The European football governing body had opposed plans to grow the Club World Cup over concerns an expanded tournament could threaten the status of the Champions League, but Uefa is now willing to back Fifa in return for an undertaking that the competition will not be held every two years.

Real Madrid proposed a two-year cycle for the Club World Cup during talks with Fifa in Miami in June last year, although given the opposition from Uefa and all the domestic European leagues that idea has not progressed. In a related development, last week Real ended their five‑year legal battle with Uefa by withdrawing formally from the European Super League. They appear ready to fall in line with the global football establishment led by Infantino, Ceferin and Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Paris Saint‑Germain president who chairs European Football Clubs.

The Guardian revealed before the Club World Cup in the US last summer that Fifa was open to expanding the tournament from 32 teams, primarily to guarantee the participation of more of the biggest European clubs after Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United failed to qualify.

Infantino then said in a speech at the general assembly of European Football Clubs in Rome last October that expansion was on the agenda, saying Fifa was working “to see how we can make this event bigger, even better, even more impactful”.

Uefa’s opposition was a potentially significant obstacle, but another remains with Fifa subject to legal action from the lobby group European Leagues that has been taken to the European Commission. That relates to the international match calendar, including decisions concerning the Club World Cup.

While some at Uefa remain concerned that the huge financial rewards of the Club World Cup will have a destabilising effect on European football, an expansion to 48 clubs is regarded as less disruptive than making it a biennial event.

Although the fine detail has yet to be agreed, European clubs would be among the main beneficiaries of the expansion, with the number of Uefa qualifiers likely to increase from 12 last year to 16 in 2029. Chelsea won £85m from the competition’s £774m prize pot for winning it last year and adding more European teams would have implications for the competitive balance of the Champions League.

Uefa’s position is the latest sign of improved relations with Fifa, which reached a nadir when Ceferin and a group of European delegates including the Football Association chair, Debbie Hewitt, staged a walkout at Fifa congress in Paraguay last May in protest at the late arrival of Infantino, who had been on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East involving Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman. With Ceferin and Infantino likely to seek re-election for fourth terms next year, sources close to both men have indicated that a period of calm is in both their interests.

Spain and Morocco are favourites to host the next Club World Cup, which will take place in the summer of 2029, a year before they are two of the main 2030 World Cup co-hosts.

Uefa declined to comment.

The 22-year-old started the shock 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which crowned the Blues became world champions for the next four years in Fifa’s expanded global tournament.

Asked whether Chelsea can build on that success to win either the Premier League or Champions League, Colwill replied: “Yeah, definitely.

He added: “I said at the start of this tournament that our plan is to win it and people looked at me as if I was crazy. So I’m going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League.

“This is the biggest trophy I’ve ever won. I think the Club World Cup will be bigger than the Champions League and we were the first team to win it.

“It was a statement victory and, in the future, if we keep winning trophies then everyone will give us the love that we deserve.

“But we’ll only know that in he future. I think we’re ready and we’ll see next season.”

Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League last season and won the Conference League in an impressive first season under the leadership of manager Enzo Maresca.

It has been a significant year for Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, after they earned their first real success since buying the club in 2022.

Their signing of a large number of young players on lengthy contracts has proven unpopular with some within the football community, but Colwill believes Chelsea now have a winning team capable of emulating the past.

“We’re a team and that’s in the Chelsea identity. You stick together no matter what. I think players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, they started that and we’re carrying it on,” he said.

“They were all amazing players, the best players who won a lot but we’ve got the best players in our team – young players for sure – and that’s our plan: to win the biggest trophies for Chelsea.

“We’re definitely capable of doing it. I think we’ve shown that. Everyone said that PSG were the best team in the world but we won 3-0.”

In a scathing statement, Sergio Marchi appeared to compare the world governing body’s president Gianni Infantino to the Roman emperor Nero.

And he also claimed Fifa “chose to continue increasing its revenue at the expense of the players’ bodies and health”.

It comes after BBC Sport learned that Fifpro was not invited to a key meeting on player welfare that Infantino held on the eve of the Club World Cup final with representatives from other unions.

Last year, amid a backlash over the expansion of the Club World Cup, Fifpro filed a legal complaint against Fifa, claiming it had abused its role under European competition law by adding more pressure to the fixture schedule.

Fifa has denied the claims, and at the weekend Infantino called the tournament “the most successful club competition in the world”, adding “the golden era of global club football has started”.

But tensions have now intensified, with Fifpro president Marchi insisting that while the Club World Cup “generated enthusiasm among numerous fans and allowed some of the world’s leading figures to be seen in a single tournament… this competition hides a dangerous disconnect with the true reality faced by the majority of footballers around the world”.

Marchi added: “What was presented as a global celebration of football was nothing more than a fiction created by Fifa, promoted by its president, without dialogue, sensitivity, and respect for those who sustain the game with their daily efforts.

“A grandiloquent staging inevitably reminiscent of the ‘bread and circuses’ of Nero’s Rome, entertainment for the masses while behind the scenes inequality, precariousness, and the lack of protection for the true protagonists deepen.”

Fifth Roman emperor Nero threw spectacular games and events which made him popular with ordinary people, but is better remembered for his brutality and cruelty.

Fifa has previously said all its revenues for the tournament will be redistributed back to the club game for participating and non-participating teams and points out that some players and managers have welcomed the revamped tournament.

At the weekend, Fifa said there was a “consensus” with player unions that there should be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and players should have a rest period of at least 21 days at the end of each season. However, that is a week less than Fifpro had been asking for.

Fifpro – which represents 66,000 men’s and women’s players around the world – has previously expressed concern about the extreme heat faced by players in the US during the tournament, demanding more flexibility from Fifa on kick-off times and protocols. Infantino has admitted that the heat was “an issue”.

But Marchi said, “the tournament was held under unacceptable conditions… that put the players’ physical integrity at risk”.

He added: “This situation must not only be denounced, but must be firmly warned against. What happened cannot be repeated under any circumstances at next year’s Fifa World Cup.

“We have been warning about the overcrowded schedule, the lack of physical and mental rest for players, and the lack of dialogue on the part of Fifa. This way of organising tournaments, without listening to the federation that represents the world’s professional footballers’ associations, is unilateral, authoritarian, and based solely on a logic of economic profitability, not human sustainability.

“We cannot continue to play with the health of players to fuel a marketing machine. There is no spectacle possible if the voices of the protagonists are silenced.”

Fifa has been approached for comment.

The Brazil forward, 23, ended up on the floor during an incident involving PSG manager Luis Enrique, as tempers flared between the two sides following Chelsea’s 3-0 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Luis Enrique said afterwards those scenes were the “result of the pressure of the match” and that his “intention was to separate the footballers so the situation didn’t become worse”.

Joao Pedro, who scored Chelsea’s third goal, said: “I don’t need to talk about them. Everyone wants to win the game and, in the end, I think they lost their heads.

“But this is football. This has happened. Now we need to enjoy it because we won the tournament, that’s it.

“I don’t want to talk too much about them because you know how it works. Football is this.”

The confrontations at full-time came after PSG’s Joao Neves was sent off in the closing minutes for pulling the hair of Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella.

Luis Enrique, whose side were bidding to follow up their domestic treble and Champions League victory in 2024-25 with Club World Cup success, said: “I have no problem expressing my feelings at the end of the game in a high level of pressure. It’s very stressful for all of us. It is going to be impossible to avoid that.

“Everybody was involved. It was not what was best and the end result of the pressure of the match.

“I have seen [Chelsea manager Enzo] Maresca. I saw he had pushed others and we had to separate all the players and I do not know where that pressure came from.

“But this is a situation we must all avoid, that goes without saying. My intention was to separate the footballers so the situation didn’t become worse.”

Joao Pedro’s dinked 43rd-minute finish added to two earlier strikes from Cole Palmer as Chelsea won the first edition of the expanded Club World Cup.

Few could.

Paris St-Germain have been swatting aside all-comers all season, from wrapping up the Ligue 1 title in early April to demolishing Inter Milan in a Champions League final so one-sided it was scarcely believable.

They seemed to be breezing through the Club World Cup in similar fashion, too, beating Bayern Munich with nine men and then thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 on their way to Sunday’s final.

But, heavily tipped to cruise past Chelsea in New Jersey, this time it was the Parisians who were left stunned.

Even before Coldplay’s colourful half-time show arrived, Cole Palmer had scored two superb goals and created another for Joao Pedro to put the Blues 3-0 up. That is how it ended.

“I’ve never seen PSG turn the ball over as much as they have in this first half,” said former England midfielder Andros Townsend on Dazn.

“Full credit to Chelsea for their willingness to track the ball in this New York heat.”

It was Townsend who said he could not believe the scenes playing out on the MetLife Stadium pitch. There was widespread astonishment.

As fellow pundit Gareth Bale put it: “PSG have been PSG’d.”

So how did Enzo Maresca’s side manage it? And just how good are Chelsea?

Palmer thrives as Blues produce ‘tactical masterclass’

As has often been the case over the past two years, Palmer playing well meant Chelsea played well.

The 23-year-old has operated predominantly down the middle as a conventional number 10 for much of this season, but at times he struggled in that position. At one point he went 18 games without scoring and recently admitted he had endured a “difficult time these past whatever months on and off the pitch”.

However, having been moved back out to the right during this tournament – a position he made his own under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino – he has looked somewhere near his best again.

Chelsea had clearly prioritised a fast start in the final, with Maresca saying he thought they “won the game in the first 10 minutes”, with their aggressive approach and high press putting their opponents under unfamiliar stress.

“The idea was go man-to-man because if you leave spaces to PSG they will kill you, so we tried to be very aggressive and suffocate them early on and that intensity was crucial in the first 10 minutes,” Maresca said.

Image caption: This graphic shows the average positions taken up by Chelsea’s players in the Club World Cup final – with Joao Pedro, number 20, and Cole Palmer, number 10, circled

Once Chelsea had asserted their authority, it was then obvious they were keen to target PSG’s left-hand side, as Joao Pedro frequently drifted out wide to pair up with Palmer.

Their method was often direct, with passes dropped in behind the PSG defence, but it meant left-back Nuno Mendes was given a torrid time.

“We had a lot of success exploring the left side of their defence,” said Maresca. “Things worked perfectly for us due to the effort the players put.”

Townsend described it as a “tactical masterclass”.

“That’s what they’ve done – they’ve stretched this PSG defence, we’ve never seen a team do this to them,” added ex-Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi.

‘We value it as much as the Champions League… perhaps even more’

There has been much debate about how much this newly expanded competition means.

But the trophy does mean you can call yourself world champions – until the next competition is played, scheduled for 2029. And Chelsea will be able to wear a badge on their kit to reiterate it.

It’s also been worth between £80m and £90m in prize money.

“The fans will have bragging rights for the next four years,” said Townsend.

“Nobody will be able to say anything to Chelsea fans because they are world champions – not for one year but for four years until 2029. Wow, what an achievement.”

And there was no doubting how much it meant to the players and staff, who celebrated it as enthusiastically as they would have a Champions League or Premier League trophy.

Their players clashed with PSG’s team on the pitch afterwards, with the French champions visibly upset with the defeat – with Blues boss Maresca acting as peacekeeper.

“I feel that this competition will be as important as or even more important than the Champions League,” said Maresca.

“I was lucky enough to be part of a coaching staff [at Manchester City] that won the Champions League three years ago, but this competition features the best clubs in the world. That’s why we value it as much as the Champions League, or perhaps even more.

“For us, it was a great triumph. Allowing Chelsea fans to wear that world champion patch on their shirts is a source of pride for us.”

Palmer added: “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, it’s good.”

A statement win – and a sign of things to come?

Many have laughed at Chelsea’s recruitment under Todd Boehly. They have spent somewhere in the region of £1.5bn on players since his takeover in 2022 – and handed out a host of contracts lasting seven, eight and nine years.

Eighteen months ago Gary Neville called them “billion-pound bottle-jobs” after they lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool.

But after the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies this year they are actually looking good. They had the youngest squad of any team at the Club World Cup, with no player older than 27. So they should only get better.

So could they think of challenging for the Premier League title now?

Wales legend Gareth Bale, watching for Dazn, said: “I don’t think they’re far off at all. Last season before Christmas everyone was talking about them as contenders.

“Obviously they’re a young team and fell, but I think they’ll learn a lot from that. They’ve shown a lot of character to come back and win the Conference League and now this. Confidence will be booming – they’ll have that self-belief now.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly embraced manager Enzo Maresca on the podium after the game

BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella, who was watching at the MetLife Stadium, said: “Chelsea are firmly behind Maresca and there is a sense of stability about the club for the first time since the UK government placed sanctions on Roman Abramovich after the war in Ukraine started in March 2022.

“This is a new club – but one capable of winning again – and those involved want recognition for their achievements.

“Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez should be considered among the best midfielders in the world. Marc Cucurella is arguably the best left-back in the Premier League and potentially in the world.

“There is promising talent coming through like Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto and newer players like Andrey Santos.

“Joao Pedro has three goals in three Club World Cup matches and was crucial to Chelsea’s tournament success, while fellow striker signing Liam Delap has looked lively in the United States.

“Another new signing – Jamie Gittens – has yet to join from Dortmund, with Palmeiras’ teenage sensation Estevao Willian also joining for pre-season in August.”

Following the Blues’ 3-0 win over Paris St-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James before being invited to move aside by Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

However, Trump remained alongside James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and applauded as James lifted the trophy – staying in position for a few seconds before he and Infantino left at the rear of the stage.

England international James said: “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.

“He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”

Cole Palmer, who scored twice for Chelsea in the final, added: “I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy.

“I was a bit confused, yes.”

The conclusion of the revamped, expanded Club World Cup – which included extensive pre-match entertainment and a half-time show – was attended by 81,118 people at MetLife Stadium.

Trump watched Chelsea’s impressive victory in the final alongside Infantino and said in an interview with Dazn at half-time that he was “having a really great time”.

In a longer interview broadcast later on Sunday, he added: “Gianni is a friend of mine, he’s done such a great job with the league and with soccer – or as they would call it ‘football’, but I guess we call it soccer. But I’m not sure that change could be made very easily.

“But it’s great to watch – and this is a little bit of an upset that we’re watching today, isn’t it? So far. It’s incredible.”

When it was suggested he could make an executive order so that the sport was referred to as “football” from now on, Trump smiled and said: “I think we could do that. I think I could do that.”

The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will jointly host the 2026 men’s World Cup next summer.

In a moment that has gone viral on social media, a bemused Palmer appeared to question why Trump, who presented Chelsea with the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, remained in position on the stage as Reece James lifted the trophy and the team began their celebrations amid fireworks and confetti.

Palmer, who scored twice and set up another as the Blues stunned favourites Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in front of Trump in the final in New Jersey, said afterwards: “I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes.”

Blues skipper James, who was presented the trophy by Trump, added: “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. I thought that he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay.”

Asked what Trump had said to him, James added: “To be honest, it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much.

“He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”

Palmer: We proved our doubters wrong

Meanwhile, Palmer revelled in proving Chelsea’s doubters wrong as they claimed their second Club World Cup trophy with a superb victory over the European champions.

Palmer found the same corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net twice in eight first-half minutes before setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s third goal as they claimed their second trophy of the season following their Conference League win.

PSG had been heavily fancied to lift the trophy and complete a quadruple after thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals, but they could not recover after Chelsea’s rampant first-half showing, and had Joao Neves sent off for a hair-pull on Marc Cucurella.

Palmer’s goals came almost exactly a year after he scored in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, but this time there was never any doubt they would lead to a victory which, according to the 23-year-old, was made all the sweeter by the pre-match expectations.

“Obviously it’s a great feeling,” Palmer said on DAZN. “Even better because obviously everyone doubted us before the game.

“But to go out there and put a fight on like we did against a great team, it’s good.”

“I like finals and it happened again,” he added of his goals, which equalled his total for his previous 29 appearances for club and country combined and took him to 18 for the season in total.

“The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where the space was going to be. I just had to repay him and score some goals.”

“He’s building something special, something important,” he added of head coach Enzo Maresca. “I feel like we are going in the right direction.”

Maresca said: “Today we found a position for him where there was space to attack.

“I’m happy for Cole but the effort from all the players has been fantastic.”

In a showpiece fixture which featured lengthy pre- and half-time shows more typical of NFL games, and was watched Trump, Maresca insisted he saw the win coming before their 22nd-minute opener.

“No words for the players,” he said. “They deserve it. It’s a good moment.

“For me, we won the game in the first 10 minutes. In the first 10 minutes we set the tempo for the way we want to play. We were very good.

“Unfortunately with the weather conditions it is not easy to do for 90 minutes, but I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes.”

Chelsea now face a quick turnaround to the new season, beginning their Premier League campaign live on Sky Sports against Crystal Palace in only a month’s time on August 17.

“Our future is very exciting,” added Maresca. “But I’m more excited for three weeks off!”

Palmer scored twice and set up the other goal for Joao Pedro, as The Blues cruised to a commanding victory against the recently crowned UEFA Champions League winners, who had Joao Neves sent off late on at MetLife Stadium.

The England midfielder had shot wide with the first opportunity of the final after just eight minutes.

Meanwhile, PSG saw a great chance go begging at the other end when Desire Doue’s attempted square ball for Achraf Hakimi was blocked by Marc Cucurella, with the forward arguably too unselfish for his own good.

Chelsea capitalised on the let off to break through midway through the first half. Malo Gusto embarked on a strong run before checking back and teeing up Palmer, who slid a precise side-footed effort beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Palmer doubled his and The Blues’ tally in almost identical fashion eight minutes later. Leading the charge from the right flank, he cleverly worked space to shoot, before guiding another low shot into the far corner.

He then turned provider just before half-time, driving into the space before slipping the ball into the area for Joao Pedro to lift over Donnarumma.

PSG appeared rejuvenated after the break. Ousmane Dembele was brilliantly denied from close range by Robert Sanchez, who also tipped wide Vitinha’s effort from distance.

Substitute Liam Delap went close with a curling 25-yard effort at the other end, which Donnarumma did well to push away.

Meanwhile, PSG were unable to find a way back into the contest and their misery was compounded four minutes from time, when Joao Neves was dismissed for violent conduct after tugging Cucurella’s hair.

Former Liverpool manager Klopp criticised the tournament in June, which has been moved to the summer and expanded to 32 teams.

However, ex-Arsenal manager Wenger, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, said the Club World Cup has the full support of the teams, players and managers involved.

When asked about Klopp’s comments, Wenger said: “I am going to give a very boring answer to a very interesting question. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I don’t share the view of Jurgen Klopp at all.

“I feel a Club World Cup is needed. If you make enquiries to all the clubs who were here then 100% of answers would be that they would want to do it again. That’s the best answer of what the clubs think of a Club World Cup.

“And the decisive question is do the fans like it or not? We believe the attendances were projected as low and in reality were much higher. The answer is there.”

Fifa is also planning to learn lessons in how to deal with the heat and improve the pitches before the pan-North American World Cup in 2026, which will have most of its games in the United States.

“The heat in some games was a problem but we tried to combat that with cooling breaks, watering the pitches during the break and overall I feel we learned a lot on that front,” Wenger said.

“In two different venues [there was a problem], one of them was Orlando. But we shouldn’t underestimate the quality of the permanent [real grass] pitches.

“The grass is a bit different here. It’s a bit harsher or more resistant than in other countries. The pitches were ‘flat’. But once we watered the grass, everyone was happy.

“Certainly next year in stadiums there will also be more with roofs and the TV times will be more sensitive. At the same time, the weather conditions can be a problem for everybody.

“I asked our analysts to analyse the impact of the heat. We found heat of over 35C had an impact on high-speed running, so sprints, not distances. You have to be equipped to deal with it.”

Chelsea face Paris St-Germain in the final of the competition at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

This semi-final tie at the MetLife Stadium was over as a contest within 24 minutes as the Champions League winners tore the Spanish side apart.

Fabian Ruiz tapped in the sixth-minute opener following a big mistake from Real defender Raul Asencio – after the referee let play continue following Thibaut Courtois’ foul on Ousmane Dembele.

French winger Dembele raced away three minutes later to finish calmly after a mis-kick from Antonio Rudiger.

Ruiz then slotted home the third after a fantastic give-and-go between Achraf Hakimi and Dembele.

Real, who were missing the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, offered little in response and Goncalo Ramos added a late fourth for PSG to cap a dominant display.

What was the main talking point?

PSG’s all-time top scorer Kylian Mbappe was on the pitch to witness another masterclass… by his former side.

Since the France striker left for Madrid a year ago on a free transfer, PSG have become an infinitely better team and are looking to make the Club World Cup their fourth trophy of 2025 (five if you count France’s version of the Community Shield).

And despite a combined 48 goals and assists from Mbappe in 2024-25 for Real, they have ended the campaign without a trophy.

No team can handle the pace, passing and pressing of Luis Enrique’s PSG side, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League and have beaten Atletico Madrid 4-0, Bayern Munich 2-0 (with nine men) and now Real Madrid 4-0 in the United States.

Which players stood out?

Who didn’t? On the PSG team that is.

Ruiz scored twice but his midfield partners were fantastic too. Real could not handle PSG’s front three, nor Hakimi at right-back.

There was an emotional goodbye for 39-year-old Croat Luka Modric, who made his 597th and final appearance for Real and will join AC Milan now.

The standout stats

Dating back to the Coupe de France final, PSG have won their last five knockout round matches in all competitions by a combined score of 18-0.

Real Madrid, who had never lost a Club World Cup match before, conceded three goals in the opening 25 minutes of a match for the first time since 9 November 2003 against Sevilla in La Liga.

What is next for these teams?

PSG play Chelsea in Sunday’s final, which will also take place in New Jersey. They have back-to-back games against London sides, starting 2025-26 off with the Uefa Super Cup against Tottenham on 13 August.

Real Madrid will not be action again until their opening La Liga game. At the moment that is due to be at home to Osasuna on 19 August, although Real are trying to get that game postponed to give them a longer break.

The news came a day after Fifa, world football’s governing body, announced it has opened an office in New York’s Trump Tower.

The United States is hosting the first edition of an expanded Club World Cup and will be a co-host for next year’s World Cup, along with Canada and Mexico.

Chelsea will face either Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, which will also host next year’s World Cup final.

Trump, who attended the Super Bowl in February, is chair of a taskforce he established to oversee preparations for each tournament.

Fifa already has an office in Miami and having a presence in Trump Tower will strengthen the organisation’s relationship with the US administration.

“We have received such a big support from the government and from the president with the White House taskforce for the Fifa Club World Cup and for the Fifa World Cup next year,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

“Fifa is a global organisation and to be global you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York.”

Infantino has assured fans they will be welcomed to the US, despite Trump’s immigration crackdown and a travel ban on 12 countries.

However, Trump is reportedly considering expanding travel restrictions to as many as 36 additional countries.

Trump has had a greater presence in sport during his second term, becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl and announcing in May that Washington DC will host the 2027 NFL Draft.

Trump has also attended several UFC events, including last month’s showcase in New Jersey, and has said the White House will host a UFC event next year.

Chelsea took the lead within 20 minutes as Thiago Silva’s clearance of Pedro Neto’s cross landed at the feet of Joao Pedro, who’s curling stunner left Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio with no chance but to watch it loop over his head into the top corner.

The Blues would nearly double their lead just seconds after when Malo Gusto saw his header saved by the veteran goalkeeper, before they were given a scare when Marc Cucurella tracked back to make a heroic goal-line clearance to deny Hercules, who left Robert Sanchez’s glued to the spot.

As the Brazilian side hunted down an equaliser, they were given a massive opening when referee Francois Letexier pointed to the spot after a low free-kick into the box touched the arm of Trevoh Chalobah.

A VAR recommendation would eventually see the referee overturn his original decision, ruling Chalobah’s arm was in a “neutral position” and the incident was “unpunishable”.

Pedro would once again introduce himself to his new fanbase with another superb goal to secure Chelsea’s place in the final, as he sprung onto Enzo Fernandez’s ball to catch Fluminense on the break, ricocheting his effort off the crossbar into the netting.

Despite efforts to increase their goal tally, albeit denied by heroic defending by their former captain Thiago Silva, Enzo Mareca’s men would book their place and set up a match against either Paris Saint Germain or Real Madrid in the final, who play on Wednesday, July 9 at 20:00 UK time.

All times CAT.

—Football—

The FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) will draw to a close this week, starting with semifinal clashes pitting Fluminense against Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid on Tuesday and Wednesday evening respectively, before the two winners meet in the grand final, set for the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night.

Chelsea’s brand new striker, Joao Pedro (who was signed just last week and immediately jetted out to the United States to join the Blues’ squad), is looking forward to facing Fluminense – the club he came through the ranks in to establish himself as a professional player.

“I have some friends from Rio who have already sent me messages. Congratulating me, but letting me know that in the next round there will be Fluminense,” explained the 23-year-old Brazilian attacker. “I will meet several players who worked with me in the youth team, others that I met in England. And may the best player win!”

SuperSport’s pre-match analysis, range of camera angles, post-match banter, talk shows, and world-class commentary means you will squeeze every drop of enjoyment out of your viewing from the CWC.

SuperSport is also Here for Her, pushing forward the development and promotion of Women’s sports. And this week sees both the UEFA Women’s European Championship (Euros) and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continue with group stage matches.

Defending WAFCON champions South Africa are determined to enjoy back-to-back success, according to captain Refiloe Jane: “I don’t think it’s going to be different – the objective is still the same. We have to go out there and defend the title.

“Whether it’s different players, old or new, the motivation is still the same. It’s very difficult to win it, but it’s even more difficult to retain, and that’s the mission of this team.”

FIFA Club World Cup – Semifinals

Tuesday 8 July

21:00: Chelsea v Fluminense – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Wednesday 9 July

21:00: Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

FIFA Club World Cup – Final

Sunday 13 July

21:00: Final – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

UEFA Women’s European Championship – Matchday 2

Tuesday 8 July

18:00: Germany v Denmark – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Poland v Sweden – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

Wednesday 9 July

18:00: England v Netherlands – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: France v Wales – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

UEFA Women’s European Championship – Matchday 3

Thursday 10 July

21:00: Finland v Switzerland – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Norway v Iceland – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Friday 11 July

21:00: Portugal v Belgium – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Africa 2, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Italy v Spain – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 2

Saturday 12 July

21:00: Poland v Denmark – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

21:00: Sweden v Germany – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

Sunday 13 July

21:00: England v Wales – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Netherlands v France – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Matchday 2

Wednesday 9 July

18:00: Zambia v Senegal – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: DR Congo v Morocco – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Thursday 10 July

18:00: Tunisia v Algeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Botswana v Nigeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Friday 11 July

18:00: Ghana v Mali – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Tanzania v South Africa – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Matchday 3

Saturday 12 July

21:00: Zambia v DR Congo – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Morocco v Senegal – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 13 July

21:00: Nigeria v Algeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Tunisia v Botswana – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

Monday 14 July

21:00: South Africa v Mali – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Ghana v Tanzania – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 2

—Golf—

Golf fans are in for a thrilling week from July 10-13, with four important tournaments teeing off across the globe. The LPGA Tour heads to France for the Amundi Evian Championship, one of the tour’s five majors. Expect elite competition as top-ranked players like Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko contend for major glory on the stunning lakeside course in Évian-les-Bains.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Genesis Scottish Open serves as a crucial warm-up for The Open Championship, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. The Renaissance Club will test players’ links skills, with big names like Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland likely in the field.

In Kentucky, the PGA Tour hosts the ISCO Championship at Keene Trace Golf Club. Often a proving ground for rising stars and journeymen, it’s a prime opportunity for players outside the top tier to make a statement and secure vital FedExCup points.

Rounding out the weekend, LIV Golf lands in southern Spain for LIV Golf Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama. With team and individual titles on the line, expect drama as the likes of Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith battle it out in LIV’s fast-paced format.

LPGA – Amundi Evian Championship

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

DP World Tour – Genesis Scottish Open

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 14:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

PGA Tour – ISCO Championship

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 22:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

LIV Golf Andalucia

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July, 14:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

—Rugby—

A packed week of international rugby awaits fans, headlined by the British & Irish Lions Tour and blockbuster Test matchups. On Wednesday, July 9, the Lions face the Brumbies in Canberra – an early tour test against Australia’s top provincial side. Expect fierce breakdown battles as the Lions continue to build cohesion ahead of the main Test series.

Saturday, July 12 brings a feast of action. In a highly anticipated clash, New Zealand host France in a clash of traditional powerhouses. The All Blacks, under new leadership, face a confident French side eyeing a rare win on Kiwi soil. Expect fireworks and flair in what could be a series-defining opener.

The Lions return to action later that day against the Australia Invitational XV, a composite side that promises to test the tourists’ depth and resolve. It’s a key opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s men take on Italy, with the Springboks aiming to assert dominance and nail down tactical issues ahead of tougher challenges to come.

In women’s rugby, South Africa host Canada, a fast-improving side. With both teams building toward future World Cups, this promises to be a physical and competitive contest. Altogether, it’s a massive week on the international stage.

British & Irish Lions Tour – Brumbies v The Lions

Wednesday 9 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Test Rugby – New Zealand v France

Saturday 12 July, 09:05 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

British & Irish Lions Tour – Australia Invitational XV v The Lions

Saturday 12 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Women’s Test Rugby – South Africa v Canada

Saturday 12 July, 13:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Test Rugby – South Africa v Italy

Saturday 12 July, 17:10 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

—Cricket—

A thrilling week of international cricket lies ahead. England and India face off in both the men’s and women’s formats, with the 4th and 5th Women’s T20s set for July 9 and 12. England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, will look to continue their dominance, while India, with stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, aim to bounce back. Meanwhile, the men’s 3rd Test begins July 10 at Lord’s – a pivotal encounter in a hard-fought five-match series.

In the Caribbean, West Indies host Australia in the 2nd Test starting July 12 at Sabina Park. With the day–night pink-ball format and key World Test Championship points at stake, both teams will be eager to seize the advantage. Australia’s younger players, like Josh Inglis, will look to impress against a motivated home side.

Finally, a T20 Triangular Series kicks off July 14, with Zimbabwe taking on South Africa in Harare – short-format excitement is guaranteed!

England v India, 4th Women’s T20

Wednesday 9 July, 19:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

England v India, 3rd Test

Thursday 10 July – Monday 14 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Cricket

West Indies v Australia, 2nd Test

Saturday 12 July – Wednesday 16 July, 17:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Cricket

England v India, 5th Women’s T20

Wednesday 9 July, 19:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

T20 Triangular Series: Zimbabwe v South Africa

Monday 14 July, 13:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

—Motorsport—

Major events across MotoGP, Formula E, and NASCAR ensure motorsport fans are in for a high-octane weekend. The MotoGP Grand Prix of Germany at Sachsenring features Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s main race on one of the calendar’s tightest, most technical circuits. Marc Márquez will look to continue his impressive dominance on the factory Ducati, as he chases a seventh premier-class Riders’ Championship title.

In Berlin, Formula E stages its Rounds 13 and 14 with back-to-back races at Tempelhof Airport. Known for its wide surface and high-degradation surface, Berlin often delivers unpredictable, strategy-heavy action. With just a few rounds left in the season, every point matters as drivers fight for pole and podium in the ultra-competitive Gen3 era.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. This technical 1.99-mile road course offers a different challenge from NASCAR’s usual ovals, with multiple elevation changes and tight corners. Martin Truex Jr., a three-time winner at Sonoma, leads a field of road-course aces including Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick.

From two wheels to electric power to stock cars, it’s a motorsport weekend packed with drama!

MotoGP – Grand Prix of Germany

Saturday 12 July

10:50: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

15:00: Sprint Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Events and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 13 July

14:00: Grand Prix – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

Formula E – Round 13 & 14, Berlin

Saturday 12 July

11:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Action

16:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

Sunday 13 July

11:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

16:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

NASCAR Cup – Toyota/Save Mart 350

Sunday 13 July, 21:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Action

—Variety—

A huge week of global sport awaits from July 8–14, featuring tennis, cycling, and athletics at the highest level. Wimbledon 2025 enters its final stretch, with quarterfinals kicking off Tuesday and the women’s and men’s singles finals set for Saturday and Sunday respectively – both starting at 5pm CAT.

Meanwhile, the Tour de France continues with Stages 4 to 10. Highlights include a key individual time trial in Caen (Stage 5), a Bastille Day showdown (Stage 10) ending at Puy de Sancy with over 4,400m of climbing, and several sprint and breakaway-friendly stages through Normandy and Brittany. The race is heating up for both general classification contenders and stage hunters.

On Friday 11 July, the Monaco Diamond League adds an electric night of athletics. African stars are set to shine: Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon may headline the 1500m, while Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay could return in the 5000m. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala (100m) also promise fireworks under Monte Carlo’s lights.

Tennis: Wimbledon Championships

Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 July

12:00: Singles  – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

12:00: Second Feed  – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 10 July

17:00: Mixed Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Saturday 12 July

13:00:Men’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

17:00: Women’s Singles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Sunday 13 July

13:00: Women’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

17:00: Men’s Singles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Cycling: Tour de France

Tuesday 8 July

13:05: Stage 4 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Wednesday 9 July

13:00: Stage 5 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 10 July

12:25: Stage 6 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Friday 11 July

12:00: Stage 7 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Saturday 12 July

13:00: Stage 8 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Sunday 13 July

13:00: Stage 9 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Monday 14 July

13:00: Stage 10 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Athletics: Diamond League – Herculis EBS, Monaco

Friday 11 July, 20:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

On Tuesday, Silva will lead the Brazilian team into a Club World Cup semi-final against his former side Chelsea.

Fluminense have kept three clean sheets with Silva at the heart of their defence this tournament and beat Inter Milan and Al-Hilal to reach this stage.

Silva remains close to Chelsea, where he spent four years of his career, with his two sons Isago and Iago both playing in the club’s academy and still living in London.

When asked what he knows about the current Chelsea side, having visited the club’s Cobham training ground in both September and December, Silva, said: “I’m not a spy. I don’t know [Enzo] Maresca that well, but I do know a lot of players there. I talk to them practically every week.

“I’m trying to help in the best way possible in terms of information, but we know that in practice it’s completely different from everything we studied.

“We just hope to have a perfect day so that we can play the best game possible. I’m happy about this match. It’s going to be a special day for me, but it will be even more special if we win.”

Silva’s incredible journey

Silva gained his nickname ‘O Monstro’ – Portuguese for monster – because of his imposing playing style but could easily have earned the moniker through his comeback story.

Growing up in the Campo Grande favelas in Rio de Janeiro and being abandoned by his father at the age of five, the pathway to becoming one of the 21st century’s greatest centre-backs has not been straightforward.

A route into European football came for Silva as he left second-tier Juventude to join Porto in 2004, aged 20, beginning in the Portuguese club’s B team.

However, during a reserve trip to Thailand, the defender began to feel ill with cold-like symptoms.

In the days that followed, he agreed a loan move to Dynamo Moscow but, after only a handful of sessions, Silva struggled to breathe or perform even basic tasks.

He was hospitalised and diagnosed with tuberculosis. Doctors informed him that if he had waited just two more weeks at home rather than seeking medical help, he could have died.

Silva was stable but not responding to treatment and isolated in a Moscow facility for six months due to the contagious nature of the disease.

He was finally able to return to Portugal and, after a further six months, was cured.

That year out of football was a major setback, in footballing terms, and Silva returned to Brazil, joining Fluminense to rebuild his career.

His return to Europe after two and a half years saw him become one of the world’s best at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, ultimately seeing him earn 113 caps for Brazil.

What he achieved at Chelsea

Chelsea fans still sing about their former defender.

The impact of Silva was enormous on the English club’s run to win the Champions League in 2021 which has seen the club participate in this newly expanded Club World Cup.

He also won a Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup – in a previously shorter format – during an impressive spell with the Blues.

Former Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella, said: “He’s a legend of football, a top player. He’s only played for big clubs and texted me before this game saying ‘let’s go, hopefully we can see you in a couple of days’.

“We have the opportunity to play against him and hopefully we can do good things and win this game and play in the final which is what we want to do.”

Silva says of his journey through west London: “I am grateful for everything I have been through. Chelsea were a very special team in my life. I won one of the biggest titles of my career there.”

The coach on the pitch for Fluminense

Silva was seen delivering a team talk during a cooling break when Fluminense were leading Inter Milan 1-0 but under heavy pressure.

He was captured by cameras suggesting a tactical switch to a 5-4-1 formation and also recommended putting Everaldo, a striker, on the wing and Jhon Arias, a playmaker, up top.

Manager Renato Gaucho, agreed and Fluminense got one of the best results in their 123-year history as they snatched a late second on the break.

When asked about Silva, Gaucho said: “I usually say that Thiago is a monster on the pitch.

“He has helped us a lot, he knows European football and Chelsea well. He is essentially a coach on the pitch. His experience is critical – along with his high quality football.

“He talks a lot to his teammates on the pitch, especially in these major matches, against major international teams. His experience and style of play are paramount for us.

“We are ugly ducklings in financial terms but that doesn’t mean we can’t win the Club World Cup.”

Silva, who is doing his coaching badges, said: “My exchange with him was important. I think it’s normal in football for the coach to be open with his captain. Renato is very open with me. Not all coaches have the humility to understand what the player feels.”

Cole Palmer slotted in a 16th-minute opener and, after Estevao had levelled early in the second half, Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off defender Giay Agustin and into his own goal to seal victory.

A lot of the headlines though will go to Brazil’s teenage sensation Estevao, who scored a wonderful leveller from a tight angle in the 53rd minute.

The 18-year-old Brazil international will now complete a move to Chelsea, in a deal that could be worth £52m.

Meanwhile, the Blues gave a debut to £55m signing Joao Pedro, who joined from Brighton just two days ago, but both Liam Delap and Levi Colwill picked up yellow cards and are suspended for the semi-final while captain Reece James picked up an injury in the warm up.

Chelsea will next face Fluminense in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

They are among the cheapest tickets at the Club World Cup to date, although some have gone for as low as £3.60 ($5) for matches involving minnows in the group stage.

Sources have explained that Fifa expected a lower attendance because of a free Fourth of July parade and concert, taking place at the same time in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted in 1776.

Chelsea matches have not been well-attended outside of the group-stage game in Philadelphia against Flamengo that saw 54,019 inside Lincoln Financial Field.

Matches against Los Angeles FC, ES Tunis and Benfica had crowds of 22,137, 32,967 and 25,929, respectively – leaving stadiums more than half-empty in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Charlotte.

Several Chelsea fans have told BBC Sport that they have seen tickets refunded and offered back at lower rates after complaints about the dynamic pricing structure, common at US-based sporting events, being used in the competition.

A mixture of reasons have been cited for low attendances, including extreme heat and thunderstorms, a potential lack of interest, kick-off times when the majority of US-based fans are working, poor marketing locally and initial high prices of more than $200 set by Fifa when announcing the matches in December.

Tickets for Real Madrid’s quarter-final with Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey on Saturday start at $183.40 (£134.37), while the most affordable for Paris St-Germain versus Bayern Munich in Atlanta are currently listed at $83.65 (£61.29).

However, after both Manchester City and Inter Milan suffered upsets in the round of 16, the Al Hilal against Fluminense tie in Orlando has tickets from $11.15 (£8.17).

The cheapest ticket for the final was $732 (£536.31) but is now going for $390 (£285.74).

Gonzalo Garcia added his fourth goal in the side’s five matches of the competition after volleying in Arda Guler’s cross in the 10th minute and Fran Garcia tapped in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross 10 minutes later.

Madrid were coasting towards a 2-0 victory but substitute Maximilian Beier hit the first for Dortmund, sparking a dramatic end to the game.

Substitute Kylian Mbappe scored an acrobatic volley shortly after but defender Dean Huijsen was sent off for giving away a penalty just seconds later, after pulling back striker Serhou Guirassy, who then converted from the penalty spot.

It was too late to change the outcome – still a victory for Real, but by three goals to two – and the competition’s breakout attacker Garcia put himself pole position to win the golden boot at the Club World Cup, level on a four-goal tally with Angel di Maria and Marcos Leonardo, who have both now been eliminated from the competition.

The last-16 game on Tuesday was played in hot and humid conditions in Miami, with the temperature reaching 30C and humidity 70%.

Up to five substitutions are permitted during a game, and up to six if it goes to extra time.

Gonzalo Garcia’s goal gave Real a 1-0 victory in normal time and Tudor made the maximum five changes allowed at Hard Rock Stadium.

“In the end, 10 players asked to be substituted,” he said. “The exhaustion was incredible.

“There’s the tension of this match, which burns your energy. Then there’s this heat, which really gets to you, and the third thing that completes the conditions is playing in this humidity.”

Extreme heat in the US has affected many games during the Club World Cup, with Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac saying he was “sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna” during his side’s group win over Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The temperature reached 36C during Benfica’s group win over Bayern Munich in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it was “impossible” to organise normal training sessions amid a “code red” severe heat warning in Philadelphia.

‘Cooling breaks’ are mandatory once certain conditions are reached and they have been implemented in 33 out of 56 matches.

Fifa guidelines currently rely on the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), a measure of heat stress combining temperature and humidity.

If the WBGT exceeds 32C, cooling breaks are mandatory in both halves of a match.

Global players’ union Fifpro has said breaks should be introduced once the WBGT goes above 28C, and matches should be delayed if it exceeds 32C.

The US will host next year’s World Cup.

A leading specialist on the effects of extreme temperature on the human body told BBC Sport this week that Fifa should consider starting the final at 9am local time should there be similar conditions to those at the Club World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold, making his fourth successive start at the tournament, endured a quiet first half at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami but delivered a delicious cross from which Gonzalo Garcia nodded Madrid ahead nine minutes into the second half.

Alonso once again deployed a 5-3-2 system against the record Serie A champions, but his side looked vulnerable defensively in the first half and were fortunate not to fall behind in the early stages.

Randal Kolo Muani spurned a golden opportunity to give Juventus the lead when he sent a looping effort over the crossbar after he was sent racing clear by Kenan Yildiz, who had a powerful long-range drive deflected wide moments later.

Madrid’s best chance of the first half fell to Jude Bellingham, who was denied from a tight angle by the impressive Michele di Gregorio, while Federico Valverde was also thwarted by a magnificent one-handed stop by the 27-year-old.

The Juventus goalkeeper did brilliantly to deny Bellingham and Dean Huijsen early in the second half, but Garcia’s thumping header was too powerful to keep out.

Alonso’s team will face the winners of the last-16 tie between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey in the quarter-finals this weekend.

Pro League side Al-Hilal made their mark by stunning serial Premier League winners Manchester City 4-3 in an epic Club World Cup encounter.

Monday nights are more synonymous with live wrestling shows on television in the USA – but it was football that provided the big sporting show on the box this time as Marcos Leonardo’s winner sent City packing.

As former England winger Andros Townsend put it on Dazn: “Al-Hilal have shocked the world.”

For the Brazilian striker whose goal won the match, it was an emotional evening. Afterwards, he paid tribute to his mother, who is recovering after more than two months in hospital with a serious illness.

He said: “I have had a difficult time in the last two months. My mother spent 70 days in the ICU [intensive care unit].

“Today she is fine, thank God. When I scored those two goals, I thought of her. She was able to watch the game.”

Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi felt as if he was back on top of the world.

A month ago, Inzaghi left Inter Milan, three days after seeing his team thrashed 5-0 by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final.

Having barely settled into to his new role, and without the services of key injured duo Salem Al Dasani and Aleksandar Mitrovic, he now has a huge victory to celebrate.

“The key of this result are the players, the heart they put on the pitch,” he said.

“Tonight we had to do something extraordinary because we knew how good Manchester City are. We knew we had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and we were great.

“We played with a strong determination and we are really feeling the game. They deserved it. They fought for every ball and it gives satisfaction to the family of Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia and the fans here with us.”

‘Let’s see now if they will criticise us’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Al-Hilal qualified for the competition after winning the 2021 AFC Champions League

The revamped Club World Cup has not received universal acclaim but an unforgettable last-16 tie will be talked about in all corners of the globe.

Al-Hilal clung on in the first half and were fortunate to only be 1-0 down thanks to goalkeeper Bono’s heroics but they recovered to go ahead in the second period.

They were twice pegged back but Marcos Leonardo delivered the decisive blow and once the final whistle was blown, staff and substitutes poured on to the pitch to enjoy the moment with their players.

The joyous Al-Hilal fans, a large cluster of whom were directly behind the dugout, waved the blue flags of the club and the green and white of the country.

Exiting the Camping World Stadium, travelling supporters packed out the concourses, dancing and singing “ole, ole ole ole”, while Saudi journalists hugged and kissed each other in the post-match news conference room.

One walked in with wide eyes and arms raised, screaming “Mabrook” in Arabic, translating as “congratulations”, almost in disbelief as to what he had witnessed.

It was the first time an Asian club have defeated a side from Europe in an official Fifa tournament. European teams have won 18 of the previous 20 meetings, with two matches drawn.

A journalist from the media outlet Arryadia called the result “one of the biggest in the history of Saudi football” – but added that the country’s shock 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup will “always be top”.

A lot of money has been spent to try to grow the Saudi game’s profile – more than £700m has gone on bringing players to the Pro League, while Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr two and a half years ago was a significant signing.

Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 World Cup – a decision that has been defended by Fifa president Gianni Infantino amid significant criticism – with the human rights campaign group Amnesty International describing it as “reckless”.

Infantino – the man behind the new 32-team Club World Cup format – has argued that staging the World Cup in the Gulf kingdom can be a catalyst for social improvements.

Saudi Arabia has faced years of scrutiny over its human rights and environmental record. Its World Cup bid was backed by the Football Association in December after it received assurances that all fans would be welcome.

The Saudi bid for the World Cup was unopposed, as Australia – the only other potential candidate – decided not to enter the running, hinting it was futile to do so after being given less than a month by Fifa to mount a challenge.

Fifa stood by a fast-tracked process that critics argued lacked transparency. They suggested it effectively paved the way for the Saudis thanks to a decision that only bids from Asia and Oceania would be considered.

Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who joined Al-Hilal from Lazio in 2023, was asked about the disapproval players have received in leaving Europe for the riches of the Middle East.

“Let’s see now if they will criticise us,” he said. “We showed them it’s not like they are speaking about the league.

“We show against Real Madrid, Salzburg, Pachuca and tonight. I hope we will continue to show it.”

Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who scored in extra time, added: “We knew it would be difficult against one of the best in the world.

“We wanted to show our talents. We are so happy because we wanted to show Al-Hilal had the talent to be here.”​​​​​​​

‘A real worry’ for Man City

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Pep Guardiola suffered his first Club World Cup defeat as a manager

The group stage had been plain sailing for City, winning all three games, but they fell at the first knockout hurdle following a haphazard defensive display.

Pep Guardiola’s side were often opened up on the counter-attack and were made to pay heavily for their sloppiness at both ends of the pitch – failing to take a host of first-half chances.

“It wasn’t a fluke but really worrying signs for Guardiola,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given said on Dazn. “They could have scored even more. It is a real worry the chances they gave up.”

The result also ends Guardiola’s flawless record at the Club World Cup as manager of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City.

The Spaniard had won all 11 of his previous matches at the tournament, conceding just four goals – but that total doubled in the space of 120 thrilling minutes in Orlando.

For Guardiola, the task now is to sort out the issues they faced in Florida before the Premier League opener at Wolves on 16 August.

He said: “It was a difficult game. We allowed them to make transitions but we created a lot. It is a pity – we have been on incredible journey together and so good place. The vibe was really good.

“We would have loved to have continued. We had a feeling that the team is doing well but we go home and now it is time to rest and rest our minds for the new season.”

Kalidou Koulibaly and Marcos Leonard were both on target in extra time as Simone Inzaghi’s side set up an unlikely quarter-final clash against Fluminense, who eliminated Inter Milan.

City dominated the early stages and after Ruben Dias missed a free header from the edge of the six-yard box, Bernardo Silva scrappily poked Pep Guardiola’s side in front with nine minutes on the clock.

City continued to control the tempo as they pushed for a second before half-time, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a string of saves to keep the Premier League outfit at bay.

In an electric start to the second half, Al Hilal equalised when Leonardo headed home after a goalmouth scramble, before Malcolm added a second five minutes later to stun Guardiola’s side.

But Erling Haaland quickly replied, stabbing home from a corner to level the score.

The two teams could not be separated as they headed for extra time in the sweltering Florida heat, and with the scores locked at 2-2, Koulibaly headed home expertly to give the Saudi side the advantage once more.

Phil Foden came off the bench to equalise within minutes, but Al Hilal finished the job when Leonardo grabbed his second of the game, prodding the ball over the line in the 112th minute.

Striker German Cano’s stooping header in the third minute put the Brazilian giants ahead early and substitute Hercules scored a curling edge-of-the-box shot against the run of play in a difficult last 25 minutes.

Inter’s star forward Lautaro Martinez had a series of chances to equalise before the second goal, including one against the post late on, while Federico Dimarco also came close to scoring from two free-kicks and had a close-range shot from a wide angle.

But the best chance fell to Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij after Martinez’s clever knockdown.

The match was played in front of a crowd of just 20,030 in the final match at the 74,867-capacity Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Fluminese join fellow Brazilian club Palmeiras in the quarter-finals and will face the winner of Manchester City’s match with Al-Hilal in the Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Friday.

“You are talking about teams that have just completed their domestic leagues, who were playing continental club championships. Players were also representing their national teams. So the schedule has been demanding. It has taken a toll and, now, there’s no break; it’s straight away into another competition.”

Masaseng’s concern is for the African teams, all of whom were knocked out at the group stage. Morocco’s Wydad, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Egypt’s Al Ahly and Espérance of Tunis did not get much of a purchase on the expanded tournament, though the Tunisian and the South African clubs earned gritty victories and Sundowns’ dynamic play against Borussia Dortmund won plaudits in an otherwise go-slow tournament. For Masaseng, the tournament has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the game across the continent.

A former football journalist and pundit, Masaseng now represents the interests of professional players in Africa. But he is also making a broader argument for change, in order “to grow the kids and grow football”, and is calling on the African game to focus on raising standards.

“Largely, our leagues are very poor, that’s for starters,” he says. “Second, they don’t even have infrastructure. I would love to see them working on gently is capacity building.

“That’s the first step, looking at the legal frameworks that govern the game and asking: ‘Are we all in line?’ Once we are all aligned, then we can talk about the next phase, which is to professionalise. Then we can look at the next phase, which is to grow the kids and grow football. But now there are small pockets of good progress and the rest are not joining. It’s not coordinated, which makes it difficult to sell the product.”

The scale and complexity of the challenge is stark. Not only are Africa’s biggest clubs lagging behind their European counterparts in terms of value, there are enormous discrepancies within the continent. Data compiled by Transfermarkt estimates that Al Ahly are the most valuable club in Africa with a market value of €48m. This contrasts with Real Madrid’s €1.3bn. At the same time, Al Ahly’s value is far greater than that of, say, the first-time champions of the Ghanaian Premier League, Bibiani Gold Stars, which Transfermarkt rates at €1.85m.

Key to the estimates are the players and Africa’s best continues to migrate. “The biggest disadvantage in our area is that we have a lot of players leaving the African continent for better leagues, for growth both financially and professionally,” says Masaseng.

“It could be because of better facilities to develop these players or whether the leagues in those countries are paying well. There are a mix of factors, but we need to retain our top talent in the continent so we can sell a better product. Then we’ll attract many other things that come with the game.”

Masaseng argues it is the responsibility of national leagues to lead change. “They are the people who are directly affected by this; you can’t leave this in another man’s hands. They can take a shopping list to the Confederation of African Football and say what they would [want to] do through club licensing requirements. The clubs should come and say: ‘We are happy to adhere to your regulations.’

“This is what we need to put on the table for discussion. If you do it that way, it will be more engaging, it will be broad-based.”

For Masaseng, the changes required start as simple as guaranteeing that players are paid and that stadiums are open when a match is scheduled to be played. “You still have clubs that qualify for African club championships, but they do not pay players. They do not honour their dues.

“We still have teams, whether clubs or national teams, ill-treating their opponents, locking up the stadium or not switching on the lights. At times broadcasters can turn up and be told the game is cancelled because the government has organised a celebration at the stadium. If you sell the airtime, you need to do what you say. If you are not professional enough to give a consistent product … that leads to a lack of media investment.”

The challenges are manifold and the mechanisms for fixing them are yet to be created. But Masaseng cites booming new audiences for the Africa Cup of Nations – “In 2023, we saw around 1.5 billion viewers on digital platforms” – as proof that once the foundations are fixed, African football can flourish. “Money alone is not the solution,” he says. “We need to first start with our governance structure, get things right, and then we can celebrate the money that we bring in. Otherwise, we are pouring money into a pit.”

Brazilians Flamengo had gone into the game on an 11-match unbeaten run but fell behind inside six minutes when Chilean midfielder Erick Pulgar diverted Joshua Kimmich’s corner into his own net via the inside of the far post.

It was 2-0 just three minutes later, Kane rifling home a fierce low drive – via a slight deflection off Leo Ortiz – after Dayot Upamecano had dispossessed Giorgian de Arrascaeta inside the Flamengo half.

Gerson beat Manuel Neuer with a rasping strike to give Flamengo hope 12 minutes before half-time, but Leon Goretzka restored Bayern’s two-goal advantage with a long-range effort that appeared to wrongfoot goalkeeper Agustin Rossi on its way in.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho sent Neuer the wrong way from the penalty spot after Michael Olise had handled De Arrascaeta’s shot inside the box early in the second half, but another clinical Kane finish completed the scoring with 18 minutes remaining.

Bayern will face European champions Paris St-Germain in Saturday’s quarter-final.

The European champions were always expected to brush off the team who sit sixth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference – and so it proved.

Neves stooped down to head Vitinha’s free-kick in from close range for their sixth-minute opener in Atlanta.

The Portugal midfielder got the second goal too in the 39th minute when he slotted in to cap off a fine passing move involving Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz, who also had a goal disallowed himself for offside.

PSG added two more before half-time as Desire Doue’s cross was turned into his own net by Tomas Aviles, before Achraf Hakimi slammed a fourth in added time after his initial effort had been deflected on to the bar.

The French champions eased up in the second half, shutting out their old boy Lionel Messi, who had a couple of chances for Inter Miami.

PSG will play Bayern Munich or Flamengo in Saturday’s quarter-final.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the second half of extra time in Charlotte, North Carolina eventually saw Chelsea through to the quarter-finals.

The Premier League side had been heading for an uneventful victory, with Reece James’ brilliant near-post free-kick in the 64th minute looking like the winner.

However, with just four minutes left, players were taken off the pitch due to thunderstorms in the area and, when the teams eventually returned after nearly two hours, Benfica scored with their first shot on target to take the game into extra time.

Angel di Maria, playing his final game for Benfica, converted from the penalty spot in the 94th minute after a Chelsea handball to make it 1-1.

Two yellow cards in the 96th minute and first minute of extra time saw youngster Gianluca Prestianni sent off, the latter for a late challenge on Levi Colwill.

And Chelsea made the man advantage pay eventually, as they set up a Friday quarter-final in Philadelphia against Brazil’s Palmeiras.

There was a crowd of only 25,929 in the 74,867-capacity Bank of America Stadium for the game, which saw Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile injured – he left the ground on crutches – and star midfielder Moises Caicedo pick up a second booking of the campaign to earn a one-match suspension.

In a last-16 match played in the unforgiving baking midday sun on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, home of NFL giants Philadelphia Eagles, Paulinho swooped to coolly pass the ball into the corner of the net in the 100th minute with the excellent Botafogo goalkeeper John finally beaten.

Palmeiras were without a win over Botafogo since 2023, a run stretching back five matches, but were worth the victory despite the best efforts of their opponents to frustrate.

Abel Ferreira’s men were made to sweat late on when captain Gustavo Gómez was sent off for a second yellow card in the closing moments of extra-time for dragging Arthur Cabral to the deck, but they saw out five added minutes to prompt wild scenes of jubilation among their fans.

The reward for Palmeiras is a quarter-final meeting with Chelsea or Benfica as they return to Philadelphia on Saturday.

Some of their summer signings’ transfer fees have even already been paid off.

With near-empty stadiums, extreme weather conditions and poor pitches dominating the news agenda during the group stages of the competition, it is easy to overlook just how much money clubs are earning as the tournament goes on.

Some teams pocketed tens of millions just for qualifying.

BBC Sport looks at how much you can earn at the Club World Cup – and how much the English teams have made already.

• How does the prize money work?

If Manchester City win the tournament they would land about £92m in total – but Chelsea would earn slightly less.

The potential prize money was initially reported as £97m but the exchange rate between US dollars and British pounds has changed since then.

Teams get a participation fee for playing, which for European teams varies depending on “sporting and commercial criteria”.

City’s fee is the maximum of £27.9m. Chelsea are on the upper end of the scale but do not get quite as much, BBC Sport has been told.

Both teams qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in the past four seasons.

Teams from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania get just under £7m, with South American clubs landing about £11m.

The prize money rises depending how far you go (regardless of which continent you are from).

• In the group stages, wins are worth almost £1.5m, with about £750,000 for a draw
• Reaching the last 16 earns clubs £5.5m
• The quarter-finals are worth £9.6m
• A semi-final spot lands teams another £15.3m
• Reaching the final and losing is £21.9m
• Winning the competition is worth £29.2m

The total prize pot Fifa has offered is $1bn (£730m), which is believed to be a record amount.

• How much have the English teams earned so far?

Manchester City have earned prize money of roughly £37.8m – which is the most any team has bagged because they were the only side to win all their group games.

Chelsea have earned a little bit less. They had a smaller participation fee and, while their group-stage defeat by Flamengo didn’t cost them a place in the last 16, it did cost them almost £1.5m.

The additional prize money from here on in is the same for each club who progress to an equal stage.

City and Chelsea each stand to earn £9.6m if they win their last-16 ties – with the potential for more big earnings if they go further.

Chelsea face Benfica on Saturday (21:00 BST) and City play Al-Hilal on Tuesday (02:00).

• How does the prize money equate to signings?

It is only 23 days since Chelsea paid £30m to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who scored in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis.

But that transfer fee has probably been paid off already – or near enough – by the Blues’ prize money.

Or else it has pretty much covered the £29m they will pay for Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian after the Club World Cup.

Manchester City paid £31m for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who assisted a goal in their 5-2 win over Juve.

That fee has already been paid off by their earnings – with an extra £7m or so.

The £30.5m City paid Lyon for forward Rayan Cherki, who scored in the 6-0 win over Al Ain, would also be covered by a run to the semi-finals.

And if they win the tournament, they would also have earned enough for about two-thirds of the £46.3m fee they paid AC Milan for Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

To put the total potential prize pot of £91.9m into context, only about 12 transfer fees in football history amount to more.

• How does prize money compare to other competitions?

Favourably – especially when you consider the tournament is ‘only’ seven games long for the winner.

Paris St-Germain earned about £95m for winning the Champions League last season, but their campaign was 17 matches in total.

Prize money in the 38-game Premier League is more nuanced and dependant on revenues, but in 2023-24 champions Manchester City took home £175.9m.

At the other end of the scale, Crystal Palace only pocketed £3.9m for winning the FA Cup this year.

That means a team would have to lift the FA Cup 24 times to earn the same amount of prize money as City – who lost to Palace at Wembley – would by winning the Club World Cup.

• What do managers make of the prize money?

Speaking in March when the prize fund was first announced, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his squad “don’t deserve” to see any of the money on offer.

While City have impressed so far in the competition – not least in Thursday’s 5-2 thumping of Juventus – it follows a tough and trophyless campaign.

“We don’t deserve a bonus this season,” said Guardiola. “The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much, it’s for the club.

“The managers, the backroom staff, the players, we don’t deserve – not even a watch.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he hasn’t felt any extra pressure because of the riches on offer.

“The owners just want the best for us and for the players game by game, and they are not talking about the final prize or the final reward in terms of money,” said Maresca before their final group game against ES Tunis.

“They never put pressure on me or the players in terms of we need to win this tournament because of the money.”

In March, European Leagues president Claudius Schafer says he “fears for the future” of domestic competitions because of the distortion created by the Club World Cup prize money.

“If an Austrian league club gets $50m, that has a huge influence on [that] league,” he said.

Salzburg will have earned at least £11.5m despite going out in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders warmed up for a game in T-shirts with ‘Club World Ca$h Grab’ written on the front, in an argument involving MLS players over bonuses.

New Zealand champions Auckland City, whose team are made up of amateurs on expenses, are also involved in a similar issue.

City were boosted by the inclusion of key midfielder Rodri in the starting XI, making his first start for the club since September 2024, and City’s positive vibes only increased when they took an early lead through Jeremy Doku’s curling shot after great work by summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Juventus were denied possession for much of the game, but equalised just two minutes later thanks to a rare mislaid pass by City goalkeeper Ederson, who gifted Teun Koopmeiners with a free shot on goal on 12 minutes.

But it was City who were the better side throughout the match, and they retook the lead thanks to a Pierre Kalulu own goal, turning a low cross into his own net to give the English side a 2-1 half-time lead.

City’s quality shone through in the second half as the game opened up, with substitutes Erling Haaland and Phil Foden making the game safe, before Savinho added gloss to the scoreline with a thunderous strike from outside the box.

And while Juve grabbed a consolation through the hard-working Dusan Vlahovic, they were comprehensively outplayed to finish as Group G runners up, meaning they will face the winners of Group H in the next round.

City will play the second-placed team in that group, and on this evidence will fancy their chances of going all the way in this competition.

Niko Kovac’s side came into the final group game in Cincinnati knowing a point would take them through to the knockout stage.

In front of thousands of empty seats at the Bank of America Stadium, Jobe Bellingham registered his first assist in Dortmund colours when he teed up Daniel Svensson to tuck away the only goal of the game.

Bellingham was inches away from scoring his second goal since his move from Sunderland, but his sweetly-struck volley rose over the bar.

Wing-back Yan Couto thought he had made sure of the success for the German side late on, but Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo produced a stunning fingertip save.

Elsewhere in Group F, Brazil’s Fluminense also reached the knockout stage in second spot after a goalless draw with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, who finished third in the table.

The 22-year-old scored with a placed shot deep into first half added time to get off the mark after his £30m move from Ipswich earlier this month.

It came just two minutes after defender Tosin Adarabioyo headed in a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez to open the scoring.

Substitute Tyrique George added a late third with practically the last kick of the match n front of 32,967 fans at Lincoln Financial Field.

Manager Enzo Maresca’s team selection appeared to be impacted by the extreme temperatures in Philadelphia, which still ‘felt like’ 36C by the 9pm kick-off because of the humidity.

The Italian made eight changes and rested star forward Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s top scorer in the competition Pedro Neto, and record signing Moises Caicedo.

Maresca rang further changes during a flat second half as Chelsea eased away from an improbable upset against their African opponents, who came into the match needing a win to progress at Chelsea’s expense.

Victory means Chelsea progress as runners-up in Group D, behind winners Flamengo, to set up a last-16 meeting with Portuguese club Benfica.

Palmeiras finished as Group A winners and will face fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the round of 16.

Palmeiras started the match well, looking to play forward quickly and putting the Inter Miami defence under pressure from the first whistle.

The Brazilian outfit continued to launch forward in attack, but it was Inter Miami who struck first, breaking forward quickly on the counter with Luis Suárez cleverly finding Tadeo Allende who burst forward in attack. Palmeiras defender Murilo pulled his hamstring whilst in pursuit of Allende, leaving the Inter man to go one-v-one, and he made no mistake, slotting expertly past Weverton.

Palmeiras continued to push forward, with Abel Ferreira’s side registering 10 shots in the first half, but they found the target with just one of those.

Inter Miami had a huge chance to double their advantage five minutes into the second half, with Suárez once again combining with Allende, the Argentine burst through into the box but this time could only fire his effort wide of the post.

Luis Suárez made it 2-0 to Inter Miami with 66 minutes on the clock with a sensational goal. The Uruguayan collected the ball, held off the challenge of a Palmeiras player and headed for goal, took the ball past Fuchs with ease before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner past Weverton.

Palmeiras pulled one back 10 minutes from time with Paulinho latching onto a brilliant reverse pass from Allan before firing home to give the Brazilian side hope.

Just seven minutes later, Mauricio completed the comeback, lashing home on the half volley, a goal which ensured Palmeiras finished as Group A winners.

Up next for both sides is the round of 16, with Inter Miami going head-to-head with Lionel Messi’s former team Paris Saint-Germain, whereas group winners Palmeiras will face Botafogo.

The European champions win Group B and will play the runners-up of Group A – which is likely to be Palmeiras or Inter Miami.

Their opening goal had a hint of fortune to it with Vitinha’s 20-yard first-time drive heading off target before hitting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the back and going in.

They added a second on the counter with Achraf Hakimi slamming in from Bradley Barcola’s pass.

PSG deserved their victory in Seattle with Desire Doue forcing three stops from Sounders keeper Stefan Frei.

The hosts’ best chance came when Gianluigi Donnarumma gave the ball straight to Jesus Ferreira, who shot over from a tight angle.

Atletico knew they needed to win by a margin of at least three goals to qualify and struggled to break down a resolute Brazilian team for much of the game.

After a first half of limited chances, Atletico manager Diego Simeone opted to introduce veteran striker Antoine Griezmann for the second period in a bid to spark some magic into his team’s attack.

The Frenchman nearly had an immediate impact when he got in down the left but he fired against the post from a tight angle.

Alexander Sorloth, who had the highest xG of any player in the tournament going into the game, headed a glorious chance wide from six yards.

Atletico finally found the net when Griezmann fired home from inside the area in the dying minutes, but it was too little too late.

Botafogo will play the winners of Group A in the last 16, while Simeone’s side are out.

The Blues players trained at Subaru Park, the home of local Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union, in 37C.

The 45% humidity means it feels more like 45C, according to accuweather.com, and temperatures on Monday were predicted to top 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8C) for the first time in 13 years.

“This morning’s session has been very, very, very short,” said Maresca, adding that “otherwise you don’t save energy for the game”.

“It’s been just about tomorrow’s game, planning for tomorrow, and that’s it. No more than that,” the Italian added.

“As you can see, it’s not easy in these conditions with these temperatures. We are going to try to do our best.”

The local public authority has warned people in Philadelphia to avoid “work in high-heat environments” and “strenuous physical activity”.

However, some matches at Fifa’s newly expanded tournament have kicked off in the middle of the afternoon, with temperatures at their highest.

“It’s difficult to work with these temperatures but we are here and we trying to do our best and we will try to win tomorrow,” said Maresca.

Similar problems have been faced by other clubs, raising concerns about the United States co-hosting the World Cup at this time next year.

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said he was “sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna” after his side beat Mamelodi Sundowns in 32C heat in Cincinnati on Saturday.

After Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain in 32C in Pasadena, midfielder Marcos Llorente said it was “terribly hot” and added “my toes were sore, my nails were hurting – it’s incredible”.

Chelsea are under pressure for their final Group D match against Tunisia’s ES Tunis after losing 3-1 to Brazilian club Flamengo last time round.

The Blues need to avoid defeat to qualify as runners-up, which would secure a last-16 tie against Bayern Munich, Benfica or Boca Juniors.

Captain Reece James is a doubt because he is “ill” and Nicolas Jackson is suspended after his red card last week and was left out of the open training session on Monday.

How are Chelsea fighting the heat?

Chelsea’s players had what was described as a “very short” training session at Subaru Park as medical staff watched on.

There were crates of iced water bottles around the pitch and drinks offered at every opportunity in between drills.

Huge fans were placed on the sides of the pitch, blowing water spray at the players, and they trained in the only partially shaded area of the open stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia.

When asked about the conditions, defender Marc Cucurella said: “It takes some getting used to, and it’s true we played a lot of games last season, but we know we have a job to do here, and we want to go far in the tournament.”

Xabi Alonso’s side were reduced to 10 men early on in Charlotte when Raul Asencio fouled Salomon Rondon when the veteran former West Brom striker was through on goal.

Pachuca caused Real problems and had several chances and a penalty appeal rejected by the video assistant referee.

Real took the lead when Jude Bellingham ran on to a pass, carried the ball into the box and slotted a well-hit effort past the goalkeeper.

Arda Guler doubled the lead after Gonzalo Garcia laid off the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass.

Federico Valverde stabbed home their third before Elias Montiel’s deflected effort gave Pachuca faint hope.

Real will be in the last 16 if they beat Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg on Friday (02:00 BST). Pachuca are eliminated.

Messi reminded world football – if we even needed a reminder – that he is still capable of delivering special moments during Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Porto at the Fifa Club World Cup.

The 37-year-old’s free-kick was vintage, trademark, and there was nothing goalkeeper Claudio Ramos could do to save it.

This is, of course, a man who scored an eye-watering 73 goals in 60 appearances across all competitions during the 2011-12 season for Barcelona.

Standing centrally and on the edge of the D, the goal was at Messi’s mercy, but he elected for the more difficult of the two options – going both over the wall and to the goalkeeper’s side.

With that strike his 68th goal from direct free-kicks, Messi certainly has no shortage of experience and doesn’t lack in anything when it comes to confidence.

Only Juninho Pernambucano (77), who spent most of his career with Lyon and Pele (70) have scored more direct free-kicks than Messi.

“Touched by God, isn’t he? Incredible. What a player,” former Portugal defender Jose Fonte said on Dazn.

“If you get a chance to go see this guy live – you go and see him. This is what he does,” ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added on Dazn.

“It’s nearly like a penalty for him – he is so precise. He is a genius.

“You call him maestro, magician, the words run out.”

Messi’s strike followed another stunning finish from team-mate Telasco Segovia and completed a comeback victory to put Inter Miami firmly in the running for a spot in the last 16 at the Club World Cup.

It is the first time the MLS franchise have won a game at the competition and means a draw in their final Group A game against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, who sit top, would send both teams through.

‘Still got those amazing feet’

Just shy of two years on from swapping the shores of Europe and Paris St-Germain for the MLS, Messi maintains his position as one of the leading players in world football.

Messi took his tally to 50 goals in 61 games for Inter Miami and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, albeit they were only founded in 2018.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to delivering in the Club World Cup, having scored six times in seven appearances.

During his time with Barcelona he scored five goals, including three in finals, and won the competition in 2009, 2011, 2015 – just three of the trophies collected in his illustrious career.

Messi has scored a remarkable 754 goals at club level and isn’t showing any signs of slowing.

“He’s the greatest player in the world,” said Inter Miami team-mate Fafa Picault.

He sits joint-second in the rankings for all-time goalscorers at the Club World Cup alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema with six, and is just one shy of the overall leader Cristiano Ronaldo (7).

No player completed more than Messi’s tally of two dribbles at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while he ranked fifth for most passes attempted in the game (56).

“You can have a high pass completion, but you’re not affecting the game,” ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison said on Dazn.

“Lionel Messi does both, he is affecting the game, he is controlling the game. He is controlling his team-mates, he never gives the ball away.

“Lionel Messi has still got those amazing feet. At his age, 37, still dancing through.”

Messi also tallied third for touches against Porto with 70 – only Sergio Busquets (85) and Porto’s Fabio Vieira (99) enjoyed more.

‘Showed to the world we can compete’

Messi could celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday by booking a spot in the next phase of the Club World Cup.

With a blend of some ageing players like Messi, Luis Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alaba – who all gave their best years to Barcelona – and some younger players from the Americas, Inter Miami have set their sights high.

Thursday’s victory over Porto marked the first time an MLS team has beaten a European side in an official competition.

“Today we showed to the world and ourselves that we can compete against any team,” manager Javier Mascherano told Dazn.

“It is great for the people of the USA to see our team compete in this kind of tournament.”

Prior to this edition of the re-formatted Club World Cup, only one MLS side had competed in the competition. Seattle Sounders, who are also involved this year, reached the second round in 2022.

The Sounders, Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC are all bidding to impress on home soil over the next few weeks.

In a statement released on Thursday, Real said: “Our player Kylian Mbappe has acute gastroenteritis and has been hospitalised for various tests and treatment.”

Gastroenteritis is an infection in the gut which can cause symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea.

The 26-year-old France skipper missed training on Tuesday with a fever and did not feature in Real’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal on Wednesday.

Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso said after the game that the forward had experienced “significant viral issues” and that he would be assessed before the next game.

Real take on Pachuca on Sunday, before rounding off Group H with a game against RB Salzburg next Friday.

Mbappe netted 43 goals in 56 games in his debut Real campaign, having joined the club on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

His understudy, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia, scored Real’s goal as the Spanish giants were held to a draw by four-time Asian Champions League winner Al Hilal in the Club World Cup.

Ruben Neves converted a penalty for Al Hilal to level proceedings, before Madrid’s Federico Valverde had a spot-kick saved in added time by Yassine Bounou.

“The second half was much better than the first,” Alonso said in his post-match news conference. “In the first half we lacked a lot of things, we didn’t have balance. We’ve talked about that.

“I liked the reaction. We were able to change our rhythm, have more control, and play more in the opposition half. It’s a process. We have to take the positives and look to improve.”

Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti after Madrid failed to claim any major silverware last season, continued: “I knew it would take time.

“There are things we have to change. We’ll have to correct them, and we’ll keep doing that. Everything takes time, we’ve had nine days, and some players have had just three training sessions.

“It’s demanding, we’re in a competition, but we want to learn, and what we want to do will take time.”

On Saturday, the Brazilians will face-off against German super team Borussia Dortmund, in what is set to be a spicy affair to say the least.

While Ulsan provided a good test for Sundowns, the challenge that awaits them this Saturday (21 June) is very different. And former Sundowns defender Matthew Booth knows that his former team will have to be at their very best if they are to get anything out of Saturday’s thrilling encounter.

Drawing from his own extensive experience battling world-class forwards, Booth’s advice to the current Sundowns defenders is clear: to make sure they are well prepared and ready to make an immediate impact.

Matthew Booth of South Africa, Fernando Torres of Spain and Tshepo Masilela of South Africa in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup match between Spain and South Africa at Free State Stadium on June 20, 2009 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Credit: Getty Images.

Communication and cohesion within the defensive unit are, according to Booth, “everything when coming up against unknown opponents.”

Sundowns group stage results and fixtures:

• Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 4pm
• Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 7pm

How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? 

Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for Ghc55 p/m at www.showmax.com  for all the Premier League action and more.

About Showmax 

Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, as well as a world-first Premier League live-streaming mobile plan.

Los Blancos took a first-half lead against the run of play as Gonzalo Garcia swiped home Rodrygo low’s cross, only for Ruben Neves to equalise minutes later from the spot after Raul Asencio brought down Marcos Leonardo in the box.

A frantic second half culminated in Los Blancos being awarded a 90th minute penalty, after Mohammed Al-Qahtani was deemed to have fouled Garcia, however, Federico Valverde saw his spot-kick dramatically saved by Yassine Bounou.

It was a game of debuts, with both Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Al Hilal’s Simone Inzaghi taking charge of their respective sides for the first time. Meanwhile, Los Blancos starting line-up featured new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Both sides were forced to settle for a point in their opening Group H encounter, with Alonso’s men now turning their attention to a game against Mexican outfit Pachuca on Sunday, while Al Hilal prepare to meet RB Salzburg.

The Premier League side had seen fellow European heavyweights Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all record victories in their first games and made no mistake themselves against the north African side, helped by Foden’s return to form with a goal and assist.

Though there were banks of empty seats visible inside the stadium, City fans arrived at Lincoln Financial Field in their thousands and witnessed a masterclass from the England midfielder.

Pep Guardiola’s men were heavy favourites and made the perfect start as Foden stroked in from 12 yards out inside two minutes, before the 25-year-old’s inswinging corner was poked home by Jeremy Doku three minutes before half-time.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was introduced off the bench for just his second appearance since September following a serious knee injury, while Erling Haaland was given a huge ovation after entering the action and scooped a shot over from a promising position and had a late effort saved by Mehdi Benabid.

Wydad’s most notable name was debutant Nordin Amrabat – who had spells in England with Watford and most recently Hull – and his team-mates had glimmers of hope on the break, but they were unable to breach Ederson’s goal.

But City will be without Rico Lewis for Monday’s second game against Al Ain (02:00 BST) after receiving a straight red card late on for catching Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot as both players slid in for a loose ball.

Tebas said last week the tournament is “completely absurd” and went one step further on Tuesday after watching 25 minutes of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC, which he compared to a friendly.

“By eliminating it,” Tebas said at an event at the ESADE Business School in Madrid when asked how FIFA could do a better job of structuring the Club World Cup in the future.

“My objective is that there will be no more Club World Cups, I’m very clear about that,” he said.

“There is no room for it. There is no need for another competition that moves money towards the [same] clubs and players. The model affects the entire ecosystem of national leagues, especially in Europe, and there’s no more money in the world of audiovisual rights.

“We have to maintain the ecosystem we have already and eliminate it. Keep [the Club World Cup] as it was before, when it was played basically over one weekend and that was that. There are no available dates.”

Asked if had watched any matches, he added: “I saw a bit of the Chelsea game and it looked like a preseason friendly. I didn’t see any intensity, at least for the 25 minutes I watched.”

The Club World Cup, which is taking place across the United States, kicked off on June 14 with Inter Miami’s goalless draw against Al Ahly and runs until July 13, when the final will take place.

There are 32 teams taking part in this expanded version, including two from Spain in Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and it is scheduled to take place every four years.

Barcelona, meanwhile, who are not involved in the competition, are pressing ahead with plans to strengthen their squad this summer.

ESPN revealed last week they have activated Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García’s €25 million ($28.9m) release clause, while they have been heavily linked with Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams in recent days.

Tebas said Barça are still not able to register players freely, though, and they remain subjected to LaLiga rules which only allow them to spend a fraction of what they save or raise in the transfer market on new signings.

“One thing is making [García’s signing] official, another is being able to register players,” Tebas said.

“We will see. Barça still need to do some things to be able to register signings. Not a lot in this case, but they will have to make room, for sure. Barça know what they must do already.

“All I hear is Nico Williams, someone else and then another… I don’t know. First, it has to be true what is reported, which I don’t know if it is or not. But they’re still not in the 1:1 rule. There still need to be movements.”

He also believes that Sundowns’ recent wins in Africa give them a solid base for their exploits in the Club World Cup. “The experience of continental success will help them remember the importance of working as a collective, believing in each other’s abilities and trusting the work that has been put into their game.”

“The bigger idea is that every pass, tackle, and goal from Sundowns in this tournament will be seen as a sign of African football’s standing in the world.”

Sundowns’ group stage fixtures all times in GMT:

• Ulsan HD v Mamelodi Sundowns: Wednesday, 18 June: 10:00pm
• Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 4:00pm
• Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 7:00pm

How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? 

Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for Ghc55 per/month www.showmax.com  for all the FIFA Club World Cup action.

About Showmax 

Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, as well as a world-first Premier League live-streaming mobile plan.

Pedro Neto’s near-post shot after being sent clear in the first half was followed by a close-range tap-in from Enzo Fernandez, assisted by Delap’s fine cross from the right.

However, the major talking point was an official attendance of just 22,137 fans inside the 71,000-seater arena.

Those in the ground witnessed a laboured performance by Chelsea, but their finishing quality sealed victory with striker Delap impressing as a 64th-minute substitute following his £30m move from Ipswich this month.

Underdogs LAFC, featuring World Cup-winning French duo Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, caused problems but could not take chances which fell to Denis Bouanga and substitute David Martinez.

Midfielder Dario Essugo also made his debut for Chelsea, who have now won eight of their past nine matches, including the Conference League final.

Vincent Kompany’s side outclassed the New Zealand part-timers, with Jamal Musiala scoring a hat-trick and Thomas Muller grabbing two goals as his long farewell to the club continued.

Bayern took the lead through Kingsley Coman’s sixth-minute header as the floodgates opened early.

Sacha Boey lashed home Coman’s knockdown on the half-volley to double Bayern’s advantage 12 minutes later, and former Crystal Palace man Michael Olise turned in Muller’s cross at the far post to make it 3-0.

It was 4-0 just a minute later, with Coman sending a left-footed drive into the bottom corner for his second of the game.

Muller, playing his final tournament for Bayern before leaving the club later this summer, guided Olise’s cross past Auckland goalkeeper Conor Tracey to score the German club’s fifth, before Olise sent a curling strike into the far corner to make it 6-0 at half-time.

The flurry of Bayern goals slowed early in the second half but Musiala eventually added a seventh for Kompany’s team, finding the bottom corner with another curling effort six minutes after coming off the bench.

Musiala, who missed the final six games of the Bundesliga season with a hamstring injury, scored his second from the penalty spot after being tripped inside the area before pounding on a loose ball deep inside the Auckland half to complete a hat-trick.

Bayern scored their 10th with two minutes remaining, Muller converting Serge Gnabry’s cross.

The victory comfortably surpassed the previous biggest win at the Club World Cup – Al Hilal’s 6-1 win over Al Jazira in 2022.

The French side dominated the early stages in searing heat in front of an 80,619-strong crowd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, enjoying 82.6% possession in the first 15 minutes.

They led when Fabian Ruiz rifled a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos missed the target with three attempts, before Vitinha drifted through the middle of the Atletico defence just before half-time and slotted past Jan Oblak to put his side in firm control.

Oblak kept his side in the game by tipping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s bending strike on to the crossbar minutes after the restart, before Julian Alvarez had a goal disallowed for a foul by Koke on Desire Doue in the build-up.

Atletico were reduced to 10 men in bizarre circumstances in the 78th minute when Clement Lenglet was shown a second yellow card for dissent after referee Istvan Kovacs failed to act when Oblak was impeded while attempting to roll the ball out.

Diego Simeone’s side should have pulled a goal back eight minutes from time, but substitute Alexander Sorloth missed an open goal from a few yards when a low cross found him at the far post.

Substitute Senny Mayulu followed up his goalscoring cameo in last month’s Champions League final by firing into the bottom corner in the 87th minute.

There was drama in added time as Ibrahim Mbaye hit the post for PSG, before Atleti defender Robin le Normand was punished for handball by the video assistant referee (VAR) and Lee Kang-in slotted home the penalty for his side’s fourth goal.

Egypt’s record 12-time continental champions Al Ahly, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisia’s Esperance are the teams looking to outperform European superclubs and other contenders from across the globe.

No African side has won the Club World Cup, with only two reaching the final during 20 previous editions.

But it now pays just to take part – the total prize pot stands at a staggering $1bn and, with $475m of that based on performance, success could secure a huge payday.

Although the tournament adds more games in an already packed calendar, Esperance coach Maher Kanzari says it is “a dream” for players to take part.

Ticket sales have reportedly been slow before kick-off on 15 June, but one Sundowns fan is backing the new format introduced by Gianni Infantino, the president of football’s world governing body, which is set to be held every four years.

“You can’t live one life,” Thabo Mothabela told BBC Sport Africa.

“You must change and establish new things. That’s how we grow and explore.”

Representing Africa with pride

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: The high cost of travel and tickets may prevent many Africans, including the colourful supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns, from travelling to the USA

Kanzari has called on his squad to “rise to the occasion” when they face Flamengo, Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Group D.

“Representing Esperance, Tunisia and the African continent is a huge responsibility,” he told the BBC.

“We know that the eyes of the fans will be on us, and we will give our utmost to demonstrate a level befitting African football.”

The four-time African champions will take part for the first time since 2019.

“Appearing in a tournament of the calibre of the Club World Cup is a dream for every player and coach,” Kanzari added.

Al Ahly, meanwhile, will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the opening match (Sunday, 00:00 GMT) before games against Brazil’s Palmeiras and Porto.

The Cairo giants appointed Jose Riveiro shortly after winning their 45th Egyptian title, and have strengthened by signing Egypt forwards Trezeguet and Zizo.

Wydad, who will miss out on next season’s African Champions League after finishing third in the Moroccan league, open up their Group G campaign against Manchester City before facing Juventus and UAE outfit Al Ain.

A disparity in finances

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Egyptian club Pyramids received $4m for winning the African Champions League this season – but the continent’s representatives at the Club World Cup are guaranteed more than double that sum

All four African sides receive a participation fee of $9.55m – the same as the representatives from Asia and the North and Central American and Caribbean region.

That figure dwarfs the $4m prize money handed to this year’s African Champions League winners Pyramids.

Yet African clubs are among the poor relations at the Club World Cup. South America’s six representatives will all get $15.21m, while the payments for the 12 European sides range from $12.81m to a staggering $38.19m.

A group stage victory is worth $2m and a draw $1m, and the overall champions crowned in East Rutherford on 13 July will pocket $40m.

The long-term question is whether the huge sums on offer could impact club competition back on the continent – especially given that between them Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad and Sundowns won every edition of the African Champions League between 2016 and 2024.

Fifa, however, says that all revenues from the Club World Cup will be distributed to club football across the globe, and it has a target of $250m for its solidarity investment programme.

Outnumbered three to one by European clubs, Africa hopes to have a bigger share of the pie in future.

“It’s a platform that we need to showcase our potential as African football clubs,” Hersi Said, the chairman of the African Club Association, told the BBC.

“We need to push for more numbers in the next editions.”

A spotlight on Africa?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: TP Mazembe, in 2010, and Raja Casablanca, in 2013, are the only African teams to reach the Club World Cup final, losing to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich respectively

Some hope that African teams playing in the Club World Cup could draw attention back to the continent’s own club competitions, even if its Champions League lacks exposure and the revenue generated pales in comparison to its European equivalent.

The African Football League was launched to great fanfare by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in 2023 but has not returned since its inaugural eight-team competition won by Sundowns.

The Pretoria-based outfit, owned by Patrice Motsepe, the billionaire president of Caf, have established themselves as the dominant club in South Africa, scooping up the past eight league titles.

Yet one supporter of a rival side thinks Sundowns’ appearance in Group F, where they will take on Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, could help boost the Premier Soccer League.

“If we are talking about the global stage, I don’t think Sundowns are as known as the other clubs there,” Kaizer Chiefs fan Wayne Magwaza said.

“Of the African teams, it’s Al Ahly that everyone knows.

“If Sundowns do well it’s going to have an impact on how people look at South African football and maybe bring attention to the PSL.”

Burnout worries

The timing of the Club World Cup has already impacted the game on the continent, with the 2025 Africa Cup on Nations forced to move away from a proposed June-July slot and rescheduled to begin in December.

World players’ union Fifpro and top European leagues lodged a legal complaint last year over what they claim is an “abuse of dominance” by Fifa, but the tournament will proceed regardless.

Samuel Chukwueze’s club side AC Milan will not be involved but the Nigeria winger thinks the extra games are “too much” for footballers.

“The only time players [can] have rest is the time they put the tournament,” the 26-year-old added.

“It’s very difficult playing so many games. You are going to weaken your legs and your mind, and you will not have the desire to play.

“[But] if it is a tournament, then you don’t have any choice. You have to play.”

For supporters, the chance of glory is always alluring.

“Going to the Club World Cup is not child’s play but we’ve got high hopes,” Sundowns fan Mothabela said.

“The way the guys are playing gives us confidence. We believe they are going to be in the semi-finals.”

The chances of an African side returning with the trophy may be slim, but Fifa expects the Club World Cup to usher in a new era for the global game.

Whether the riches on offer in the USA drip down across the continent remains to be seen.

The question now is: Can they replicate this success on the world stage, as they face league champions from across the globe?

The tournament, which will be held in the United States, will bring together 32 of the best teams from all corners of the globe.

While Mamelodi Sundowns will relish the opportunity to compete on the world stage, they are not among the favoured teams to win the tournament on 13 July 2025 according to bookies.

How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? 

Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for Ghc55 per/month www.showmax.com  for all the Premier League action.

About Showmax 

Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, as well as a world-first Premier League live-streaming mobile plan.

The enhanced SAO is programmed to notify assistant referees immediately with an ‘offside, offside’ message in their ear when a player who is more than 10cm offside touches the ball.

This is quicker than the current SAO technology, which has to take into account actual positions before making a decision.

SAO was only introduced into the Premier League on 12 April, before which the video assistant referee (VAR) made all offside rulings.

It is one of a number of initiatives that will be used at the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts on Sunday. Others include:

• Referees wearing body cams that allow live pictures to be shown immediately before the game.
• An eight-second countdown for goalkeepers to release the ball.
• Referees making in-stadium announcements to explain VAR decisions, and the VAR pictures being shown to fans in real time inside the ground.

The introduction of the enhanced SAO comes a month after Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury after crashing into a post during their Premier League draw against Leicester.

He had been chasing the ball despite a clear offside that had not been given.

In the aftermath, Awoniyi’s team-mate Ola Aina said the injury “would never have happened” had the assistant referee raised their flag earlier.

The enhanced element of SAO will not work in situations where a player who doesn’t play the ball is offside, or in a crowded situation, so Collina says officials need the courage of their convictions.

“Since the very beginning we have told the assistant referee ‘in case of doubt, keep the flag down’,” said Collina, the Italian World Cup final referee who is now chairman of world governing body Fifa’s referees’ committee.

“If you raise the flag, it kills everything, including the possibility that the VAR can help you.

“But we are aware this has led to some consequences.

“Probably the assistant referees went a bit far. What was a doubt became bigger and bigger and bigger. There are possible offside incidents where top assistant referees, as there are in many competitions around the world, would not have this doubt.

“Despite the introduction of this [technology] we have also reminded our assistant referees to be a bit braver and more courageous in putting the flag up when the offside is offside. Two metres offside cannot lead to a doubt.”

​​​​​​​Countdown for goalkeepers

A new plan to speed up the game will be implemented both at the Club World Cup and the European Under-21 Championship, in which referees will only allow goalkeepers eight seconds to release the ball.

The time will start once the goalkeeper has control of the ball.

After three seconds, the referee will raise his hand in the air and count down from five to notify the goalkeeper he has to release. If he fails, the attacking side will be awarded a corner.

Collina believes it will largely be a preventative measure and said a corner had been awarded twice in 160 games when it was trialled in South America.

However, he feels it necessary given the amount of time some goalkeepers are taking to release the ball.

“The referees should be flexible,” he said. “If a goalkeeper has the ball for 8.1 seconds it is not necessarily a corner.

“But we have had a lot of instances of goalkeepers keeping the ball for 25 seconds. There is nothing entertaining about that.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Premier League referee Anthony Taylor took charge of the 2022 Club World Cup final and, along with Michael Oliver, is one of two English referees who will be in the United States

VAR decisions explained but discussions won’t be heard

As in previous Fifa tournaments, the on-pitch referee will communicate VAR decisions and the reasons for them to supporters inside the stadium.

For the first time, fans at the match will be able to see the replays the officials are being shown.

However, there will still be no broadcast of the actual discussions taking place in the VAR hub.

Collina is urging patience to those who cannot understand why football is not yet implementing something commonplace in other sports like rugby, cricket and all the major American sports.

“I cannot tell you if something more might be added in the future,” he said. “But we need to do it when we are sure this will not affect the decision-making process.

“When they are doing their job, which is very difficult, the VARs and the referees are under pressure. Knowing everyone is listening may add some pressure.

“We are a work in process. We have not to forget that although VAR feels as though it has existed forever, the first match with it was 2016.

“We have to be patient.”

Live images from bodycams – but only before game

Fifa have pledged to show live images from the referees’ bodycams – which will be attached to their earpieces – before the game, both in the tunnel and during the warm-up and coin toss.

However, there will be no live images shown during the game and although goals and moments of skill will be shown with a delay, anything controversial or in bad taste, such as a player suffering a nasty injury, will not appear.

Although the images would be available to VAR, Collina cannot see how a camera next to a referee’s eye would detect something the official had missed.

What it will do, Fifa believe, is show the game from a unique vantage point and “enhance the storytelling”.

To that end, it is an entertainment concept.

“That is clear,” said Collina.