Where the Club World Cup will be won and lost – and why it matters more than you think

 

It was on a call with Fifa and Club World Cup rivals that Manchester City’s Ferran Soriano was willing to reveal some of the team’s inner workings.

As long ago as August, City’s chief executive revealed how Pep Guardiola’s staff had been working on their physical programme to ensure the squad would be ready for the tournament in the United States. Such changes might have been a factor in City’s underwhelming season, but the Club World Cup might change perceptions. An entire year may have been building to this.

For Florentino Perez, it’s a lifetime’s work. The Real Madrid president never got his Super League, but this is viewed as something similar, at least in terms of legacy and maybe an elegant historical echo.

Under his predecessor, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid were the drivers of the European Cup back in 1955 - to the point that they claim to have created it and were the first club to win it. Now though, Perez wants to do the same thing with the Club World Cup.

He has developed a political alliance with Gianni Infantino’s Fifa and Madrid have backed the competition. So, the key message for Xabi Alonso’s team as they depart for the USA has been that it would fit with Madrid’s great history to be the first to win this. It would ensure they have been the first true European champions and the first true world champions.

A club like Madrid having such aspirations is almost all the endorsement that Infantino needs. Because, right now, it’s hardly an exaggeration to say this new Club World Cup has caused huge debate.

The more relevant point is that controversy subsides and prestige grows as games are played. Even the European Cup met with resistance in its first season, as Chelsea know too well. They were supposed to be England’s representatives in 1955, only for the Football League to object. Now, Chelsea’s ownership is all in on the Club World Cup, to the point they care little for the Premier League’s reservations.

The Club World Cup trophy is displayed prior to the Play-In match between LAFC and Club America (Getty)

It’s like that with all of the owners. They can see the worth, especially since the eventual winners could receive around £80m in prize money. On the other side, clubs and federations from the Americas, Asia and Africa see the opportunities from big games against the hugely popular European clubs.

The reality is football did need something like that.

It also points to something that may decide this entire Club World Cup. It was also reflected in Soriano’s comments.

Man City enter the tournament as one of the favourites (AP)

European club owners might be all in on this competition, but that doesn’t mean their players can be, even if they want to. Many are exhausted. The Champions League’s expansion meant the 2024-25 season was the most congested for elite clubs in modern history, all that off the back of Euro 2024. Inter have been affected the most, with 10 more games than the 2023/24 campaign. They already looked like they could do with a break in the Champions League final.

And yet this may all make the first expanded Club World Cup even more unpredictable. That is primarily because the South American clubs are primed, and see this as an opportunity of their own. While the European clubs are at the end of long campaigns, their South American counterparts are mid-season, meaning they’re at peak condition. It could be like the 2022 World Cup for them. Although most of their best players go to Champions League clubs, they believe their desire can more than compensate.

There won’t just be a physical freshness, either. There’s a psychological freshness. The old Club World Cup was always bigger in South America. That was partly because of its own mythology. Pele’s Santos embarrassed Eusebio’s Benfica in 1963, the Brazilian legend even nutmegging his burgeoning Portuguese challenger. Flamengo humiliated Liverpool in 1981, with the great Zico starring.

Florentino Perez sees the Club World Cup as pivotal to the allure of Real Madrid (Getty Images)

The South American clubs are now determined to evoke that spirit, and their fans will travel in hundreds of thousands. From that, the eye will naturally be drawn to fixtures like Boca Juniors against Bayern Munich. Thomas Muller even told that such a fixture would be “a highlight”.

The main focus should perhaps be on Brazilian clubs, though. The country’s domestic competition is going through a resurgence, as plans evolve for its own version of the Premier League. In the meantime, a growing financial power has meant Brazilian clubs have won the last six Copa Libertadores. Palmeiras and Flamengo, who have just signed Jorginho after his Arsenal exit, look the most dangerous.

Some are even motivated by the words of Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin, who predicted the competition will lack interest because “the Europeans will win everything”. This is a chance for pride and glory.

Xabi Alonso faces a quick start to life as Real Madrid boss (Getty Images)

Brazilian dominance of the Libertadores has already superseded the era of Marcelo Gallardo, who coached River Plate to two victories. He is back at the club, and made a late pitch to bring in Cristiano Ronaldo for this summer.

The Portuguese declined, meaning Lionel Messi still heads an array of stars, from Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland through to Jamal Musiala, PSG’s electrifying Desire Doue and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. In a manner that might fit with the classic World Cup, too, this tournament could also offer exciting first glimpses of brilliant new talent.

There is considerable buzz about Flamengo’s Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has never played for a club outside of South America, while River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono is a revelation. Typically, the 17-year-old is set to join Real Madrid.

Desire Doue and PSG have the firepower to claim Club World Cup glory this summer (PA Wire)

That doesn’t mean the trophy is also bound for the Bernabeu. One of the many storylines will be how Xabi Alonso adapts as their new manager, having agreed to take the job just days before the tournament after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to lead Brazil ahead of next summer’s World Cup. With Inter, there’s the question of how they recover from Champions League final humiliation. City will meanwhile be seeking to make a season right, and Chelsea will feel they can restore their own prestige after becoming the first club to win every major European trophy following the Conference League final win over Real Betis.

On the other side of the world, can Messi be as impactful for Inter Miami? Could any of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Korea’s Ulsan HD or New Zealand’s Auckland spring a surprise? The Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal, meanwhile, get their grand stage, just as Saudi football is about to escalate activity after being confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts.

In general, though, this is a new tournament, so there’s also a sense of new territory. It has the dimensions of a classic World Cup - taking place every four years - but on top of a club game that runs constantly. Will it serve as a barometer for the game in the same way? Will it point to something new in terms of how it might be played? Palmeiras’ Abel Ferreira is one coach who has already attracted attention.

Franco Mastantuono is poised for a big future away from River Plate with a move to Real Madrid in the works (AP)

Muller added that he is thrilled by “different cultures and different clubs coming together”. That is needed in the club game, which is so dominated by Europe. It also affords the tournament a more distinctive sense of glory.

And yet, after all that, it’s still hard to look past Europe’s champions. PSG have had 58 games, but many of those have been while cantering to the French title. If the Champions League final is anything to go by, they may have too much firepower for the competition. Luis Enrique sounded more enthusiastic than anyone when asked about the Club World Cup after winning the Champions League. He found the idea of crowning a true club world champion for the first time, and potentially being the first, “invigorating”.

There is a place in history up for grabs here, for a competition that is going to say a lot about football’s future.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/where-the-club-world-cup-will-be-won-and-lost-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think-41231607

Brazil clinch World Cup spot as Carlo Ancelotti enjoys home debut in charge

 Brazil secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a successful home debut for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian’s second match in charge made for a memorable night in Sao Paulo, courtesy of Vinicius Jr’s 43rd-minute goal.

The hosts dominated possession, but managed just four shots on target as Paraguay took the result down to the wire.

The result was still much-improved from Ancelotti’s debut in last week’s goalless draw against Peru.

The win lifts Brazil to third in South American qualifying, level on points with second-placed Ecuador who sealed their World Cup place with a goalless draw in Peru.

The top six teams in CONMEBOL qualifying receive automatic qualification.

Elsewhere, first-place Argentina drew 1-1 with sixth-place Colombia after Thiago Almada’s goal in the 81st minute cancelled out Luis Diaz’s 24th-minute opener.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/brazil-clinch-world-cup-spot-as-carlo-ancelotti-enjoys-home-debut-in-charge-41230769

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha: Every major deal so far as transfer deadline approaches

 Big transfers have already been completed with the first window set to close

The summer transfer window’s first deadline is approaching ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.

Because of the newly expanded tournament, FIFA allowed for an earlier opening of the market so that clubs could sign and register players in time for the inaugural competition.

Chelsea and Manchester City have done so with the signings of Liam Delap and Rayan Ait-Nouri respectively.

On the continent, Real Madrid completed the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, and paid a fee to the Premier League champions to ensure that he was on the plane to the United States with them.

Bayern Munich did similar with Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who arrives to provide fresh impetus to Vincent Kompany’s backline.

In the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Manchester United is already underway with the signing of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with United set for a big summer of ins and outs.

Here, Standard Sport lays out every major deal of the summer so far.

Signed: Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

June

June 1

Matheus Cunha - Wolves to Manchester United, £62.5million

June 2

Dario Essugo - Sporting to Chelsea, £18million

Romelle Donovan - Birmingham to Brentford, Undisclosed

June 3

Caoimhin Kelleher - Liverpool to Brentford, £12.5million

Mark Flekken - Brentford to Bayer Leverkusen, £8million

June 4

Liam Delap - Ipswich to Chelsea, £30million

James Ball - AFC Wimbledon to Swindon, Free

June 5

Nuno Tavares - Arsenal to Lazio, Undisclosed

Antonio Cordero - Malaga to Newcastle, Undisclosed

June 6

Jorginho - Arsenal to Flamengo, Free

Lloyd Kelly - Newcastle to Juventus, £20million

Thierry Small - Charlton to Preston, Free

Sonny Carey - Blackpool to Charlton, Free

Jean-Clair Todibo - Nice to West Ham, Undisclosed

June 9

Rayan Ait-Nouri - Wolves to Manchester City, £31million

Mamadou Sarr - Strasbourg to Chelsea, £12million

Marquinhos - Arsenal to Cruzeiro, Undisclosed

Safe hands: Caoimhin Kelleher

Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages

May

May 14

Eric Dier - Bayern Munich to AS Monaco, Free

May 20

Bashir Humphreys - Chelsea to Burnley, Undisclosed

May 28

Michael Kayode - Fiorentina to Brentford, Undisclosed

May 30

Jeremie Frimpong - Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, £29.5million

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool to Real Madrid, Free

Carlos Alcaraz - Flamengo to Everton, Undisclosed

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/trent-alexander-arnold-liam-delap-matheus-cunha-every-major-deal-so-far-as-transfer-deadline-approaches-41227016

The Harry Kane dilemma Thomas Tuchel faces ahead of the World Cup

 Harry Kane was already in his thirties, albeit by less than two weeks, when Thomas Tuchel agreed to pay €100m for him. Bayern Munich have since seen a return in the form of 82 goals in two seasons and if Tuchel need not worry how much resale value the striker has, he only needs to concern himself if Kane can keep going until a World Cup that ends just before his 33rd birthday.

The England captain has looked far further into the future, however. An admirer of Tom Brady, Kane has spoken of a desire to play into his forties. He admires Cristiano Ronaldo for his longevity and, at the age of 40, the Portugal captain has scored in both the Nations League semi-final and final in the last week. Can Kane follow in his footsteps? Tuchel believes it will not be easy. Ronaldo is an anomaly in many respects. His age is one of them.

Tuchel said: “I think it gets more and more difficult nowadays. Cristiano took a step into a not-as competitive a league as [the] Premier League or Spain as part of keeping his performance up. I think he is always the exception to the rule. We cannot go now from Cristiano Ronaldo and think everyone can play until 39 and 40 in today’s game. Harry has this natural ability to score goals. There are at the moment no signs he cannot do it at a high level. How long he can do it, I have not a crystal ball, [so] let’s see. He is in a club where they play dominant football, I think that can suit him. Just the outlook until the World Cup, he knows that it is a crucial year for him, also in terms of fitness and being ready to compete in the heat, in the humidity.”

It is a matter of more than just the attitude that means Kane wants to play every game. Tuchel has acceded to his wishes and said it is “likely” that he starts against Senegal on Tuesday, though he played against Andorra on Saturday. “He scored his 450th [career] goal in this match. It was a very decisive goal, a very important one,” noted Tuchel. Calling a goal against Andorra decisive and important reflected the reality that no one else scored any – it was a 1-0 win.

Harry Kane applauds the England fans after the World Cup qualifier against Andorra (PA)

And that, in turn, was an indication that Tuchel’s appointment alone was not a quick fix to the problem of England looking less than the sum of their considerable parts and struggling to accommodate the various creators who all want to gravitate towards the middle. Cole Palmer started against Andorra. So far, however, one of only four Englishmen to score in the final of a major international tournament has had a greater impact for his country as a substitute than a starter. Right now, too, he isn’t really Tuchel’s idea of a winger.

“If we want to have players in, and we don’t have enough No 10 positions, we could have Cole play on the wing and play then more inside,” he said. “But at the moment, we decide to have the wingers high and aggressive and wide, where they have their biggest strength. Everything is a big learning.”

Cole Palmer isn’t really Thomas Tuchel’s idea of a winger (Getty)

If one lesson is that England rarely have the Palmer of Chelsea or the Phil Foden of Manchester City, Tuchel had a point when he argued their clubs haven’t seen that much of late either. Palmer delivered a star turn in the Conference League final but only has one goal in his last 23 games.

Tuchel nevertheless accepts the broader issue. “That’s the question that needs to be answered,” he said. “It is a fair question. I think that even Cole struggled lately at Chelsea to have an impact. Phil, unfortunately, struggled over many months now to have the impact that he can have.”

Part of the puzzle for Tuchel involves personnel. Bukayo Saka is set to feature for the first time in his reign against Senegal – another reason not to pick Palmer off the right – and there is a quest for chemistry.

Bukayo Saka should be back for England’s game on Tuesday against Senegal (PA)

“It’s on us, it’s on me to find the right balance, to find the right connections, like who loves to play with each other, who has a genuine connection, who takes care of each other,” he reflected. “We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group. I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet. I don’t see it has clicked between the players.”

That could be part tactical, part mental. “We can do better,” Tuchel added. “We can do more fluid. We can be more exciting, which since a longer time I feel has been a bit of a problem. I feel a bit stuck.”

Gareth Southgate could probably empathise. It is not as simple, however, as liberating footballers with one word. “It’s difficult to prescribe freedom, to play with freedom and suddenly everyone plays with freedom,” Tuchel said.

Tuchel believes he is ‘very impatient’ when it comes to seeing England improve (PA)

The England shirt can hang heavy on players. “Like a heavy shirt?” mused Tuchel. “Do we expect too much? Don’t we feel the freedom? Do we not feel the same freedom to express ourselves that we feel like in the clubs? Does Phil feel free in his club? Is he really free in his club to express himself? Not since many months. He struggles also there.”

Free or not, Foden isn’t in the squad to face Senegal. But many another flair player is and so far Tuchel’s reign has brought six goals: one from an attacking midfielder, in Eberechi Eze, but two from defenders and three from Kane. A reliance on the captain is nothing new. He has 72 international goals, the rest of the squad 40 between them. It may not be Tuchel’s problem but his successor might hope Kane shows the staying power of Ronaldo.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/the-harry-kane-dilemma-thomas-tuchel-faces-ahead-of-the-world-cup-41225700

Nothing will change – Cristiano Ronaldo intends to remain at Al Nassr

 Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he intends to stay with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

There had been speculation – fuelled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could join a club competing in this summer’s Club World Cup on a short-term deal.

The 40-year-old had also hinted his future could lie elsewhere when he posted a message on social media at the end of Al Nassr’s season that read: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”

But speaking after Portugal’s triumph over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday – in which Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal – the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said he would not be moving on.

“Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” the forward told reporters.

Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League side in December 2022 after a second spell at United ended in controversy following an interview in which he criticised the Premier League club.

His contract in Riyadh was due to expire this summer, prompting speculation linking him with Brazilian club Botafogo, who are involved in the Club World Cup.

Infantino added credence to the reports by saying “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams” featuring at the tournament in the United States and that “there are discussions with some clubs”.

This comes after Infantino and governing body FIFA were criticised over the manner in which they handed a host nation spot at the event to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami without them winning Major League Soccer.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/nothing-will-change-cristiano-ronaldo-intends-to-remain-at-al-nassr-41222940

Tijjani Reijnders ‘really excited’ to link up with Man City for Club World Cup

 Tijjani Reijnders “could not wait” to undergo his medical with Manchester City and expects to be in their squad for the Club World Cup.

The 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder has agreed a five-year contract to move to City from AC Milan for 55million euros (approximately £46million) and told Italian media he had spent Sunday conducting a medical with Pep Guardiola’s side.

City will play their first match of the Club World Cup against Morocco’s Wydad AC on June 18 and the arrival of Reijnders could also impact the future of Jack Grealish at the Etihad.

Reijnders told Gazzetta: “The medical? I couldn’t wait to do it. The plan is to take part at the Club World Cup with City. I’m really excited about that.

“Doing that means I’ll get to know my new team-mates sooner.”

Reijnders was a bright spark in a disappointing season for Milan, who only finished eighth in Serie A, missing out on qualification for Europe.

Reijnders, who joined the Italian giants from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, scored 15 goals in 2024-25 and will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

As first reported by the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, England international Grealish looks set to miss out on City’s final 35-man squad for the Club World Cup.

The 29-year-old was not summoned from the bench in last month’s FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace and omitted from the squad for the last game of the season at Fulham altogether.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/tijjani-reijnders-really-excited-to-link-up-with-man-city-for-club-world-cup-41221371

Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Prepare Isak Bid; Klopp Offers Sesko to Real Madrid

 Man Utd are chasing Mateta. / IMAGO/Sebastian Frej

Liverpool are ready to lodge a bid of €120 million (£101.2 million, $136.9 million) for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Fichajes state. The Reds are awaiting encouragement from the Sweden international if talks over a new contract stall.

Manchester United are set to receive another blow in their search for a new striker as Sky Sports News note Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is in talks over signing a new contract. Juventus are also keen on the 27-year-old.

Early talks have been held between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest over winger Anthony Elanga. The Daily Mail state Forest will only listen to offers if Elanga requests to leave.

Per Calciomercato, Chelsea are ready to submit a take-it-or-leave-it offer to AC Milan over goalkeeper Mike Maignan, having failed with an opening offer below €20 million (£16.9 million, $22.8 million).

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has travelled to London for talks with Chelsea over winger Noni Madueke, according to Napoli Network. An asking price of £50 million ($67.7 million) has been set.

Marseille have made an offer to sign West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd, Foot Mercato report. The Morocco international impressed on loan with Real Sociedad this season.

Sky Sports Germany state Sunderland have turned down an offer from Borussia Dortmund over midfielder Jobe Bellingham. Talks are ongoing after an bid worth under €25 million (£21.1 million, $28.5 million).

Manchester City midfielders Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan are both targets for Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to Fotomac. Pep Guardiola is open to parting with the latter.

La Liga

Ter Stegen could leave Barcelona. / IMAGO/NurPhoto

Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull’s head of global soccer, has personally reached out to Real Madrid to try negotiate the sale of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, DefensaCentral state. Los Blancos are not interested, however.

Instead, TodoFichajes claim manager Xabi Alonso has requested a move for Edin Džeko. The 39-year-old is set to be available for free as he prepares to depart Fenerbahçe.

Barcelona are ready to offer Marc-André ter Stegen a full year’s salary to agree to terminate his contract, SPORT report. The Germany international has been warned he will not play next season after the imminent arrival of Joan García.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur all failed with approaches for River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono, according to TBR Football. The 17-year-old star turned down all offers and is ready to join Real Madrid.

Rojo has been linked with Inter Miami. / IMAGO/NurPhoto

Lionel Messi is urging Inter Miami to sign former Manchester United and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, TNT Sports claim. The 35-year-old is under contract with Boca Juniors until the end of the year.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/transfer-rumors-liverpool-prepare-isak-bid-klopp-offers-sesko-to-real-madrid-41218370

Liverpool reject Barcelona approach for Luis Diaz

 

Liverpool have turned down an approach from Barcelona for Luis Diaz and have insisted the winger is not for sale.

Barcelona contacted Liverpool to discuss a deal for Diaz on Wednesday but their enquiry has been met with a strong response.

Diaz has been linked with an exit having failed to agree terms on an extension to his contract, which runs until 2027. The expected arrival of Florian Wirtz will also increase competition for places but Liverpool have insisted that Diaz remains a part of the club’s plans for next season.

The Colombia international was a key part of Liverpool’s title-winning side and scored 17 goals in all competitions in 2024/25. Barcelona had earmarked Diaz for their left-wing role, having failed in an approach to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao last summer.

The Athletic are reporting that the Spanish champions have been informed that Diaz is not for sale. Saudi Pro League sides had also been keen on a deal for Diaz, though the winger has shown no interest in wanting to leave Anfield.

Despite the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer and Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain contract situation, Liverpool feel the right move is to ‘maximise’ Diaz’s performance value, over his financial worth.

There is a feeling within the Liverpool board that it would be difficult to find a replacement of similar quality, unless the bid for Diaz is too good to refuse.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/liverpool-reject-barcelona-approach-for-luis-diaz-41207187