all of which will be free-to-air, while DAZN are live streaming all 63 games. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Joao Pedro's teammate drops bombshell over summer transfer after Chelsea interest MORE: Arsenal deal for Viktor Gyokeres at risk as Sporting issue threat over transfer fee MORE: Benfica send message to Chelsea over Joao Felix transfer
Business Upturn
7 days ago
- Sport
- Business Upturn
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Ultimate guide to the new 32-team tournament
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to revolutionize global club football with a bold new format. Hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, this expanded tournament will feature 32 elite teams from six confederations, competing across 12 venues for a chance to claim the title of world champion. Here's your comprehensive guide to the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. What Is the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? The FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious international club football tournament organized by FIFA. While it began in 2000 and became an annual event from 2005 to 2023, the 2025 edition marks a significant overhaul. Unlike the previous seven-team format, the new tournament will mirror the FIFA World Cup structure with 32 teams, making it a quadrennial event held every four years. The 2025 edition aims to elevate club football's global reach, offering a platform for clubs from all confederations to compete at the highest level. Why the Change? FIFA's goal is to create a more inclusive and lucrative competition. The expanded format allows more teams from regions like South America, Africa, Asia, and North America to test their mettle against European giants. With a $1 billion prize pool, the tournament is the most financially rewarding in club football, with the winner potentially earning up to $125 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has compared its significance to the inaugural 1930 World Cup, heralding it as a 'new era' for the sport. New Format and Structure The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup adopts a World Cup-style format, consisting of a group stage followed by a knockout phase. Here's how it works: Group Stage : The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four . Each team plays three matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Round of 16. Knockout Phase : From the Round of 16 to the final, matches are single-elimination. There is no third-place playoff , focusing attention on the grand final. Duration : The tournament spans from June 14 to July 13, 2025 , with 63 matches played in total. Venues: Twelve stadiums across the U.S., including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (opener) and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (final), will host matches. Other venues include the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and stadiums in Los Angeles, Seattle, and various eastern cities. Qualified Teams The 32 teams represent six confederations: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (North America), and OFC (Oceania). Qualification was based on performances from 2021 to 2024, with some slots determined by continental championships or coefficient rankings. Notable Teams UEFA (12 teams) : Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Salzburg. CONMEBOL (6 teams) : Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente del Valle. CAF (4 teams) : Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns. AFC (4 teams) : Al Hilal, Ulsan HD, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain. CONCACAF (4 teams) : Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Monterrey. OFC (1 team) : Auckland City. Host (1 team): Inter Miami (qualified as MLS representative). Missing Big Names Despite the star-studded lineup, some prominent clubs didn't qualify due to FIFA's qualification criteria or the two-team-per-nation rule. Notable absences include: Barcelona : Excluded due to Spain's slots being filled by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Liverpool : Missed out despite strong performances, as UEFA's coefficient rankings favored other clubs. Arsenal, Manchester United, Milan : Failed to meet qualification standards. Al Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo's club didn't secure a spot for AFC. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
