Latest News
Chelsea and Palmeiras advance as FIFA Club World Cup heats up
Both sides advanced in the FIFA Club WC under very different circumstances, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown between the CONMEBOL and UEFA powerhouses.
The FIFA Club World Cup continued its thrilling run in the United States this weekend with two dramatic Round of 16 clashes that saw South American champions Palmeiras and English giants Chelsea secure their places in the quarter-finals.
Both sides advanced under very different circumstances, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown between the CONMEBOL and UEFA powerhouses.
The two-day football spectacle drew crowds to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, as top clubs battled it out in the expanded 2025 edition of the tournament.
The intensity of the competition is rising as top teams begin to emerge from the packed field of 32, with knockout matches now underway.
Palmeiras Edges Past Botafogo in All-Brazilian Clash
On Saturday, June 28, Palmeiras narrowly overcame domestic rivals Botafogo 1–0 after extra time in a tense and tactical affair in Philadelphia.
In a match that showcased the strength and depth of Brazilian football, both sides fought hard for 90 minutes, but it took until extra time for the deadlock to be broken.
Palmeiras’ persistence paid off as they booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will now face Chelsea.
Chelsea Outlasts Benfica in Wild, Weather-Delayed Thriller
Later that same day in Charlotte, Chelsea defeated Benfica 4–1 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far.
The match saw a spectacular free-kick goal by Reece James in the 64th minute, followed by a near two-hour weather delay due to thunderstorms.
When play resumed, Benfica equalized through an Ángel Di María penalty, only to have their momentum cut short after a red card left them with ten men.
Chelsea dominated extra time, with Christopher Nkunku, Andrey Santos, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all finding the back of the net. The epic clash lasted nearly five hours from start to finish and demonstrated Chelsea’s resilience and depth.
What’s Next
Chelsea and Palmeiras will now face each other in the quarter-finals—a rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final, which Chelsea won 2–1.
Meanwhile, anticipation is high for the matches today, Sunday June 29, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing Paris Saint-Germain, and Flamengo taking on Bayern Munich in Miami Gardens.
With high-caliber talent, intense drama, and global audiences watching, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
For fans in Afghanistan, ATN has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Sunday’s matches. Fans can tune in to watch Inter Miami take on Paris Saint-Germain at 8pm Kabul time and at midnight Flamengo meet Bayern Munich.
Farid Dehqan, spokesperson for the Khas Kunar police command, said that rocket attacks by the Pakistani military regime are still ongoing in the province.
These attacks come despite earlier announcements by the Pakistani military of a temporary ceasefire for Eid.
Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, said in his Eid message that Pakistan’s military regime has violated the ceasefire along the Durand line.
According to the Eid message released by the Ministry of Defense, several civilians were killed in attacks carried out by Pakistani forces in border areas.
Fitrat added that the continuation of Pakistan’s attacks despite the ceasefire “demonstrates a lack of commitment and deception” on the part of the country.
He stressed that the Islamic Emirate has refrained from retaliatory action in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation and has remained committed to the ceasefire.
However, he warned that if such attacks are repeated, “the ceasefire will become meaningless,” and the Islamic Emirate will deliver a “decisive response” to Pakistan’s actions.
It is worth noting that the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan reached a temporary ceasefire on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr through mediation by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Latest News
Security Sources: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar and Nuristan leaves female doctor dead
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River.
Security sources report that several security incidents in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan have resulted in the death of a female doctor, injuries to others, and several people reported missing.
According to the sources, early Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m., Pakistani military forces opened fire on a Toyota vehicle in the Dokalam Baghcha area of Nari district in Kunar province.
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River. As a result of the incident, a female doctor was killed and another person was injured. Five other individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle remain missing, the sources added.
In a separate incident, security sources stated that around 11:00 a.m. in the Seno area of Shultan district, Kunar province, Pakistani forces carried out artillery shelling that left one person injured. The injured individual was transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, security sources in Nuristan say that despite Pakistan’s announced ceasefire, the main road between Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts has been completely closed to traffic since Thursday morning.
According to the sources, the closure of the route has caused serious difficulties for local residents, preventing any movement in the area. The sources also claim that Pakistani military posts are located within close proximity of the road and have opened fire on people attempting to pass through the area.
Afghanistan national buzkashi falls short in Kokpar World Championship semifinals
Pakistan’s rocket attacks still ongoing on Nari district, Kunar
FIFA Council highlights football’s role in peace, announces record investments
FIFA sanctions Israeli Football Association over discrimination violations
IEA defense ministry accuses Pakistan of ceasefire violations
Pakistani military jet downed in Afghanistan’s Jalalabad, pilot captured alive
Afghan Air Force conducts airstrikes in Islamabad, other cities
Afghanistan welcomes investment and technology partnerships with India
Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire
Afghan air force strikes key Pakistani military installations in retaliatory operation
Tahawol: Temporary ceasefire draws broad support
Saar: Emphasis on resolving conflicts through diplomacy
Tahawol: Global reactions to Pakistan’s recent attacks discussed
Saar: Consequences of Pakistani airstrikes on Afghans discussed
Tahawol: Pakistan’s new attacks on Kabul hospital discussed
-
Latest News4 days agoIEA Supreme Leader issues Eid-ul-Fitr message urging unity and support for Islamic system
-
Business4 days agoTurkmenistan, Afghanistan discuss steps to speed up land acquisition for TAPI pipeline
-
Latest News2 days agoIEA announces temporary pause in defensive operations against Pakistan for Eid
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan national buzkashi team defeats Hungary 14–0
-
Latest News2 days agoPakistan opposes normal Afghanistan–India relations: Shaheen
-
Latest News4 days agoCAIR-Texas calls for probe after Afghan refugee dies in ICE custody
-
Latest News4 days agoIEA condemns alleged airstrike by Pakistan on drug treatment hospital in Kabul
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan warns Pakistan of ‘teeth-breaking’ response after deadly Kabul bombing