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FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off with draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly

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The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 officially kicked off today across stadiums in the United States, bringing together 32 of the world’s top club teams for the first time in a month-long battle for global supremacy.

The tournament’s first full matchday features three highly anticipated clashes, with European giants and South American powerhouses all in action.

First up were Al Ahly FC and Inter Miami – which turned out to be an action-packed opening showpiece that ended in a 0-0 draw at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

While all eyes pre-match were on Lionel Messi, it was the goalkeepers who starred for both clubs.

Speaking after the match was Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami head coach, who said: “We were much better than them, we moved a lot in transition and controlled the game and we had chances to score and win the game. Football is like that, maybe in the first half they had some chances too. Obviously we wanted to win because we know how important it is to start with a win, but I’m happy with the platform.”

Jose Riveiro, Al Ahly head coach meanwhile said: “It’s a football game, a game of mistakes. We had a decent amount of chances in the first half to put the game in a different space and we put them in a hurry. In the second half we were defending a little lower than what we wanted and then we had some problems in transition with controlling our first pass. It’s like we were playing in Cairo and that was a surprise for me in my first official match with Al Ahly. To be here in the States and have it like you were playing at home is something that can probably only happen in this.”

International Sports

FIFA Club WC: Chelsea to face PSG in title showdown

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Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea will battle it out on Sunday for the trophy at MetLife Stadium, wrapping up the first-ever 32‑team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.

PSG reached the final in dominant fashion, dismantling Real Madrid 4–0 in the semifinal, with star striker Ousmane Dembélé making a triumphant return from injury — he provided an early assist and scored within nine minutes, prompting praise from manager Luis Enrique.

The French side aims to complete a historic quadruple, having already secured three major titles this year.

PSG clinched their 13th Ligue 1 championship on April 5 this year with a 1–0 victory over Angers. They secured the title with six matches to spare, extending their unbeaten streak to 28 games.

The team also lifted the Coupe de France on May 24 defeating Reims 3–0 at the Stade de France to claim a record 16th French Cup.

In addition, and in an historic European conquest, PSG captured their first-ever UEFA Champions League title on May 31 this year when they thrashed Inter Milan 5–0 at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

It was not only their debut triumph in Europe’s premier club competition but also the largest winning margin in a Champions League final.

Chelsea, meanwhile, advanced past Fluminense with a 2–0 victory, courtesy of a brace from debutant João Pedro.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is seeking to become the first English club to win the Club World Cup twice, with their previous triumph coming in 2021.

Prize Money and Stakes

Each finalist has already earned between $88 million and $113 million in prize and participation fees.

The winning side stands to earn an additional $40 million, with total payouts potentially topping $125 million.

Golden Boot Race

With the semifinalists eliminated, Gonzalo García, Ángel Di María, Marcos Leonardo, and Serhou Guirassy each sit on four goals. However, PSG’s Dembélé (two goals) and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto (three) could still challenge for the top scorer award with strong performances in the final.

Sunday’s final will meanwhile see some high profile spectators, including US President Donald Trump, who was invited to attend the event by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The final will be broadcast live on Ariana Television across Afghanistan. Fans can tune in from 10:30 pm for the pre-show. The match will get underway at 11:30pm.

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International Sports

FIFA Club WC: PSG, Fluminense, Real Madrid, Chelsea head to semifinals 

According to FIFA, fans from more than 70 countries have attended matches, and over 2 million tickets have been sold.

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has reached its penultimate stage, with four global heavyweights—Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Fluminense—advancing to the semifinals following a thrilling round of quarter-final matchups that delivered both football brilliance and dramatic setbacks.

In a fiery clash in Atlanta, Paris Saint-Germain overcame Bayern Munich 2–0 despite being reduced to nine men. 

Goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win, but the game was overshadowed by a devastating injury to Bayern star Jamal Musiala, who suffered a suspected fibula fracture and ligament damage that could sideline him for months. 

The intensity of the encounter has reignited debate over player welfare in demanding summer conditions.

Over in New Jersey, Real Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in a high-octane match punctuated by a spectacular overhead goal from Kylian Mbappé, reaffirming Madrid’s title ambitions and setting up a blockbuster semifinal clash with PSG.

Meanwhile, Chelsea booked their place in the final four with a 2–1 victory over Palmeiras, leveraging tactical discipline and timely finishing. Brazil’s Fluminense also advanced with a 2–1 win over Al-Hilal, maintaining their strong form and carrying South American hopes into the final rounds.

Upcoming Semifinals

Fluminense vs. Chelsea – Tuesday, July 8

PSG vs. Real Madrid – Wednesday, July 9

Both matches will be played at MetLife Stadium, the same venue set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

Tournament Highlights and Trends

The expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams for the first time, has seen record attendance and global viewership. According to FIFA, fans from more than 70 countries have attended matches, and over 2 million tickets have been sold. Players from 33 nations are competing, representing a truly global showcase of elite club talent.

However, concerns over player safety have been raised. Following Musiala’s injury and several heat-related incidents, FIFA is reportedly considering scheduling changes and additional hydration breaks. The tournament has also tried new rules, including stricter time-wasting enforcement and the use of body-worn referee cameras.

Prize and Prestige

With $125 million in prize money awaiting the champions, the stakes have never been higher. This year’s tournament not only marks a commercial milestone for FIFA, but also a competitive proving ground ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, also at MetLife Stadium.

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International Sports

FIFA Club WC: Dortmund triumphs as Real Madrid advance in Round of 16

Real Madrid edged Juventus 1–0 to progress to the last eight. Gonzalo Garcia cored the decisive second-half header, marking his third goal of the FIFA Club WC tournament.

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Real Madrid

The knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup delivered more twists on Tuesday, with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid securing their quarter-final spots. These victories set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the two European heavyweights.

This comes after football fans were treated to high drama on Monday as two of Europe’s biggest clubs—Manchester City and Inter Milan—crashed out of the tournament in a stunning day of round-of-16 action.

Al-Hilal’s extra-time triumph over City and Fluminense’s measured victory over Inter marked a dramatic shift in the tournament narrative, as South American and Asian clubs asserted their strength on the global stage.

Dortmund edges Monterrey 2–1

At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2–1 victory over Mexico’s Monterrey, earning their place in the quarter-finals.

Striker Serhou Guirassy sparked the win with two first-half goals in the 14th and 24th minutes. Monterrey responded immediately after the break, as German Berterame pulled one back in the 48th minute.

Despite intense pressure and a near miss by veteran Sergio Ramos, Dortmund held firm. Guirassy was named Player of the Match. However, Dortmund will face Real Madrid without Jobe Bellingham, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Coach Niko Kovac praised his squad and described the upcoming clash with Real Madrid as “a bonus.” He emphasized that matching Tuesday’s performance could give his team “a real chance” to upset Xabi Alonso’s side.

Real Madrid secure 1–0 win over Juventus

In Miami, Real Madrid edged Juventus 1–0 to progress to the last eight. Gonzalo Garcia cored the decisive second-half header, marking his third goal of the tournament.

Superstar Kylian Mbappé, sidelined during the group stage by gastroenteritis, made his long-awaited Club World Cup debut as a substitute, receiving a hero’s welcome from the crowd.

Manager Xabi Alonso commended Mbappé’s recovery. He said: “I think day by day he will get better… by the time of the quarters he should be in much better shape.”

The wins set up a blockbuster quarter-final showdown between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The result will determine who advances to the semi-finals on July 8 or 9.

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