Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer took aim at the Blues' critics after his team's emphatic 3-0 win ove...

Chelsea talisman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166109" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166109">Cole Palmer</a> took aim at the Blues' critics after his team's emphatic 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.The 23-year-old playmaker powered Chelsea to an unexpected triumph with two first-half goals and an assist in Sunday's one-sided affair at MetLife Stadium.Palmer, who was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's top player, said after the match that Chelsea's underdog status made the eventual victory that much sweeter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's a great feeling. Even better, because everyone doubted us before the game, we knew that. To put a fight on like we did, against a great team, it's good," Palmer <a href="https://x.com/DAZNFootball/status/1944511891759390920">told DAZN</a>. "The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where the space was going to be. He tried to free me up as much as possible, and I just had to repay him and score some goals."As the Champions League holders and treble winners looking to secure another trophy to finish off the 2024-25 campaign, PSG were the overwhelming favorites heading into Sunday's contest.But they had no answer for Palmer, who picked out the bottom corner with precise goals in the 22nd and 30th minutes before setting up a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165016" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165016">Joao Pedro</a> tally with a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area.Palmer credited coach Enzo Maresca for setting up his team for success."He's building something special, something important," Palmer said. "A young team, everyone's talked a lot of shit about us all season, but I feel like we're going in the right direction."Sunday's victory gave Chelsea their second trophy of the campaign. The Blues, who finished fourth in the Premier League, took home the third-tier UEFA Conference League title in May.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 13: Cole Palmer #10 of Chelsea FC poses for a photo with his Best Player of the Tournament award following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Golden Ball winner Palmer: Chelsea silenced doubters in CWC final

Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain to win the revamped Club World Cup, scoring three goals in th...

Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain to win the revamped Club World Cup, scoring three goals in the first half en route to a 3-0 victory in Sunday's final.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166109" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166109">Cole Palmer</a> found the net with a pair of left-footed strikes eight minutes apart, and summer signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165016" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165016">Joao Pedro</a>, after taking a perfect pass from Palmer, chipped in the Blues' third goal shortly before the halftime interval.Chelsea have now won the Club World Cup twice in their history. Their first title came in 2021 under the tournament's previous format, when seven teams participated in the event.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This triumph was far more lucrative, though. Chelsea will take home around $125 million in prize money, and will go down as the first winners of the 32-team edition of the competition.PSG entered Sunday's contest as the heavy favorites at MetLife Stadium. Luis Enrique's team arrived on the back of a sensational treble-winning campaign that culminated with a historic 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final.Including that match and their Coupe de France triumph, PSG went into Sunday's final having outscored their opposition 24-1 in their last eight games across all competitions. They steamrolled Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals of the Club World Cup earlier in the week and conceded just one goal in the tournament prior to coming up against Enzo Maresca's squad.But, with President Donald Trump among the 81,118 fans in attendance, the Blues flipped the script on PSG in East Rutherford, New Jersey.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/cropped_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794151/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224320330.jpg?ts=1752438963 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Palmer scored two almost identical goals in the opening 30 minutes, and Chelsea pressed aggressively to disrupt PSG's usually slick passing game. The Champions League holders never found their rhythm, and Pedro put the result out of reach with a delightful finish over the top of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/43614" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/43614">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> in the 43rd minute.Palmer, so often Chelsea's creative talisman, won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.Chelsea goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/100567" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/100567">Robert Sanchez</a> made a handful of impressive saves to stymie PSG whenever they did surge forward, ensuring there'd be no comeback.PSG finished the contest with 10 men after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/192306" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/192306">Joao Neves</a> was sent off. Overcome by frustration, the diminutive midfielder pulled Chelsea left-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/97392" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/97392">Marc Cucurella</a>'s hair in the closing minutes and received a red card after the referee was instructed to review the incident by the VAR.Tempers then boiled over after the final whistle, with both teams clashing on the pitch. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/87955" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/87955">Achraf Hakimi</a> was involved in a verbal altercation with Chelsea players. Luis Enrique appeared to swipe at Joao Pedro's face, sending the Brazilian forward to the turf."Chelsea were more effective than us, they worked well on our slight weakness," PSG captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/19670" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/19670">Marquinhos</a> said after the match, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/735958">ESPN</a>. "Tactically, they caused us problems in the first half and we took a while to react. These are things we'll need to change going forward. I think all teams will now study us closely to see what we do well and what we do badly. It's up to us now to always be at the top of our game."The loss was one of the heaviest in PSG's recent history. The last team to beat the French champions by three goals was Newcastle United, who earned a 4-1 Champions League victory in October 2023. PSG hadn't conceded three goals in the first half of a match in 134 games, a streak dating back to February 2023.However, they had no answer for Chelsea, as Maresca and his players flooded the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate their second trophy in quick succession following their UEFA Conference League triumph in late May.Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who sat beside one another during the game, presented the players with their medals. The former stayed on stage while Chelsea captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engch/players/31412" href="https://thescore.com/engch/players/31412">Reece James</a> hoisted the trophy.MetLife Stadium, which staged FIFA's first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show Sunday, will host another trophy celebration for a major soccer competition next year as the site of the 2026 World Cup final.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 13: Reece James #24 of Chelsea lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their team's victory following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Chelsea stun PSG to win Club World Cup

Arsenal reached an agreement in principle with Sporting CP on Sunday to sign Viktor Gyokeres for ...

Arsenal reached an agreement in principle with Sporting CP on Sunday to sign <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/101459" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/101459">Viktor Gyokeres</a> for an initial €63.5-million fee, sources told <a href="https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1944487556994715917">David Ornstein of The Athletic</a>.The Portuguese club could receive an additional €10 million in bonuses, Ornstein added.The Swedish striker didn't report to preseason training with Sporting in an effort to push the deal through. He believed a gentleman's agreement was in place with the Portuguese side, which allowed him to leave if a club arrived with an offer worth an initial €60 million. Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas reportedly prolonged negotiations with Arsenal to eclipse that amount but ultimately signed off on the deal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gyokeres, 27, has a five-year contract lined up with the Gunners, according to Ornstein.He emerged as Arsenal's top center-forward target this summer as Mikel Arteta identified the position as the main area that needed an upgrade for his team to make the leap from runners-up to Premier League champions.Arsenal have finished second in England's top flight in each of the last three seasons, with their lack of a true No. 9 often cited as their biggest weakness.Gyokeres has developed into one of the most prolific players in Europe since moving to Sporting from Coventry City in 2023. He scored 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions last season as Sporting won a domestic double.The rapid center-forward will become Arsenal's fourth senior signing of the summer when he arrives. Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta have already completed deals for midfielders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/159718" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/159718">Martin Zubimendi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/101309" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/101309">Christian Norgaard</a>, as well as goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///espcr/players/44064" href="https://thescore.com/espcr/players/44064">Kepa Arrizabalaga</a>.Arsenal are also on the brink of landing winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/162571" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162571">Noni Madueke</a> from Chelsea and are in talks to acquire central defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/185090" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/185090">Cristhian Mosquera</a> of Valencia, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1944468813413499276">transfer insider Fabrizio Romano</a>.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - APRIL 27: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Clube de Portugal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Boavista FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Estadio do Bessa on April 27, 2025 in Porto, Portugal.

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Report: Arsenal agree to sign Gyokeres in potential €73.5M deal

Canadian striker Jonathan David joined Juventus on a five-year contract.  David, 25, arrived in T...

Canadian striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a> joined Juventus on a five-year contract.David, 25, arrived in Turin on Friday to undergo a medical before officially signing his deal and being unveiled by the club.The Italian side came to terms with the coveted free agent shortly following its exit from the Club World Cup earlier this week, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45640268/canadas-jonathan-david-agrees-sign-juventus-sources">Matteo Moretto of ESPN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🗣️ First words in Bianconero! Watch Jonathan David’s first full interview as a Juventus player 📺⤵️— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/1941225506743132209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The all-time leading scorer for Canada's men's national team, David became a free agent this summer after spending the last five seasons at Lille. He scored 87 league goals for the club in that time, and helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21. Across all competitions, he found the net 109 times in 232 games.He's registered 34 goals in 63 appearances for Canada, and captained the team at this summer's Gold Cup.David was reportedly being tracked by several of Europe's top sides in recent years."I want a club with ambition that wants to do something," he told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6080133/2025/07/02/jonathan-david-juventus-transfer/">Joshua Kloke of The Athletic</a> in June about his plans after Lille. "Obviously, I would love to fight for titles, to win titles. A team that's competitive, that has ambition, really, with a good sporting project."He joins a Juventus side looking to build on last season's fourth-place finish. As he did last year with Lille, David will once again get the opportunity to play in the Champions League.He scored against Juventus when the two teams met in Europe's top competition last season.His arrival makes him the club's first official signing of the summer and further casts doubt on the future of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/68513" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/68513">Dusan Vlahovic</a>. The high-priced Serbian striker, who has one year remaining on his contract, was an unused substitute in Juve's 1-0 last-16 loss to Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.Juventus are reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to extend forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/91733" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/91733">Randal Kolo Muani</a>'s loan. The Frenchman played the full 90 minutes against Madrid and, if he remains, figures to be David's primary competition for starting minutes unless manager Igor Tudor opts for a tactical change that would allow the pair to play up front together.

TURIN, ITALY - JULY 4: Juventus new signing Jonathan David at Juventus headquarters on July 4, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

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Canada star David joins Juventus on free transfer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic defended Lionel Messi and ripped the rest of Inter Miami's squad following the...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic defended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and ripped the rest of Inter Miami's squad following the team's elimination from the Club World Cup, comparing the Argentine star's supporting cast to "statues."Miami was crushed 4-0 by Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 this past weekend, and Ibrahimovic, who played with Messi at Barcelona, was not impressed by what he saw around the iconic No. 10. "It wasn't Leo Messi who lost; it was Inter Miami," the former Swedish star said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45627646/zlatan-ibrahimovic-lionel-messi-plays-statues-inter-miami">ESPN</a>. "Messi plays with statues, not teammates. He's surrounded by players who run as if they were carrying bags of cement."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ibrahimovic, who retired in 2023 after a decorated 24-year career that included stops at several of Europe's most storied clubs, also played in MLS, spending two seasons with the LA Galaxy. He scored 52 goals in 53 starts for the team.He bemoaned the fact that fans in the United States didn't get to see the best of Messi at the Club World Cup. Ibrahimovic said Miami, which also has veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/4433" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/4433">Luis Suarez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1114" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1114">Sergio Busquets</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1341" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1341">Jordi Alba</a> on the roster, lacks talent around its captain."This isn't the Messi I know," Ibrahimovic said. "If you put him in a real team, he'd go all-out. There are no coaches, no stars, not even players who understand how to move without the ball. If he were on a real team, any great team, you'd see the real lion."He added: "Messi plays alone because he loves the game, because he can still do what 99% of players can't. But this isn't the Messi I know."

(GERMANY OUT) FUSSBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SAISON 2014/2015 Vorrunde FC Barcelona - Paris St. Germain Lionel Messi (li, Barca) begruesst Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain) am Ball

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Zlatan defends Messi after CWC exit: He plays with 'statues' at Inter Miami

Toronto FC reached mutual agreements to terminate the contracts of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico B...

Toronto FC reached mutual agreements to terminate the contracts of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/7611" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/7611">Lorenzo Insigne</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/21263" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/21263">Federico Bernardeschi</a>, the club announced Tuesday.The two Italians will now become free agents, and the move will open up two Designated Player (DP) spots on Toronto FC's roster.Bernardeschi is in talks to return to Italy with Bologna, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1940042359577723017">Fabrizio Romano</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Insigne and Bernardeschi were among the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer in 2025. Insigne's $15.4-million salary was second behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> this season, while Bernardeschi ranked sixth. Combined, the underperforming stars had a guaranteed compensation of $21.6 million this year, which is more than the total payroll of all but seven clubs in the league.The move brings to an end a bitterly disappointing era for TFC.Insigne and Bernardeschi, shortly after being crowned Euro 2020 champions with Italy, arrived in Toronto as free agents amid much fanfare in 2022. The former left boyhood club Napoli before joining the Canadian team, while the latter was previously at Juventus.They were both recruited by former club president Bill Manning, who himself parted ways with TFC last year. That move came shortly after Keith Pelley was named CEO of MLSE, the club's parent company.Pelley said Tuesday that the DP strategy is a "critical component to Toronto FC's success."Neither Insigne nor Bernardeschi ever looked truly comfortable in MLS.Insigne, in particular, was a source of constant frustration for fans and multiple coaching staffs. He registered only 15 goals in 66 MLS games, and missed significant stretches of time with injury in each of his three years in Toronto. Bernardeschi was able to produce decent numbers in 2024 and, in general, looked more content than his compatriot, but he too ultimately failed to live up to the significant hype. The left-footed playmaker racked up 25 goals and 12 assists in 88 league appearances.TFC haven't made the playoffs since the former Italian internationals arrived, and finished last in the league in 2023.The club is struggling again this season, with just four wins in 19 league matches thus far.

TORONTO, ON - August 30 In second half action, Federico Bernardeschi (10) of Toronto FC on the left and Lorenzo Insigne share a hug at the end of the match. Toronto FC beat the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in MLS soccer action at BMO field. August 30 2023 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Toronto FC part ways with Insigne and Bernardeschi

Canada was knocked out of the 2025 Gold Cup by underdog Guatemala on Sunday, falling 6-5 on penal...

Canada was knocked out of the 2025 Gold Cup by underdog Guatemala on Sunday, falling 6-5 on penalties after the tense quarterfinal match finished 1-1 in normal time.The loss means Canada now has no competitive fixtures left to play before co-hosting next summer's 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico. The team will use friendly matches to prepare for the tournament.Canada was leading 1-0 through a 30th-minute goal from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a> and seemingly in control until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159283" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159283">Jacob Shaffelburg</a> received a second yellow card and was sent off in first-half stoppage time. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guatemala took full advantage after the break, dictating play before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/86131" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/86131">Rubio Rubin</a> equalized with an emphatic header in the 69th minute that enlivened the partisan crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.Neither side could find a winning goal in the remaining minutes, and the scrappy contest went straight to penalties after the final whistle.David, whose first-half goal came from the spot, wasn't available to take a penalty after being substituted late in the contest. The striker, wearing the captain's armband once again in the absence of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/134054" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/134054">Stephen Eustaquio</a>, required treatment multiple times in the second half, and was clearly struggling physically before finally being taken off.His replacement, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/209864" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/209864">Promise David</a>, opened the shootout with a goal. Every other taker found the net until veteran striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/40740" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/40740">Cyle Larin</a>, who had his weak effort denied. Guatemala could've ended it there, but captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159621" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159621">Jose Pinto</a> fired his potential game-winning shot well over the crossbar and into the stands.The shootout then went to sudden death, where Canadian defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/199996" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/199996">Luc de Fougerolles</a> blasted his effort off the underside of the bar. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/183522" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/183522">Jose Morales</a> then stepped up to slot home the winning spot-kick and send Guatemala to the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 1996, when the tournament had only nine teams and no quarterfinal stage.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's over. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanMNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/372mLC9Qj6">pic.twitter.com/372mLC9Qj6</a>— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/onesoccer/status/1939449679659557237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canadian goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148088" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148088">Dayne St. Clair</a>, picked by head coach Jesse Marsch to start over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/22068" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/22068">Maxime Crepeau</a>, got close to stopping two penalties, even getting his hand to one effort, but was ultimately unable to help Canada avoid the surprising ouster from the competition."If I'm honest, we're missing half of our group," Marsch said after the match, according to <a href="https://x.com/tombogert/status/1939457801434140995">Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport</a>. "That's not an excuse ... We fell short and that's painful."He added: "I believe in these guys entirely."Canada suffers its second consecutive shootout elimination at the Gold Cup after falling to the Unites States in the same manner in 2023. The Canadians were looking for their second Gold Cup title, and first since 2000.Guatemala, enjoying an unlikely run, will play the United States in the semifinals after the Americans beat Costa Rica in a quarterfinal shootout of their own Sunday night.Defending champion Mexico plays Honduras in the other semifinal.The Gold Cup final will take place July 6.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 29: Darwin Lom #14 of Guatemala celebrates after defeating Canada in penalty kicks during the Gold Cup 2025 Quarter Finals match between Guatemala and Canada at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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10-man Canada stunned by Guatemala in Gold Cup shootout

The group stage at the revamped Club World Cup is in the books. Below, we're looking back on the ...

The group stage at the revamped Club World Cup is in the books. Below, we're looking back on the biggest surprises from the tournament's opening two weeks in the United States.<h3>Brazilians step up to European challenge</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/cropped_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304379">said</a> before the tournament that the gap between his team and European sides was "minimal." That seems true of his team, and also for fellow Brazilian outfits Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense.Botafogo's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid was the only defeat for a Brazilian team during the group stage. Botafogo and Fluminense progressed with second-placed finishes, while Flamengo and Palmeiras topped their quartets. Atleti, Chelsea, and FC Porto finished below their Brazilian group rivals. The four Brazilian squads, along with their vibrant fans, have arguably been the most entertaining part of this tournament thus far.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Botafogo's 1-0 upset of Champions League holders PSG was the standout result of the group stage, and it produced the most memorable soundbite. "The cemetery of football is full of favorites," Botafogo coach Renato Paiva <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304379">said</a>, rather poetically, after the memorable victory.Group stage: Brazil vs. Europe<ul>
<li>Palmeiras 0-0 Porto</li>
<li>Fluminense 0-0 Borussia Dortmund</li>
<li>Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Botafogo</li>
<li>Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea</li>
<li>Atletico Madrid 1-0 Botafogo</li>
</ul>The excuse of European sides faltering against supposedly lesser opponents due to their tougher workload doesn't totally ring true.The squads of Brazilian clubs have navigated more matches than their counterparts in Europe over the past 12 months through their commitments in the league, state competitions, and continent-wide tournaments. Cash-rich European clubs also enjoy greater roster depth over Brazilian teams, allowing more opportunities to rotate squads over the course of a season.The only advantage that Brazilian teams may have is that they're better acclimated to the temperature and humidity. A heatwave in the United States has thrust the Club World Cup into Carnival conditions. The Brazilian sides often appear comfortable while the European-based players seem to be wading, not running, through the thick, damp air.It's a shame resilient duo Botafogo and Palmeiras will meet in the round of 16, therefore denying one of those teams another meeting with a European giant. But at least one will be assured of a quarterfinal against Benfica or Chelsea.Brazil's last Club World Cup win came in 2012 when Corinthians overcame Chelsea in the final. Winning it will be tougher now that the tournament is much bigger and full of wealthy clubs, but it's already been a historic summer for Brazilian club football - and one that's made even sweeter by the failures of Boca Juniors and River Plate, the storied teams from rival nation Argentina.<h3>More misery for Atleti</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/cropped_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Pantling - FIFA / FIFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>Atletico Madrid fans have endured a rotten few months.A 2024-25 season that promised so much rapidly disintegrated. The laws now stipulate an accidental double-touch penalty that goes in can be retaken, but that change in early June was prompted by Julian Alvarez's slip and finish being ruled out during Atleti's shootout with Real Madrid, leading to a Champions League last-16 elimination. That heartbreak coincided with a strong La Liga title push sputtering into a third-placed finish. Los Colchoneros also suffered heartbreak to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals.Not only did the Club World Cup offer a chance to ease that pain, it was an opportunity to play and win a tournament that they'll otherwise find it hard to enter again. Atletico Madrid qualified for the Club World Cup based on UEFA's four-year ranking; it's hard to imagine that La Liga champions Barcelona won't be above them the next time the competition rolls around in 2029.The Club World Cup also presented a chance to edge closer toward the true European elite by earning some of the huge prize money on offer.Atletico failed in their mission for redemption and growth. Getting thumped by Paris Saint-Germain isn't wholly surprising and Atleti beat the Seattle Sounders, but only scoring once against Botafogo led to the Spaniards' ignominious exit as the Brazilians progressed.<h3>Inter Miami silence doubters</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/cropped_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Inter Miami were in a rut going into the Club World Cup.Lionel Messi's team, a tournament invitee for all intents and purposes, had just three wins in 10 matches heading into the competition. Miami looked painfully slow and defensively frail, conceding 26 goals in those games dating back to late April. There were genuine concerns, not unfounded, that Javier Mascherano's team would get humbled on home soil in Group A.They admitted as much themselves."It's clear that we are not at the level to compete at the Club World Cup, but we will try to compete in our group," midfielder Sergio Busquets <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45024595/miami-not-level-compete-club-world-cup-busquets">said</a> after Miami was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in emphatic fashion by the Vancouver Whitecaps in late April.Those doubts certainly seemed justified in the first half of the tournament opening against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. If not for the heroics of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, including a penalty save, Mascherano's men would've been in trouble right from the off. But Inter Miami steadied the ship after that. They were unfortunate not to score at least once themselves in the second half against Al Ahly, and then, powered by a majestic Messi free-kick, beat FC Porto in their second match. They earned a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their Group A finale, becoming the lone MLS team in the tournament to reach the knockout rounds.The once defeatist outlook has been replaced by hope going into the last 16, where Miami will look to pull off an all-time upset against Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League holders and presumptive best team in the world."If there is something this sport has proven (it's) that anything can happen in any match," Mascherano <a href="https://apnews.com/article/club-world-cup-inter-miami-psg-mesi-suarez-enrique-603bffa4168b0d03eb8f96e65ead7229">said</a> of the upcoming contest, which will see Messi take on his former club for the first time since leaving in 2023. "And who's to say that Sunday will (not) be our day. Sometimes, things happen."

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3 biggest surprises from Club World Cup group stage

We have reached the business end of the 2025 Club World Cup.  The revamped tournament is moving i...

We have reached the business end of the 2025 Club World Cup.The revamped tournament is moving into the knockout stage after an intriguing opening round ended Thursday. The European clubs, for the most part, came through unscathed, while Brazil's representatives made noise with their play on the pitch and their standout supporters in the stands.Real Madrid and Al-Hilal were the last two teams to advance from the group stage. The former beat Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 to finish atop Group H, while Al-Hilal grabbed second place. Madrid will meet Juventus in the last 16, while Al-Hilal have the daunting task of taking on Manchester City, who were the only team to emerge from the opening round with a perfect record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Knockout stage is set. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFACWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFACWC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ocob6Q9juC">pic.twitter.com/Ocob6Q9juC</a>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1938434389421240399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s reunion with European champions Paris Saint-Germain, and his influential former coach Luis Enrique, is arguably the standout fixture of the next round. Inter Miami and PSG are on the same side of the bracket as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.Manchester City, fresh off a 5-2 shellacking of Juve, will feel confident about their chances of reaching the final on the other side of the bracket, though Champions League finalists Inter Milan could potentially stand in their way in the quarterfinals.Brazil is guaranteed to have at least one team in the quarters, with Palmeiras and Botafogo set to meet in the last 16. That's the lone last-16 matchup that doesn't involve a European side.The Club World Cup final will be played July 13 at MetLife Stadium.Round of 16 schedule All times listed in ETJune 28: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (12 p.m.) - Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaJune 28: Benfica vs. Chelsea (4 p.m.) - Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteJune 29: PSG vs. Inter Miami (12 p.m.) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaJune 29: Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (4 p.m.) - Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiJune 30: Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (3 p.m.) - Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteJune 30: Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal (9 p.m.) - Camping World Stadium, OrlandoJuly 1: Real Madrid vs. Juventus (3 p.m.) - Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiJuly 1: Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (9 p.m.) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaThe schedule from the quarterfinal onward can be found <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293324">here</a>. <h3> </h3><h3> </h3>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 14: A detailed view of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy on the pitch prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Al Ahly FC and Internacional CF Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Club World Cup bracket: PSG, Bayern, Madrid, Juve on same side

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi retained his status as Major League Soccer's highest-paid player...

Inter Miami captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> retained his status as Major League Soccer's highest-paid player in 2025, according to annual salary data <a href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide">released</a> by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) on Wednesday.The Argentine superstar's total guaranteed compensation is $20.4 million. His base salary accounts for more than half that amount, coming in at $12 million.His total compensation doesn't reflect any non-playing revenue streams. Messi has a lucrative sponsorship deal with Adidas, and a revenue-sharing agreement with MLS broadcast partner Apple.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was previously <a href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2023/lionel-messi-career-earnings-billion-mls-1234730823/">reported</a> that Messi could earn up to $150 million over the life of his existing contract with Inter Miami, which he signed in 2023. The deal is due to expire at the end of the year, though he's widely expected to extend his stay with the MLS club.With Messi leading the way, Inter Miami broke their own MLS record for total payroll. Guaranteed compensation for their entire squad totals $46.84 million, which is $5 million more than the benchmark they set last year. It's also at least double the outlay of every other team in the league except Toronto FC and Atlanta United.Messi's teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1114" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1114">Sergio Busquets</a> ranks third in the league in guaranteed compensation. The veteran midfielder is making $8.7 million this season. Only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/7611" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/7611">Lorenzo Insigne</a> of Toronto FC, at $15.4 million, stops Miami from having the two highest-paid players in MLS.Atlanta's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/59535" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/59535">Miguel Almiron</a> ($7.8 million) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/67865" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/67865">Hirving Lozano</a> of expansion side San Diego FC ($7.6 million) round out the top five highest-paid players.There are currently 131 players in MLS who make at least $1 million. The average guaranteed compensation for the league's entire pool of players also continues to rise. It now sits at $649,199, a 9.22% increase from the spring of last year.CF Montreal have the league's lowest payroll at $11.99 million, while reigning MLS Cup champions the LA Galaxy come in at $22.87 million.The current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and MLSPA, signed in 2021, runs through the 2027 season.

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 16: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami react after Messi's first-half goal during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC on March 16th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

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Messi tops MLS salary list at $20.4M, Miami breaks payroll record

Canada advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday in a mes...

Canada advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday in a messy match punctuated by two red cards issued to El Salvador in the first half.Canada, thrown off its game by El Salvador's excessively physical approach, had to wait until the 53rd minute to open the scoring. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a>, who had a first-half penalty saved by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/85572" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/85572">Mario Gonzalez</a>, broke the deadlock by picking out the bottom corner with a precise finish. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148092" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148092">Tajon Buchanan</a> doubled the lead three minutes later to seal the result.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jonathan David with the perfect finish! <a href="https://t.co/uJzjSv4kp2">pic.twitter.com/uJzjSv4kp2</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1937715192558707007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The win means Canada finishes atop Group B. Jesse Marsch's team will meet Guatemala in the quarterfinals of the competition.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Marsch was on the bench for the first time at the tournament. He spent the first two matches serving a suspension for a red card he received during the Nations League third-place game in March.Tuesday's contest at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston got off to an inauspicious start, with El Salvador's Santos Ortiz taking an errant boot to the head in the opening seconds and requiring treatment that delayed play for nearly 10 minutes.Ortiz was then sent off after being shown his second yellow card in the 35th minute for a wild tackle. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/62341" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/62341">Jairo Henriquez</a> followed that up by throwing an inexplicable elbow to the face of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/165277" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/165277">Alistair Johnston</a> deep into first-half stoppage time, immediately after David was denied from the penalty spot.Referee Joe Dickerson was told by the VAR to review the incident, and he brandished a red card after a quick check. El Salvador became the first team to have two players sent off in the first half of a Gold Cup match.El Salvador's physio was also sent off after the halftime whistle."Typical CONCACAF," Canada's David <a href="https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1937726626298835443">said</a> after the match of El Salvador's tactics. "I think a bit chaotic, a lot of fouls – but we knew, we expected this, so we were just ready for it."The untidy contest brought an end to the opening round of the tournament and finalized the quarterfinal matchups.Gold Cup quarterfinal matchups (all times ET):June 28: Panama vs. Honduras (7:15 p.m.) June 28: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia (10:15 p.m.) June 29: Canada vs. Guatemala (4 p.m.) June 29: United States vs. Costa Rica (7 p.m.)Canada and the United States are on the same side of the bracket and will meet in the semifinals if they both win their respective quarterfinal games.Mexico is the reigning Gold Cup champion, and is looking to become the first nation to win the CONCACAF event 10 times.The Gold Cup final is slated for July 6.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 24: Jonathan David #10 of Canada scores during the Group Stage - Group B match between Canada and El Salvador as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on June 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Canada's messy win over 9-man El Salvador completes Gold Cup quarterfinal field

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a CONCACAF investigat...

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a CONCACAF investigation into his conduct during the ongoing Gold Cup, the governing body <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/news/concacaf-disciplinary-committee-decision-on-the-case-of-the-canadian-soccer-association-and-jesse-marsch/">announced</a> Monday.Marsch and Canada Soccer were under investigation for "incidents" that occurred during the team's tournament opener last week, a 6-0 win over Honduras at BC Place in Vancouver.Canada Soccer (CSA) was fined an undisclosed amount for "breaching security protocols for accredited delegation officials and for failing to comply with anti-doping procedures by not providing the required representative for the halftime doping control draw," CONCACAF said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The CSA called the two fines "minor" in a brief <a href="https://news.canadasoccer.com/jesse-marsch-cleared-of-all-allegations-by-concacaf">statement</a>.CONCACAF was investigating whether Marsch and the CSA disregarded rules regarding suspended officials, and whether the tactician used offensive language toward CONCACAF match officials.Marsch wasn't on the touchline for the 6-0 demolition of Honduras, as he was serving the first game of a two-match ban for a red card he received earlier this year during the Nations League third-place match.He planned to watch the Honduras game from a private suite within BC Place. The investigation centered on his frustrated response, and the language he used, when told by a CONCACAF official that he needed to move from that location, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TSNScianitti/status/1936097428362444893">TSN</a>.Marsch said little about the investigation when asked about it prior to Canada's second group match of the competition."I think it's a much bigger deal in the media than it is internally," he told reporters ahead of Canada's 1-1 draw with Curacao in Houston.Canada, looking to secure top spot in Group B, will close out group play against El Salvador today. Marsch is eligible to return to the bench.

INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 23: Head coach Jesse Marsch Canada directs his team during a Concacaf Nations League game between Canada and USMNT at SoFi Stadium at on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada coach Marsch cleared of wrongdoing after CONCACAF investigation

Canada was on the brink of securing its place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, but conc...

Canada was on the brink of securing its place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, but conceded a 94th-minute goal and had to settle instead for a 1-1 draw against Curacao.The Canadians looked like a shell of the team that dismantled Honduras 6-0 in its tournament opener, getting overrun in the second half in Houston and ultimately holding on for the single point.Despite the disappointing result, Canada still sits atop Group B after two matches, and can advance to the next round of the tournament when it closes out group play against El Salvador on Tuesday. A win in that match would clinch top spot in the group, and a quarterfinal matchup with the team that finishes second in Group C.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A much-improved performance will be needed to do that, though.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/168731" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/168731">Nathan Saliba</a> opened the scoring at Shell Energy Stadium in the ninth minute with his second goal in as many games, but Canada couldn't build on the early tally. The Canadians, who survived multiple close calls in the second half, broke down defensively in the final minutes and allowed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/175464" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/175464">Jeremy Antonisse</a> to score a deserved equalizer for Curacao.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Antonisse with the late match drama 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/lQfaNgZ4w3">pic.twitter.com/lQfaNgZ4w3</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1936591014426218701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canada was arguably lucky to still be leading going into stoppage time.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/16137" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/16137">Jurgen Locadia</a> thought he scored an equalizer in the 66th minute, but, after a lengthy VAR check, his excellent left-footed strike was ruled out for a narrow offside in the buildup to the goal.Curacao then felt a penalty kick should've been awarded for a handball inside the area, but the referee ruled that the players had stopped play before the infringement because of a whistle they heard that came from the sparse crowd.Canada, which was once again without suspended head coach Jesse Marsch, didn't heed those warnings, and made multiple sloppy mistakes on the game-tying goal by Antonisse. Marsch, currently under investigation by CONCACAF for undisclosed "incidents" during the Honduras game, watched from the stands while serving the second of his two-game ban for a red card he picked up in the Nations League in March.Saturday's hard-fought contest, played in sweltering conditions, lacked attacking flow or rhythm, and leaves both teams with plenty of room for improvement as they look ahead to their final group games.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 21: Jonathan David of Canada and Jearl Margaritha of Curacao battle for a ball during the Group Stage - Group B match between Curacao and Canada as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Shell Energy Stadium on June 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Canada concedes stoppage-time goal in scrappy draw with Curacao

Canada Soccer and men's national team coach Jesse Marsch are under investigation for undisclosed ...

Canada Soccer and men's national team coach Jesse Marsch are under investigation for undisclosed "incidents" during the team's 2025 Gold Cup opener against Honduras on Tuesday, CONCACAF announced.The governing body <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/en/news/concacaf-statement-disciplinary-investigation-into-the-csa-and-jesse-marsch-following-gold-cup-incidents/">said</a> it would examine evidence that Canada Soccer and Marsch "disregarded regulations applicable to suspended match officials and used offensive language toward CONCACAF match officials."CONCACAF's disciplinary committee will now "review all available evidence, including official reports," with information regarding any potential sanctions to be provided "in due course."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Canada won its tournament opener 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver.Marsch wasn't on the touchline for the lopsided victory, as he was serving the first of a two-match suspension for the red card he received during Canada's third-place Nations League game in March. That sending-off and subsequent ban resulted from an outburst toward the referee.He watched Tuesday's dominant performance from a suite inside the stadium.Canada is back in action at the Gold Cup against Curacao on Saturday. Assistant coach Mauro Biello, who assumed Marsch's spot on the bench against Honduras, will again lead the team.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Head Coach Jesse Marsch of Canada attends the Concacaf Nations League Semifinal match between Canada and Mexico at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada coach Marsch under investigation for 'incidents' during Honduras match

Canada opened its 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday, sh...

Canada opened its 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday, showing off its newfound depth and sending an early message to the rest of the field at the tournament.After a largely uneventful start to the contest at BC Place in Vancouver, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/209404" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/209404">Niko Sigur</a> opened the scoring in the 27th minute with his first goal for Canada. The versatile 21-year-old found the net after a slick combination with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a>, who captained the team in the absence of both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/134054" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/134054">Stephen Eustaquio</a>. The former, who was in attendance, continues to recover from a torn ACL, while the latter is with FC Porto at the Club World Cup.Canada didn't miss either star Tuesday. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/187409" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/187409">Tani Oluwaseyi</a> doubled the lead just before the halftime interval with a wicked shot from a tight angle. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148092" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148092">Tajon Buchanan</a> put the result beyond doubt three minutes into the second stanza and then scored his second goal of the match in the 65th minute.Substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/209864" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/209864">Promise David</a> got his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/168731" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/168731">Nathan Saliba</a> completed the rout with a ferocious left-footed strike in the 90th minute.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What a way to score your first goal for Canada, Nathan Saliba! 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/F3N8JjyvcI">pic.twitter.com/F3N8JjyvcI</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1935194431952683476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 6-0 triumph is Canada's biggest scoring outburst since netting seven goals against Aruba in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It's also the team's largest win since Jesse Marsch took over as head coach last year.Ironically, Marsch wasn't on the bench Tuesday. The American tactician was serving the first of a two-match ban he received after being shown a red card during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place game in March.Mauro Biello assumed coaching duties in Marsch's absence."Tonight was a perfect example of some of the good young players in this country. And we wanted to continue to give them opportunities, continue to help them develop and become the players that we think that they could be," Biello said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article/youngsters-step-up-as-canada-flexes-might-against-honduras-at-gold-cup/">John Molinaro of Sportsnet</a>. "And tonight, we saw a really good performance by a number of young players that have a handful of caps, and I think it's exciting. It's exciting to put a team with players with those (few) caps, and then put in a performance like that."In addition to Davies and Eustaquio, Canada was without usual starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/165277" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/165277">Alistair Johnston</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/193200" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/193200">Moise Bombito</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/99764" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/99764">Derek Cornelius</a>."We have a solid group. We don't only have a certain (starting) 11," David said of the team's depth, which has gone from a glaring weakness to an obvious strength under Marsh. "We have guys that can step up at any moment to make the difference." Canada, sitting atop Group B after the first round of fixtures, is back in action Saturday against Curacao at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. It will wrap up group play June 24 versus El Salvador.Canada, the Gold Cup champion in 2000, is looking to win the tournament for a second time.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 17: Niko Sigur #23 of Team Canada celebrates his goal during the Group Stage - Group B match between Canada and Honduras as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at BC Place on June 17, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Inter Miami goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/52340" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/52340">Oscar Ustari</a> and Al Ahly counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcaf/players/65831" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcaf/players/65831">Mohamed Elshenawy</a> stood tall to earn their teams a goalless draw in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.The 38-year-old Miami netminder made several outstanding saves in the first half, including turning aside a penalty from Egyptian forward Trezeguet in the 43rd minute, as the hosts were overrun at Hard Rock Stadium to begin the contest.If not for Ustari's heroics, the contest could have been out of reach by the halftime interval. The 12-time African champions, spurred on by their raucous fans who traveled to the United States, continuously carved through the Inter Miami defense. Al Ahly created two clear-cut breakaways that Ustari denied before earning their penalty kick, but Trezeguet couldn't bury the golden opportunity, and he couldn't get a clean shot off on the rebound.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Inter Miami, lucky to still be level after 45 minutes, turned the tide in the second half, but Elshenawy promptly replicated the performance of his opposite number.The Al Ahly shot-stopper came up with two massive saves in the waning seconds of the entertaining affair, including redirecting a spectacular long-range effort from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> onto the crossbar in the 95th minute.That came just moments after he leapt to make a fine save on a header from substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/45806" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/45806">Fafa Picault</a>. Messi created that chance with an inch-perfect cross.The Argentine superstar also came close earlier in the second half, bending a free-kick around the wall that shaved the outside of the post. When the ball bounced back off the advertising boards and into the netting behind the goal, many in the stands thought the Miami magician had scored."In the second half, we created chances," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano told <a href="https://x.com/DAZNFootball/status/1934074113305280679">DAZN</a> after the 0-0 stalemate. "We controlled the game, we had the chances to score and win the game."He added: "Maybe in the first half we were excited, we were nervous, we didn't move the ball from one side to the other. So we tried to translate to the players to be calm, we have to keep possession, we can find the spaces to attack better."Both teams ultimately had to settle for a point in the first game of the expanded competition, which was played in front of more than 60,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium despite earlier concerns about ticket sales. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has championed the revamped event, was in attendance, seated beside soccer legends Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio.Inter Miami and Al Ahly are back in action July 19 against fellow Group A foes FC Porto and Palmeiras, respectively.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 14: Ian Fray #17 and Tomas Aviles #6 of Inter Miami CF congratulate Oscar Ustari #19 after a penalty kick save during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Al Ahly FC and Internacional CF Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Brazil punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a> scored the lone goal of the game, giving new head coach Carlo Ancelotti his first win as Selecao boss in his second match in charge. "We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve," Vinicius said after the match, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-ecuador-chile-ancelotti-world-cup-5d44b7075e76c173d605069a7728c8d1">Mauricio Savarese of The Associated Press</a>. "We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brazil, the all-time leader with five World Cup titles, now sits third in CONMEBOL qualifying on 25 points with two rounds of fixtures remaining. The team is mathematically assured of one of South America's six automatic berths for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The Brazilians have still never failed to qualify for a men's World Cup.Argentina, Brazil's eternal rival, and Ecuador are the top two teams in the CONMEBOL standings after 16 games, and have also secured their World Cup places.Ancelotti, hired by Brazil to replace Dorival Junior, began his tenure with a goalless draw against Ecuador last week. The team showed more willingness to get forward Tuesday, which has been a major concern for supporters who've grown tired of a conservative style of play during this qualifying cycle.Brazil will close out its qualification campaign with matches against Chile and Bolivia in September. With a World Cup spot now secured, Ancelotti's focus will be on bringing verve and joyfulness back to a Brazilian attack that has stagnated; Brazil has only managed more than one goal in one of its last six matches.

TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward #10 Vinicius Jr celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Paraguay at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 10, 2025.

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<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> says he's likely to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, seemingly putting an end to transfer speculation that both he and FIFA president Gianni Infantino fueled in recent weeks.The veteran forward's current deal with the Saudi Arabian club expires June 30. Negotiations over a new contract are <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6378611/2025/05/23/cristiano-ronaldo-club-world-cup/">reportedly</a> underway.Asked about his future following Portugal's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297701" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297701">shootout win</a> over Spain in Sunday's Nations League final, the 40-year-old said "practically nothing is going to change." Prompted specifically with Al-Nassr, he replied, "yes."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Those comments followed his admission prior to Sunday's match that he wouldn't go to the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. Ronaldo said multiple teams reached out to him but added "you can't try and do everything."FIFA president Infantino sparked widespread speculation in May when he said that "discussions" were underway for Ronaldo to play in the revamped Club World Cup this summer, which would've required him to leave Al-Nassr. The Saudi side, which he joined in 2022, didn't qualify for the tournament.Ronaldo himself seemed to suggest last month that a move could be on the cards. Following Al-Nassr's final match of the season, he said on social media "this chapter is over," adding that his story is "still being written."But after much conjecture, it appears he's going to remain with the Riyadh-based outfit.Ronaldo lifted his third international trophy Sunday when Portugal won the Nations League. His second-half goal, his record-extending 138th for his country, tied the match at 2-2 before Portugal went on to win the shootout.

MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 8: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates the victory after the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

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The new-look FIFA Club World Cup got underway Saturday, with 32 teams from around the globe vying to win the revamped event. Get ready for the tournament with theScore's comprehensive preview package, where we'll answer all your questions and tee up the action in the United States.<h3>What's new about the Club World Cup?</h3>This summer's Club World Cup, championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has been expanded to include 32 teams for the first time. Each of the governing body's six confederations - AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North America and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania), and UEFA (Europe) - will be represented.Previous iterations of the event took place annually in a central location and featured only seven clubs, with a total of seven matches played in less than two weeks. The most recent edition, contested in 2023 in Saudi Arabia, was won by Manchester City. That old version of the Club World Cup has been rebranded as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and will continue to run on a yearly basis in the winter; Real Madrid won it last year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The new Club World Cup, meanwhile, will feature 63 matches staged over 29 days in the United States. The tournament will also shift to a quadrennial schedule, being held every four years as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup; the latter is taking place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2026.<h3>When does it start?</h3>The tournament began June 14 with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami being held to a goalless draw by Egyptian outfit Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/cropped_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>The group stage concludes June 26, and the knockout rounds begin two days later. The Club World Cup final is slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The full match schedule is available <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293324">here</a>.<h3>How can I watch?</h3><a href="https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/welcome/fifa-club-world-cup?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=CWC_NA_CA_en_SEARCH_ACQUISITION-CONVERSION_FOOTBALL_BRAND_EXACT_ONGOING&amp;utm_content=CWC%20BRAND%20EXACT%20ONGOING&amp;utm_ad=751618704874&amp;utm_term=dazn%20club%20world%20cup&amp;matchtype=e&amp;device=c&amp;GeoLoc=9000990&amp;placement=&amp;network=g&amp;campaign_id=22547910872&amp;adset_id=181932697360&amp;ad_id=751618704874&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22547910872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_fyqye9K-Q4TpC-ehov5zss0kcib&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwgIXCBhDBARIsAELC9ZjWUGTAWHuyPqxSZuYGM3npsSabG31QLL5ffiqrdcLuTWr5Xa9fpTYaAr6ZEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">DAZN</a>, the official global broadcaster of the tournament, will livestream all 63 matches for free, in multiple languages.Select games will also be carried in English on TNT in the United States, while Univision, TUDN, and ViX will broadcast matches in Spanish in the U.S.<h3>What's the tournament format?</h3>Similar to the old formats of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, the 32 teams have been split into eight groups of four.After the four teams within each group have played against each other once, the respective group winners and runners-up advance to the knockout rounds, while the remaining clubs are eliminated from the competition. The knockout stage - round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final - will be composed of one-off matches. If any knockout game is tied after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time (30 minutes), then, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine who advances.<h3>Who qualified, and how did they get there?</h3>There were two ways to qualify for the Club World Cup. Teams booked their spots by either winning their respective continental title - UEFA Champions League or CONMEBOL Libertadores, for example - in one of the four most-recent seasons, or by having what FIFA described as a "high ranking of performance" in those top-level events over the same four-year cycle.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/cropped_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Angel Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>A maximum of two teams from any single nation can participate, with the exception that continental champions are guaranteed a place in the tournament. As Brazil has dominated South American soccer in recent years - four different Brazilian teams have won the Libertadores in the past four years - it has four teams in the Club World Cup.Once the two-team limit was hit for any given country, other teams from that country could not qualify via the performance ranking route. That's why Premier League champions Liverpool, for instance, are absent despite being ranked eighth by FIFA's coefficient system; Manchester City and Chelsea grabbed England's two places because they've won the Champions League more recently than the Reds.Inter Miami, meanwhile, were granted a special berth reserved for a team from the host nation.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Qualification</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</td>
<td>Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</td>
<td>Champions League (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>🇪🇸</td>
<td>Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Atletico Madrid</td>
<td>🇪🇸</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>🇮🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>🇮🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>🇩🇪</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>🇩🇪</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>🇫🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>🇵🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benfica</td>
<td>🇵🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Bull Salzburg</td>
<td>🇦🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palmeiras</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flamengo</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fluminense</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Botafogo</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>River Plate</td>
<td>🇦🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boca Juniors</td>
<td>🇦🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seattle Sounders</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LAFC</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Playoff winners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter Miami</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Host nation berth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monterrey</td>
<td>🇲🇽</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pachuca</td>
<td>🇲🇽</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al-Hilal</td>
<td>🇸🇦</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Urawa Red Diamonds</td>
<td>🇯🇵</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al Ain</td>
<td>🇦🇪</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ulsan HD</td>
<td>🇰🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al Ahly</td>
<td>🇪🇬</td>
<td>CAF Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wydad AC</td>
<td>🇲🇦</td>
<td>CAF Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ES Tunis</td>
<td>🇹🇳</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mamelodi Sundowns</td>
<td>🇿🇦</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auckland City</td>
<td>🇳🇿</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Club Leon of Mexico were originally set to take part after winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2023 but were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281526" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281526">ruled ineligible</a> because FIFA doesn't permit multiple teams from the same ownership group to participate; Leon and fellow Mexican squad Pachuca are part of Grupo Pachuca. Leon's place was taken by Los Angeles FC, who beat Club America in a one-off playoff match last month to qualify.<h3>How did the draw unfold?</h3>Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter MiamiGroup B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle SoundersGroup C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, BenficaGroup D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Chelsea, LAFCGroup E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter MilanGroup F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi SundownsGroup G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain, JuventusGroup H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg<h3>Where are the games being played?</h3>The United States is playing host to multiple soccer tournaments this summer, with the Club World Cup and 2025 Gold Cup running concurrently. To avoid any stadium conflicts or crossover, the former is taking place primarily on the East Coast of the country, while the U.S. West Coast handles much of the latter.Club World Cup matches will take place at the following 12 venues:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Venue</th>
<th>Location</th>
<th>Capacity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rose Bowl Stadium</td>
<td>Pasadena</td>
<td>88.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MetLife Stadium</td>
<td> East Rutherford</td>
<td>82.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of America Stadium</td>
<td>Charlotte</td>
<td>75K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta</td>
<td>75K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lincoln Financial Field</td>
<td>Philadelphia</td>
<td>69K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lumen Field</td>
<td> Seattle</td>
<td>69K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Camping World Stadium</td>
<td>Orlando</td>
<td>65K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hard Rock Stadium</td>
<td> Miami Gardens</td>
<td>65K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEODIS Park</td>
<td>Nashville</td>
<td>30K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TQL Stadium</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
<td>26K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter&amp;Co Stadium</td>
<td>Orlando</td>
<td>25K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Audi Field</td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td>20K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>What are the teams fighting for?</h3>The total prize pool for the tournament is $1 billion. Each team is guaranteed to earn between $3.58 million and $38.19 million just for taking part. Additional prize money is awarded as teams advance in the competition; a spot in the final is worth $30 million on its own.The tournament champions could take home up to $125 million.FIFA also introduced a new trophy last year for the Club World Cup, designed in collaboration with luxury jeweller Tiffany &amp; Co.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/cropped_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Soobum Im - FIFA / FIFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>"Boasting a 24-carat gold-plated finish, the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy features intricate laser-engraved inscriptions on both sides, showcasing text and imagery that portray football's rich history," the governing body <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/innovative-fifa-club-world-cup-trophy-unveiled-ahead-of-new-tournament-in-2025">stated</a> in a release upon revealing the hardware. "The inscriptions include a world map and the names of all 211 FIFA Member Associations and the six confederations, representing the geographical and cultural diversity of the beautiful game."The winning club will also get to wear a <a href="https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/news/soccer/fifa-world-cup-winners-to-recieve-unique-shirt-patch-cwcuk25/1vkmzg78ihgab1buraqpyagksw">special badge</a> on their shirts for four years - until the next edition of the event - that dubs them "world champions."<h3>What are the biggest storylines?</h3>New faces in new placesIn anticipation of this summer's tournament, FIFA opened an extraordinary transfer window so clubs could make signings before heading to the United States. It's open until June 10 and has already resulted in several teams adding fresh faces to their squads; Real Madrid have been the most active so far, landing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in time to have the pair available at the Club World Cup.The biggest unknown remains the status of Cristiano Ronaldo. Infantino recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290611" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290611">said</a> there are "discussions with some clubs" about signing the Portuguese legend from Al-Nassr, potentially on a short-term deal, so he could play in the tournament this summer.Can the underdogs surprise?UEFA heavyweights such as the aforementioned Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Inter Milan, and newly minted European kings Paris Saint-Germain will be the overwhelming favorites in this competition, with the strong South American contingent expected to provide a stern test.But major tournaments have a habit of delivering the unexpected. Can Mamelodi Sundowns, the richest team in Africa, spring a surprise and emerge out of a well-balanced Group F? Egyptian giants Al Ahly, meanwhile, could upset the apple cart on opening night when they take on Messi and Miami. Prolific Al Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali is precisely the type of player who could earn a big transfer should he perform well on this stage.Dembele's Ballon d'Or bid<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/cropped_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jean Catuffe / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Paris Saint-Germain's emphatic victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final put Ousmane Dembele in pole position to win the Ballon d'Or, but Lamine Yamal kept himself very much in contention by starring in Spain's 5-4 victory over Dembele's France in the Nations League semifinals. The race remains incredibly tight between the two superstars.With no major international tournament taking place this summer, and Barcelona not involved in the Club World Cup, the event in the U.S. gives Dembele an extra opportunity to separate himself from the chasing pack in the race for the coveted trophy, which will be awarded in September.A chance for youngsters to shineOn the back of another grueling campaign, managers of Europe's elite teams, blessed with loaded squads and deep benches, are certain to rotate their lineups in the United States. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Messi, and Dembele will take the pitch, but with the upcoming domestic season already in mind - or, in Messi's case, the current MLS campaign - coaches will need to be wise about managing minutes.That creates opportunities that perhaps otherwise wouldn't be available for prodigious young talents to get significant opportunities against high-level opposition. The stars of tomorrow should get chances to shine. Teenagers like Senny Mayulu (PSG), Tyrique George (Chelsea), and Endrick (Real Madrid) have much expected of them in the coming years.

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Everything you need to know about the FIFA Club World Cup

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Gianluca Nesci

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