Five of the venues over the past month – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, MetLife Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and Lumen Field – are also hosting matches next year.

So what has the Club World Cup taught us about what is to come? And are there any lessons Fifa can learn from it?

Former Manchester City and Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown, who was a co-commentator for DAZN at 10 games across five different cities, told BBC Sport: “I do feel like the tournament has been a really good test for the World Cup.”

Record-breaking heat & violent storms

Record-breaking heat and violent storms wreaked havoc across the tournament. A sign of things to come next year?

US rules mean play is stopped when lightning is recorded within a 10-mile radius – and cannot restart until 30 minutes after it finishes.

Six games were delayed, with durations ranging from 40 minutes to two hours. Two Benfica games, against Auckland and Chelsea, were delayed for about 120 minutes.

There were only four minutes left when that Chelsea game was held up. The Blues were winning 1-0 but Benfica levelled before Chelsea won in extra time.

“I think it’s a joke, to be honest,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said at the time.

“It’s not football. It’s completely something new. I struggle to understand – if you suspend seven or eight games then it’s probably not the right place to do the competition.”

Fifa were fortunate storms didn’t impact evening games, which could have seen postponements until the following day, but it is a possibility for next year.

Chelsea were also one of many teams to struggle with the extreme heat.

Temperatures have soared to 39C in New York and humidity has made it feel even worse – more than 50C on the heat index.

Fifpro state that nine of next year’s 16 host cities have “very high” or “extremely high” risk of heat stress injuries during the tournament.

Clubs had to arrange shorter training sessions, with Maresca saying “otherwise you don’t save energy for the game”.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: The group match between Mexico’s Pachuca and Austria’s FC Salzburg in Cincinnati was one of six Club World Cup games to be delayed because of weather

Ten Juventus players asked to be substituted during their defeat by Real Madrid, said their manager Igor Tudor.

Borussia Dortmund subs watched the first half of one game from the changing room to avoid the sun – and manager Niko Kovac said he was “sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna”.

PSG boss Luis Enrique said: “It’s not good for the spectacle because it’s difficult to play in that position.”

Meanwhile, the sniffer dogs at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia were wearing Crocs due to the temperature of the concrete underfoot.

Brown told BBC Sport: “The weather has obviously been something all the teams have had to deal with. It’s affected the fans too – some of the days, the heat was so extreme.

“It was just ridiculous and it something that is going to affect everyone next year. Teams and fans will have to be ready for it.”

On the plus side, there will be five stadiums with roofs – as opposed to just one in Atlanta this summer – but the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams means significant risks remain.

Possible solutions are planning around kick-off times to avoid playing in hot cities in the middle of the day, as so often happened at the Club World Cup, while seven of the venues used this summer won’t be used in 2026.

“The weather has been hot but of course we can see about kick-off times, review and possibly look at hiding games earlier in the day at stadiums with roofs,” said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Fifa’s chief of global football development.

Will the crowds come out to USA 26?

The past month has brought a mixed bag when it comes to attendances – ranging from the sold-out to the embarrassingly sparse.

Four matches failed to get more than 10,000 fans – with the lowest attendance the 3,412 who watched Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan HD 1-0.

But there have been 17 crowds of 60,000 or more – with the highest the 81,118 who saw Chelsea beat Paris St-Germain in Sunday’s final.

Most of the highest attendances were at games involving PSG or Real Madrid.

“We believe the attendances were projected as low and in reality were much higher,” said Wenger.

Another reason given for low attendances have been the kick-off times, with many being at noon or 3pm on a weekday.

Worst attended Club World Cup matches

American journalist Doug Roberson said after Chelsea’s opener against Los Angeles attracted just 22,000: “It’s not because people here don’t care about soccer. The people aren’t here because it’s Monday at 3pm. Frankly I am surprised there are as many as there are.

“It’s a tournament that doesn’t mean a lot to people in the US because it’s new. I would imagine paying to come to a tournament you don’t know didn’t appeal because the World Cup is coming next year and people are trying to save money for that.

“If I were Fifa, for the World Cup I would have game times where more people could come. It is something to think about – and the ticket prices were ridiculous.”

Jonathan Tannenwald, chief soccer correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer, said: “We will all show up for the World Cup next summer but for the Club World Cup they needed to market it to explain.”

Fifa are expected to stick with the same kick-off times during next summer’s World Cup so will be relying on the appeal of the tournament to cut through and will be asking local fans to take time off work to attend matches.

The Gold Cup has also been going on over the past few weeks, played at non-Club World Cup venues in the US, attracting attention from TV audiences. This competing factor won’t be a problem next year.

Best attended Club World Cup matches

Fifa’s policy of dynamic ticket pricing – where the cost of tickets can change regularly – has also been controversial and it is a policy they are expecting to carry into next year’s tournament.

Ticket prices for Chelsea’s semi-final against Fluminense reportedly dropped from almost £350 to less than £10 in the week before the game.

Tickets for the Blues’ quarter-final against Palmeiras ended up at £8 – with fans talking about having paid over £250 when they first went on sale.

Brown said: “When I’ve been travelling it feels like a lot of Americans are starting to speak about it now and know it is going on – whoever you speak to, they go ‘oh yeah it’s the football’.

“It is still growing, of course – the public’s awareness of it has got loads better than it was a few years ago but there is still a way to go, not just to spread the word that it is happening but to get people out here used to going to football games or watching matches on TV.

“It’s still not the main sport out here but that’s the next step. There is so much room for growth but if you go to a lot of bars and restaurants, then they are still showing a lot of baseball when the football is on.”

What have the stadiums and transport links been like?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was played within a radius of 43 miles.

The air-conditioned public metro system, which was free to use for fans with tickets during the tournament, reached six of the eight stadiums, with road transportation needed for the other two.

But the sheer scale of the USA has brought up concern about the transport to various stadiums for the 2026 tournament, with some venues difficult to reach via public transport.

BBC Sport found this to be the case during the tournament, especially at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the Club World Cup final was held and where next year’s final is scheduled to take place.

The nearest train stop was Meadowlands Sports Complex station, requiring supporters to then walk 20 to 30 minutes in searing heat before reaching their relevant entry gate.

The semi-final between Real Madrid and PSG was also delayed at the same venue due to both teams being stuck in gridlocked traffic.

The opening match of the Club World Cup took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which is set to host seven matches next year, including the third-fourth place play-off.

But the venue sits off a busy highway with no trains or metro system anywhere near the ground. Arriving three hours before kick-off allowed Uber drivers to drop off passengers close to the stadium before roads were closed off.

A post-match curfew meant no access for Uber or cab drivers within a certain distance and supporters had to walk for 20 minutes to a pick-up zone.

Manchester City played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, which is set to host six matches at the 2026 tournament and is serviced by a metro system to the incredible sports complex featuring the football/NFL stadium, as well as the baseball and NHL venues.

City also played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is regarded as one of the best sporting stadiums in the world, featuring a retractable roof and giant LED screens.

Eight matches will be played inside the air-conditioned stadium next year, which has good transport links including a metro system close by and an Uber pick-up a 15-minute walk away.

A potential solution for some locations, which has been done at other tournaments, is free transport to fans with match tickets but special buses or trains will have to be arranged to make this happen.

Brown added: “The stadiums have been great and the logistics side, if it were done again, would be easier. They will have learned so much. I think it bodes well for next summer.”

One source at a host stadium for the Club World Cup said the preparation time for the event had left limited opportunity to convert mostly American Football (NFL) artificial surfaces to grass pitches.

The way the ball bounces and rolls is different from at stadiums in Europe and has led to complaints from England internationals Jude Bellingham and Reece James among others.

Dortmund manager Kovac highlighted the inconsistency between the various stadiums after losing to Real Madrid on the MetLife stadium pitch in New Jersey.

He said: “This pitch and the pitches we’ve played on in Cincinnati and also in Atlanta, the grass quality is different in the stadiums.

“It’s more a golf green. You can putt here. It’s very short. This is not the grass we are used to playing on in the Bundesliga and also the other stadiums.

“The watering wasn’t good enough, I’d say, because you don’t have the licence for that. For high-speed football, you need good conditions and you need also a good pitch, the right pitch. When it’s too dry, it’s unbelievable, it’s sticky.”

A Fifa source explained there is more bed-in time for the 2026 World Cup while local sources highlight how the US is such a big country with different climates that grass that works in one city may not work in another.

How stringent will security be?

There were regular checks for media and scanning of passes to make sure they were holding the correct credentials for accessing different parts of stadiums.

With Donald Trump in attendance, security was predictably at its very tightest for the final between Chelsea and PSG.

Given the game was played a year to the day since the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, the heightened security at MetLife Stadium came as no surprise.

The United States Secret Service were armed and on location, with several snipers positioned on the roof of the ground.

Up until that point, the heaviest security presence seen by BBC Sport was at the opening game in Miami, where police cars with flashing lights lined the main boulevards leading up to the stadium.

Police officers with ‘counter terrorism’ logos patrolled the exterior of the venue and numerous security checks and bag searches were made before entry was granted.

Supporters needed extra time to make their way inside as they were forced to have further checks at a second perimeter point.

Sniffer dogs were in place near the entrance to the stadium in Philadelphia, while at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, armed officials dressed all in black with ‘bomb squad’ logos walked up and down the length of the press box.

Meanwhile, reports said US immigration and border protection personnel provided security at matches during the tournament and it remains to be seen whether the same will take place next year.

Silva spent four years at Stamford Bridge, making 151 appearances and winning the Champions League, before departing in 2024.

“I don’t know Enzo Maresca that well, but I know a lot of the players there. I speak to them practically every week and some of them are very close to me,” the 40-year-old said after joking that he is “not a spy”.

“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 qualify.

“The expectations are high and the anxiety is high about facing them in a Club World Cup semi-final, so I’m trying to help the coaching staff with some interesting details – but they are things that will stay between us.

“I was in London a little while ago to see my kids, so I went to training. Of course I can’t give too much away, but we’ve prepared for this match. I think that’s the most important thing.

“But whoever is on the other side, I think Fluminense have a special crowd, a special aura. I hope that can work tomorrow too.”

Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho highlighted the gulf in resources between the two clubs in his pre-match news conference, but stated his belief in his team to go on and win the trophy.

“We are an ugly duckling in financial terms,” he said. “Fluminense’s finances are not 10% of these European clubs.

“They have the means to hire the individual players to give themselves higher chances of winning. We are ugly ducklings but that doesn’t mean we can’t win the Club World Cup.”

Desire Doue, who scored twice in PSG’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan, sent a 78th-minute low, left-footed drive into the corner for the opening goal.

And despite having Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez sent off, Ousmane Dembele added a second in injury-time to set up a last-four date with Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

At the end of an entertaining but goalless first half in Atlanta, Musiala – making his first start of the tournament after recovering from injury – was caught by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while chasing down Michael Olise’s loose pass near the byeline.

Germany international Musiala emerged clutching his left ankle, while a distraught Donnarumma had to avert his gaze as the Bayern physios rushed on to the pitch.

Dayot Upamecano had a header ruled out for offside moments earlier for Bayern, while their keeper Manuel Neuer made an outstanding stop to deny Bradley Barcola early in the second half.

Four minutes after Doue’s strike, PSG had defender Pacho dismissed for a high lunge on Leon Goretzka, while full-back Hernandez was also given his marching orders in added time for catching Raphael Guerreiro.

England captain Harry Kane also had an effort ruled out for offside, while the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned a penalty in favour of Bayern just before the end.

Referee Anthony Taylor initially penalised Nuno Mendes for a high challenge on Thomas Muller but, after reviewing the incident on his pitchside monitor, the Englishman overturned his initial decision.

The result meant 35-year-old forward Muller, who replaced Kingsley Coman with 10 minutes remaining, had played his last Bayern game after a trophy-laden 17-year career with his boyhood club.

The South African maestro’s electrifying performances for the Moroccan giants have captivated audiences, culminating in a spectacular goal against Italian powerhouse Juventus.

Lorch’s undeniable impact, despite his team’s early departure, has been witnessed around the globe.

The German is now Red Bull’s head of global soccer and one of their teams, Red Bull Salzburg, qualified for this summer’s tournament in the United States.

Klopp has often complained about players’ workload and fixture congestion, and days before the Club World Cup, global players’ union Fifpro released a report saying players should be allowed at least a four-week off-season break.

This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games, and saw Salzburg knocked out in the group stage.

During an exclusive interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Klopp talked about the expanded format and player development.

“It’s all about the game and not the surrounding events – and that’s why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard,” he said.

“People who have never had or do not have anything to do with day-to-day business anymore are coming up with something.

“There is insane money for participating, but it’s also not for every club.

“Last year it was the Copa [America] and the European Championship, this year it’s the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally.”

In September, a week prior to suffering an ACL injury, Manchester City midfielder Rodri said players were close to going on strike because of the increase in games, while team-mate Manuel Akanji suggested he would have to retire aged 30 as a result of the lack of breaks in the calendar.

In October, Fifpro filed a legal complaint with the European Commission over what it said was Fifa’s “abuse of dominance”, specifically related to the Club World Cup, and Fifpro representatives met with Fifa over the fixture calendar in January.

Klopp added: “I have serious fears, that players will suffer injuries they’ve never had before next season. If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards.

“We constantly expect the players to go into every game as if it were their last. We tell them that 70 or 75 times a year. But it can’t go on like this.

“We have to make sure they have breaks, because if they don’t get them, they won’t be able to deliver top performances – and if they can’t achieve that anymore, the entire product loses value.”

Senior Fifa sources told BBC Sport earlier this month the protection of player welfare has been at the core of decision-making, pointing to initiatives such as a fund for players, additional substitutes in competitions and permanent concussion substitutes.

Suggestions the competition has contributed to further congestion in the fixture calendar were firmly dismissed, with a source saying it was “not caused by the Club World Cup”.

It was pointed out that a maximum of seven Club World Cup games will be played by two teams every four years, with the slot for the competition replacing the one previously used for the Fifa Confederations Cup.

Wirtz fee ‘insane’ but he can ‘give something great’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Florian Wirtz surpassed Darwin Nunez (£85m deal in 2022) to become Liverpool’s most expensive signing

Klopp ended his nine-year spell as Liverpool boss last summer before his successor, Arne Slot, won the Premier League title in his first season in charge.

The Reds have since spent big on recruitment, signing Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record £116m deal.

“There’s no question about it, that’s an insane sum,” said Klopp. “We all agree that we’re talking about a great player here.

“I know I once said that I’m out if we pay 100m euros for a player. But the world keeps changing. That is how the market is.

“My part of football will always remain the game itself, but if you want to play at the top level, you can’t train all your players yourself. Sometimes you need to get hold [of players from] somewhere else.”

Asked if Wirtz, 22, will establish himself at Anfield, Klopp added: “Yes, although of course I don’t know exactly which position Arne has in mind for Florian.

“He’s an outstanding player who can give any club something great. Whether he’ll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen.”

Could Klopp return to coaching?

Klopp began leading Red Bull’s global football strategy in January, when he said he will not coach one of their teams.

The 58-year-old remains adamant he will not return to coaching, even on a temporary basis, such as when German club RB Leipzig sacked Marco Rose in March. Ole Werner was named his successor last week.

“My gut feeling tells me: ‘No’,” said Klopp. “I loved my job, but I don’t miss anything.

“It’s about my role at Red Bull, where I’m not the sword of Damocles hanging over our coaches, true to the motto: I’ll tell you how it’s done, and if you don’t understand, I’ll do it myself.

“That will never happen. Red Bull didn’t bring me in as a potential coach. I’m supposed to pass on the experience I’ve gained as a head coach and manager, and help younger colleagues develop.”

“This is not football” was how the Italian described the situation after the 4-1 extra time victory in a match that lasted four hours and 39 minutes in Charlotte and finished at 01:39 BST on Sunday.

It was the sixth game of the tournament that has been suspended because of seasonal summer thunderstorms.

Players, staff and supporters were immediately pulled indoors because of extreme weather, in this case because thunderstorms were detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue, in line with US safety regulations.

The weather has been one of the Club World Cup talking points a year out from the US co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, with extreme heat also affecting games.

“I think it’s a joke, to be honest,” said Maresca.

“It’s not football. It’s completely something new; I struggle to understand.

“I can understand if it’s security reasons but if you suspend seven or eight games then it’s probably not the right place to do the competition.

“It’s not normal to suspend the game. In a World Cup, how many games are suspended? Zero probably. In Europe how many games get suspended? Zero.

“We’ve been here two weeks and they’ve already suspended six or seven games. There is some problems for me personally.”

What happened in the match?

Here is how the game unfolded at the Bank of America Stadium:

• 21:00 BST: Kick-off
• 22:53: In the 85th minute the match is suspended with Chelsea leading 1-0 through Reece James’ 64th-minute goal
• 00:47: Match restarts
• 00:54: VAR check for a Benfica penalty in the 92nd minute
• 00:57: Angel di Maria scores the penalty to equalise in the 95th minute
• 01:01: Full-time
• 01:39: End of extra time – Chelsea win after scoring three goals in extra time through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni is sent off

How Chelsea coped with the stoppage

Chelsea players Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo were furious when pulled off the pitch – as was Maresca – having been on course to win with only five minutes of normal time remaining.

After re-entering the operations and dressing room area, players took turns to cycle on exercise bikes to keep their muscles warm and did kick-ups to stay fresh.

Maresca explained the mood and why it impacted performance, saying: “So two hours inside – people speak with the family outside [to check] if they were good with the security. People eating, laughing, talking on their mobiles. It was two hours. That’s why I said it’s not football.

“For 85 minutes we were in control of the game. We didn’t concede anything; we created chances enough to win the game. And then after the break the game changed completely.”

James added: “It was quite disruptive when you’re in the flow of the game. Lots of substitutions – trying to get warm and stay warm. It was difficult and the climate was very hot and humid.”

A senior Chelsea official admitted there was confusion and relief among the senior staff after the match.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah saw the funny side, posting on social media: “Game started Saturday and ended Sunday.”

Is US in the summer suitable?

This was the second longest stoppage of the tournament, with Benfica having had another two-hour stoppage delay to the start of their match against Auckland City.

There have been six similar stoppages in five cities, including Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD which also happened in Orlando, because of heavy rain and storms.

And there were long pauses in the second half of Palmeiras v Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes), Salzburg v Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes) and Boca Juniors v Auckland City in Nashville (50 minutes).

Chelsea are also one of many teams to fall victim to extreme heat. Maresca said it was “impossible” to conduct a normal training session at their previous base in Philadelphia.

Some of the best stadiums in the US and Canada have roofs, like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but many do not.

Atlanta is the only ground selected with such a covered roof in the Club World Cup but further stadiums in Vancouver, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Toronto are covered for next summer’s World Cup.

However, that tournament has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning these events will likely happen next summer.

Possible solutions could include moving the World Cup to winter months, as Qatar did in 2022, but severe cold is also an issue in parts of the US and Canada.

Head of Fifa’s technical study group Arsene Wenger addressed stoppages from its base in Miami.

He said: “It’s not ideal, I agree, because you want the flow of the game from the first to the last minute but, as well, when you organise a competition you have [to put] security first.”

Fifa also issued a statement at the time of the incident which read: “Due to adverse weather conditions in Charlotte, including the risk of lightning in the vicinity of Bank of America Stadium, the Fifa Club World Cup match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC has been suspended. Fifa will follow the established safety protocols, and the match will resume as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Fifa has been asked for a response to Maresca’s comments.

The new-look tournament has been met with mixed feelings so far. As debates regarding the packed match calendar rage on, scenes of empty stadiums early in the tournament was a cause for concern. On the other hand, there have been some feel-good stories this summer—including Flamengo and Botafogo—and positive additions like the referee camera.

Certainly a precursor to the World Cup next year in the United States, the action and interest should heat up during the bracket as blockbuster matches come to fruition.

Nearly every major European side advanced to the bracket, sans Atlético Madrid, who fell in Group B. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are perceived as favourites in the bracket.

Here’s every round of 16 game at the FIFA Club World Cup.

All Confirmed FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 Games

Here are all the confirmed matchups for the next stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:

Saturday, June 28

• Palmeiras vs. Botafogo – 12 p.m. ET
• Benfica vs. Chelsea – 4 p.m. ET

Sunday, June 29

• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami – 12 p.m. ET
• Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich – 4 p.m. ET

Monday, June 30

• Inter vs. Fluminense – 3 p.m. ET
• Manchester City vs. Al Hilal – 9 p.m. ET

Tuesday, July 1

• Real Madrid vs. Juventus – 3 p.m. ET
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey – 9 p.m. ET

Of the knockout games, PSG’s match with Inter Miami should take centre stage, given Lionel Messi facing off against his old team.

As far as Champions League-esque matches, Real Madrid vs. Juventus will have that big match feel as well.

Plus, Flamengo vs. Bayern will be a must-watch game given both teams’ performances in the group stage.

The round of 16 will conclude on Tuesday, July 1, with the quarterfinals beginning on July 4.

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.

The second half of Benfica’s Group C game against Auckland City kicked off over two hours late because of heavy rain and storms in Orlando.

The kick-off for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD in the same city had been delayed for over an hour.

And there were long pauses in the second halves of Palmeiras v Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes) and Salzburg v Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes).

Campaign group Fossil Free Football say 10 matches are due to be played in the next week with either a major or extreme heat risk, as temperatures could reach 41C.

This comes just a year out from the World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A statement from the world governing body read: “Fifa will continue to monitor the weather conditions in coordination with the venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

‘The dangers facing players’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: PSG and Atletico players struggled with the heat at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California

Fossil Free Football say: “Particular concern is for the fixtures in the no-shade stadium in Charlotte where a heat index of 38C (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41C (Benfica v Bayern) is forecast for the next two matches.

“This underlines the dangers facing players and fans at this tournament and in 2026. Fifa have done very little to allay safety concerns.”

The game between New Zealand part-timers Auckland City and Boca Juniors is also due to take place in 41C in Nashville at a ground with limited cover.

Matches in Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati and Washington DC will also be played in the anticipated heatwave.

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

Fans spoke of having to leave that game because of the heat – and complained about long queues and restrictions of water when arriving at the stadium.

A Fifa statement read: “Fifa’s top priority is the health of everyone involved in football, and Fifa’s medical experts have been in regular contact with the clubs participating to address heat management and acclimatisation.”

The governing body added there will continue to be cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minute where needed – and that fans are allowed to bring empty clear bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.

Chelsea, who are one of two English teams competing along with Manchester City, beat Los Angeles FC in their opener but then lost 3-1 to Flamengo on Friday.

“It’s not easy because of the temperature,” said boss Enzo Maresca. “We’re going to try to rotate players.”

When it rains, it pours

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Fans at several games – including Palmeiras v Al-Ahly – have had to leave their seats and go inside the stadium during storms

As well as the danger posed by the heat to players, staff and supporters, from a scheduling point of view there will be concerns about the delays to games.

Four of the first 21 games faced waits ranging from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours for thunder and lightning storms and heavy rain.

Broadcasters will not be happy with the potential for overlapping matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica v Auckland City was due to conclude an hour before Chelsea’s match against Flamengo started – but ended up finishing well after the final whistle had been blown in the Blues defeat.

Thirty-two teams from around the globe will take part in the tournament across 11 cities in the United States, with the month-long action beginning at 01:00 BST on Sunday and ending on 13 July.

You do not have to wait long until the superstars appear, with teams having finalised their squads for the big kick-off.

Inter Miami, fortunate to be included as they won the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield for the best performance in the MLS regular season – even though LA Galaxy went on to win the actual MLS play-offs and were left out, kick-start the competition on day one.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is part of a legendary quartet of ex-Barcelona players at Inter Miami, alongside former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba.

Defender Sergio Ramos, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, is captain of Mexican side Monterrey, while striker Oliver Giroud and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris – who both played in France’s World Cup-winning team in 2018 – are in the Los Angeles FC side that will be in the competition after they won a play-off against Mexican side Club America.

Fellow World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann are in the Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid squads respectively.

Fans of the two English teams involved will get an early glimpse of their new signings.

Manchester City have selected Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki in their squad, while Chelsea’s summer recruits – Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr – will also feature.

As part of the mid-tournament registration window, between 27 June and 3 July, clubs can add two extra players, potentially taking their squad size from 35 up to 37. A maximum of six changes can be made to squads.

Busy summer for numerous England stars

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: England internationals Harry Kane (left), Conor Gallagher (centre) and Jude Bellingham will be in action for Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively

It promises to be a busy summer for some key members of the England squad.

The Three Lions played two games in June – winning 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona on 7 June before losing 3-1 in a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham Forest three days later.

The game at the City Ground took place just four days before the club tournament starts in the USA.

England captain Harry Kane and midfielders Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher will play in the United States for Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Real will have England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold available for the tournament after they paid Liverpool £8.4m to sign him a month before his contract with the Reds expired.

The Spanish giants have also included centre-back Dean Huijsen, who they signed from Bournemouth for £50m last month.

Chelsea’s England quartet Cole Palmer, Reece James, Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke will be in the United States after a busy end to the season, which included winning the Conference League final on 28 May.

Meanwhile, Phil Foden, John Stones and Rico Lewis will be among the England internationals featuring for Manchester City in the Club World Cup, although Jack Grealish has been left out with his future at the club uncertain.

​​​​​​​European dozen aiming for glory

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Bayern’s Leroy Sane (right) has been linked with a summer move to Galatasaray

There are 12 European teams competing in the United States, based on their achievements in Uefa competitions over the past five years.

Chelsea qualified via winning the Champions League in 2021, while Manchester City’s success two years later also earned them a spot – although 2025 Premier League champions Liverpool and Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal have not made the cut.

Needless to say, the European teams are packed full of former Premier League players.

Numerous former Chelsea players will be there – including Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger at Real Madrid and Cesar Azpilicueta at Atletico Madrid, whose squad also includes Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, who moved from Manchester City in a deal worth £81.5m last summer.

Former Manchester United duo Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian are now at Inter Milan, Angel di Maria plays for Benfica and fellow midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is at Borussia Dortmund, with former Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross among their other options – although ex-Liverpool man Emre Can misses out because of an adductor injury.

New Dortmund signing from Sunderland, Jobe Bellingham, has been included in their squad, along with Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka.

As well as Kane, Bayern’s squad includes Michael Olise and Leroy Sane, who played in the Premier League at Crystal Palace and Manchester City respectively.

​​​​​​​A global game

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Former Manchester United duo Marcos Rojo (left) and Edinson Cavani play in Argentina for River Plate

Further afield, there will be plenty of names which will be familiar to British-based football fans.

Manchester United supporters may well be interested in the progress of Argentine side Boca Juniors, whose squad includes ex-United quartet Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Edinson Cavani, while left-back Alex Telles is now at Brazil’s Botafogo and right-back Guillermo Varela at another Brazilian side in Flamengo.

Former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva is also back playing in his homeland, for Fluminense, and West Ham supporters will be keen to see how former Hammers Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini get on at Palmeiras and River Plate respectively.

Striker Salomon Rondon, who represented West Brom, Newcastle and Everton in his time in England, is at Mexican outfit Pachuca and winger Ryan Kent is now at American side Seattle Sounders after a career that has taken him to Liverpool, Coventry, Barnsley, Bristol City and Rangers.

While the tournament will include Messi and Mbappe, there will be no Cristiano Ronaldo as there is only one team from Saudi Arabia and that is Al-Hilal, who won the 2021 AFC Champions League.

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr team would still have qualified had they won that tournament in 2023-24, but lost in the quarter-finals.

Al-Hilal do, however, have some familiar names in their squad including Joao Cancelo, a Premier League title-winning full-back with Manchester City, former Newcastle and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, ex-Nottingham Forest defender Renan Lodi and former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

StarTimes earlier announced acquiring the rights to broadcast all matches of the world club showpiece to be played in the United States of America from June 14 – July 13, 2025.

As part of plans to give subscribers a flexible means to enjoy all live matches of the tournament, StarTimes has announced a promotional campaign to offer customers a package upgrade and more viewing days as soon as they recharge their accounts.

Effective June 13, 2025 to August 16, 2025, existing subscribers who recharge two months of their current bouquet, get two months FREE upgrade to the next higher bouquet while MEGA bouquet subscribers who recharge for two months, get an extra 10 Days FREE viewing.

Acting marketing manager of StarTimes, Mr. Eli Kondoh reiterated the company’s vision to offer Ghanaians affordability with regards to premium sports and entertainment content.

“We always seek to give our subscribers the freedom to watch premium content at the most affordable rates. And with as low as GHC 180 per month on the MEGA bouquet, all active subscribers can watch all 63 matches of the all-new FIFA Club World Cup expanded format. An affordable offer which is not available anywhere elsewhere but on StarTimes.”

“With the football league season coming to an end, we want our subscribers to have more viewing days to enjoy the FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP and other great entertaining content for the entire family.”

The opening match of the 2025 tournament, the first of 63 in total, will see Al Ahly and Inter Miami square off at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida on June 14 at 12AM, while the final will be played on July 13 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey at 7PM.

Clubs from six different confederations will be taking part, including reigning champions Manchester City who won their first world title in the previous tournament in 2023 under the old format.

Spanish giants Real Madrid will endeavour to win a record-extending sixth Club World Cup trophy, while Paris Saint-Germain – fresh from their Champions League triumph – will be hoping to add to their treble of trophies won in the 2024-25 campaign.

Other notable names taking part include Brazilian quartet Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo who have all qualified after winning the Copa Libertadores – South America’s most prestigious club competition – over the last four years.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate have also qualified, along with the likes of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, Egyptian champions Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

From Florida to Washington, New Jersey to California and beyond, the 32 participating clubs hailing from 20 different nations have selected sites in 14 states across the country, ensuring that the impact of the highly anticipated competition resonates in communities both in and out of the cities where the tournament’s 63 matches will be staged.

“We’re pleased to confirm the Team Base Camp Training Sites that will host qualified clubs throughout the group stage of the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup,” said FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström.

“These sites and more significantly the people and communities that surround them will welcome the world’s best, providing first-class environments and hospitality in support of the teams.”

“The clubs, their players, coaches, management, staff and fans will build incredible connections with the local people that support them throughout the tournament. This is a consistently important part of any World Cup, and I can’t wait to learn about the bonds forged throughout this historic event.”

FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Team Base Camp Training Sites:

Florida (9), California (5), New Jersey (4), North Carolina (3), Virginia (2), Tennessee (2) and Washington (2) are home to training sites that have been selected to be utilised by multiple clubs. Locations in Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia will also play a crucial role throughout the competition, offering elite training environments as teams gets set to compete on the global stage.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) training centres of Charlotte FC, DC United, Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders will be utilised as Team Base Camp Training Sites throughout the tournament – recognition of the world-class infrastructure that has been developed by MLS clubs.

Teams will also utilise a range of other facilities throughout the competition. Venue-specific training Sites located close to match stadiums will offer great hubs for teams the day before matches and throughout the playoffs.

Tickets for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches are available at FIFA.com/tickets, while every match at the tournament will be streamed live and for free globally on DAZN.com.

Ronaldo’s club, Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, failed to qualify for the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States.

But Infantino says the 40-year-old Portugal forward, who is out of contract this summer, could still feature in the new-look event.

During an interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino talked about Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi playing in the tournament’s opening game on 14 June for his Inter Miami side.

He then added: “And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.

“There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract expires on 30 June.

This year’s Club World Cup will be the first to be played in the summer and the first to feature more than eight teams.

World football’s governing body Fifa has therefore introduced an additional transfer window from 1-10 June, allowing clubs to complete deals in time for the tournament.

Who could Ronaldo join for Club World Cup?

Spanish newspaper Marca, reported last weekend that an unnamed Brazilian club had made an offer to Ronaldo.

Botafogo are one of four Brazilian teams to have qualified and their coach Renato Paiva was asked about Ronaldo last Sunday.

He laughed before saying: “Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that.

“I don’t know anything – I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.”

Botafogo are owned by American businessman John Textor, who also holds a majority stake in Crystal Palace.

Ronaldo won the Champions League four times during nine seasons with Real Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018.

Real and Juve are among the 12 European clubs that have qualified, which includes Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City.

Between them either Ronaldo or Messi won the Ballon d’Or from 2008 to 2017, before Messi won it three more times to give the Argentine forward, 37, a record eight wins.

Messi’s Inter Miami are in the same group as Egypt’s Al Ahly, Portuguese side Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras.

The 21st edition of FIFA’s flagship international club competition, featuring some of the biggest clubs and the biggest names in the football universe is coming on 15 June 2025 with a new format for those that love ‘The Beautiful Game’.

But what is this tournament all about? Who will take part, where, and when? Don’t worry…DStv and GOtv have got you covered with this “Everything You Need to Know About the FIFA Club World Cup” guide.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup – The Basics

·Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2025

·Host nation: United States

·Format: 32 teams, divided into 8 groups of 4 (round-robin), top two from each group advance to knockout stage

·Final venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

·Opening match: Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 15 June, 02:00 CAT

History & Evolution

·The Club World Cup began in 2000 as the FIFA Club World Championship, later re-branded in 2005.

·Previously, it featured 7 teams; the 2025 edition marks its expansion to 32 teams.

·This expansion aims to increase global representation and align with FIFA’s broader vision for international club competitions.

Teams

·Europe (12):

o   Real Madrid

o   Manchester City

o   Bayern Munich

o   Paris Saint-Germain

o   Chelsea

o   Inter Milan

o   Atletico Madrid

o   Juventus

o   Borussia Dortmund

o   Benfica

o   Porto

o   RB Salzburg

·South America (6):

o   Flamengo

o   Palmeiras

o   River Plate

o   Fluminense

o   Boca Juniors

o   Botafogo

·Africa (4):

o   Al Ahly

o   Wydad AC

o   Esperance de Tunis

o   Mamelodi Sundowns

·Asia (4):

o   Al Hilal

o   Urawa Red Diamonds

o   Al Ain

o   Ulsan Hyundai

·North & Central America (4):

o   Monterrey

o   Seattle Sounders

o   Pachuca

o   Inter Miami

·Oceania (1):

o   Auckland City

Expanded Format Details

·Group Stage: 8 groups of 4 teams, round-robin matches.

·Knockout Stage: Top two teams from each group advance to a single-elimination round of 16. This is followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.

·Prize Money: Totaling $1 billion, with significant rewards for top-performing clubs.

Global Representation

·The tournament ensures participation from all six FIFA confederations, promoting global football unity.

·This inclusive approach highlights FIFA’s commitment to worldwide club competition.

Significance Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

·Showcase of Global Talent: The tournament serves as a platform for showcasing top club talent globally.

·Preparation for 2026: It provides valuable experience for clubs and players, contributing to the development of football in North America ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

·Legacy Building: The event aims to leave a lasting legacy in the host nation, fostering the growth of football culture and infrastructure.

Host Cities & Venues

·Cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington, D.C.

·Stadiums:

o   Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)

o   MetLife Stadium (New Jersey)

o   Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

o   Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte)

o   TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)

o   Geodis Park (Nashville)

o   Camping World Stadium (Orlando)

o   Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)

o   Lumen Field (Seattle)

o   Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

o   Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando)

Where and how to watch football at home.

SuperSport is making it easier to find matches so you can plan your viewing schedule on DStv and GOtv, here’s how:

·SuperSport Premier League, which will be renamed to “SS FIFA Club World Cup Channel” for the duration of the tournament.

·This will be available on DStv Access and GOtv Plus customers.

·Matches will also be available on Maximo 2, SS LaLiga and SS Maximo 360.

·FIFA Club World Cup matches will be available via the Showmax Premier League.

·DStv customers with DStv Stream can look forward to a seamless streaming experience on SS FIFA Club World Cup because they can scroll back to catch the last 24 hours of live content.

·GOtv Stream customers can stream live channels on their mobile devices.

Get and stay connected to catch all the action. To upgrade or manage your subscription download the MyDStv app on your mobile app store or visit www.dstv.com. You can also catch all the action while on the move. Stream all matches on the DStv Stream app by downloading it from the app store today!

Tune into GOtv to find out who will emerge victorious. Get a bang for your buck with GOtv and don’t miss out any further. Visit www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade and join in on the excitement. Manage your subscription via the MyGOtv App, available on your mobile app store. On the go, stress less, download GOtv Stream now and worry no more. Watch on the go, whenever, wherever. GOtv, Love it!

The new trophy, designed by Fifa and crafted in collaboration with global luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co, will be presented to the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup™ winners, who will be crowned after the final at the MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.

The trophy is here! ✨

Crafted in collaboration with @TiffanyAndCo, this trophy will be awarded for the first time to the winners of the inaugural #FIFACWC taking place next year.
#TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/x1Wo1T1Lf4

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) November 14, 2024

Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “Innovative, inclusive, groundbreaking and truly global, the new 32-team Fifa Club World Cup deserves a trophy that represents all of this. It is both prestigious and timeless – a golden trophy that is a symbol of the future and inspired by the past.”

“The team who lift this trophy will hold the world of club football in their hands. To the players who win it, history belongs to you! Let’s take it to the world and celebrate it as we look forward to the start of a new era for football when the one and only FIFA club world champions lift the Fifa Club World Cup Trophy in New York New Jersey on 13 July 2025.”

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany & Co, Anthony Ledru, added: “With a legacy dating back 160 years, Tiffany & Co has crafted some of the most iconic championship trophies in history, setting the standard for craft and design. The Fifa Club World Cup Trophy is the next chapter in our long history of creating the world’s most revered symbols of athletic achievement.”

A SYMBOLD OF  THE FUTURE, INSPIRED BY THE PAST

Boasting a 24-carat gold-plated finish, the Fifa Club World Cup Trophy features intricate laser-engraved inscriptions on both sides, showcasing text and imagery that portray football’s rich history.

The inscriptions include a world map and the names of all 211 Fifa Member Associations and the six confederations, representing the geographical and cultural diversity of the beautiful game.

The trophy’s central disc displays an array of icons that capture football’s traditions, including symbols of stadiums and equipment and a world map.

The trophy also features engravings in 13 languages and Braille, further highlighting the inclusive spirit of the global game and ensuring that the tournament’s legacy is accessible to diverse audiences around the world.

Space is available to laser-engrave the emblems of the winning clubs for 24 editions of the tournament. Furthermore, the trophy can transform from a shield into a multifaceted and orbital structure – an adaptable design that establishes a powerful visual structure.

The famous Voyager Golden Records carried on NASA’s Voyager deep-space missions in the 1970s, the periodic table, maps of pioneering journeys and astronomy each played a role in the trophy’s conceptualisation.

Celebrating both the past and the future of the sport, the trophy features celestial symbols representing the approximate positions of planets at the time of FIFA’s foundation on Saturday, 21 May 1904 in Paris, France, and of the tournament’s opening match on 15 June 2025 in Miami, USA.

An inspiring message to the champions is engraved on the trophy, including the following: “To those who hold this trophy, history belongs to you! You are witness to a moment in time that represents the pinnacle of club football, bestowed upon few but celebrated by many.” These words reflect the trophy’s status as a symbol of greatness, honouring the legends of the past while inspiring clubs globally.

A TROPHY FOR CHAMPIONS

The champions at each edition will receive a replica of the Fifa Club World Cup Trophy featuring engravings that mark their triumph after the final.

This official Fifa Club World Cup Winner’s Trophy mirrors the perpetual trophy in its craft, construction and scale – complete with official nameplates emblazoned with club emblems, along with dates relating to their victory.

The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy will be presented to the world in its physical form on Thursday, 5 December, when Fifa hosts the tournament’s draw in Miami, USA.

Additional information regarding the FIFA Club World Cup can be accessed on FIFA.com.

Fans can register for tournament ticket and hospitality information at FIFA.com/tickets.

Ancelotti’s comment appeared in an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale which was released on Monday.

But the Italian, 65, later posted on social media to say his words were “not interpreted in the way I intended”.

He added: “Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid.”

Real are one of 12 European teams already qualified for the 32-team Fifa tournament to be held in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.

In a statement, the La Liga champions said: “Real Madrid would like to announce that at no time has there been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by Fifa in the coming 2024/2025 season.

“Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy.”

In the interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti was quoted as saying: “FIFA can forget it, footballers and clubs will not participate in that tournament.

“A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and Fifa wants to give us that amount for the whole cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

The European Club Association (ECA) had distanced itself from Ancelotti’s interview remarks.

Last month. Fifa rejected claims that world players’ union Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA), which includes the Premier League, were not consulted over plans.

Fifpro and the WLA called on Fifa to reschedule the tournament amid a threat of legal action.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously said the football calendar is “getting to a tipping point” with the amount of matches that teams are being asked to play.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino last month said he hoped Fifpro and the WLA would stop this “futile debate”.

“Even with the new Club World Cup of Fifa with 32 teams and 63 matches every four years, Fifa is organising around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world,” he said.

“All other matches, 98, 99%, are organised by the different leagues, associations, confederations, by all of you – and that’s good.

“But here comes the thing – the one or two per cent of matches that Fifa organises is financing football all over the world.”

The 2021 finals in Cameroon and the 2023 edition of Afcon, which kicks off in Ivory Coast on Saturday, were moved to dates in January and February.

Caf had made a commitment in 2017 to return to staging the tournament mid-year to avoid disputes with European clubs over releasing players in the middle of their season.

But Fifa’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States in June and July 2025, setting up a potential clash of dates with that year’s Afcon which will be hosted by Morocco.

“We want the Cup of Nations to take place when it is most favourable and convenient for the tournament,” said Motsepe.

“We are still engaging with Fifa about the dates.”

The timing of Afcon has become increasingly controversial, having been held in the first three months of the year from 1968 to 2017, but then staged mid-year in Egypt in 2019.

The 2021 finals in Cameroon were scheduled for early that year to avoid the rainy season in the country, and were then put back 12 months to 2022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2023 tournament was similarly shifted because of weather considerations in Ivory Coast.

Two African sides, Al Ahly of Egypt and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca have already qualified for the expanded Club World Cup. The national sides of both countries traditionally draw players from those clubs for international duty.

2023 hosts Ivory Coast ‘on right track’

Speaking in Abidjan on Friday, Motsepe also insisted he is confident this year’s Afcon will not see a repeat of the kind of tragedy which marred the last tournament in Cameroon.

Eight people were killed and dozens injured in a crush and stampede at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde prior to the last-16 match between the hosts and Comoros.

The Ivorian government has invested over $1.5 billion in improving infrastructure in order to host the tournament for the first time since 1984.

That has included the construction of the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, on the northern outskirts of Abidjan, which will host Saturday’s opening game as well as the final on 11 February.

There will be around 17,000 police and soldiers deployed during the month-long tournament to ensure security.

“I am satisfied the appropriate steps have been taken to make sure we will totally avoid the painful experience we had in Cameroon,” added Motsepe.

“The Cameroon accident was absolutely avoidable.

“For as long as I am president, whether I know or don’t know, whether I am aware or not aware, I ultimately have to take responsibility for anything that happens.

“I am satisfied that there is a huge amount of determination and commitment and I think we are on the right track.”

City reached Friday’s showpiece in Saudi Arabia with a 3-0 win over Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

“The way they play, we’ve never faced, never,” said Guardiola.

“I love it. I love the build-up. I love how they associate between each other.”

Guardiola’s side are looking to become the fourth English club to win the trophy after Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

They face Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense who laboured to a 2-0 win over Egyptian outfit Al Ahly in their semi-final on Monday.

The four-time Brazilian Serie A winners are managed by Brazil interim head coach Fernando Diniz and are likely to start ex-Real Madrid captain Marcelo, 35, in defence.

“They play a typical Brazil style from the 1970s, ’80s, early ’90s – until 1994, when they won the World Cup in the United States,” said Guardiola.

“We will have to impose our rhythm and our positional game as best as possible and do a good performance because we know without it, it will be so difficult to win the final.”

Manchester City could hold five major trophies at the same time with victory on Friday night – Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Despite a run of one win in their last six Premier League games, City are overwhelming favourites to beat Fluminense in Jeddah, with European teams unbeaten in 21 Club World Cup matches stretching back to 2012.

Guardiola also stands to make history as the first coach to win the competition with three different clubs, having lifted the Club World Cup three times already during his spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

City midfielder Rodri added: “We have to give our best to try to win everything because it will be history. It would be an amazing run if we end with five titles.

“[The last few games] left a very bad feeling in the changing room for us, so I think it was good for us to stop a little bit and then come here to the [Club] World Cup.”

City striker Erling Haaland, who has missed the past four matches with a foot injury, is unavailable, along with Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.

The 32-team event will begin in 2025 with 12 European clubs, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

World players’ union Fifpro and City boss Pep Guardiola have expressed concern at the plans.

However, Wenger, Fifa’s chief of global football development, says it is “a chance for other clubs to progress”.

Having championed the idea of a biennial World Cup, only for it to be dropped amid fierce opposition, the Frenchman wants to find ways of making all the confederations as strong as Europe’s Uefa.

“The positive impact this will have on clubs is going to be huge, because it will increase resources for clubs all over the world to develop and to compete,” said the former Arsenal manager.

“In Europe we are lucky, but it’s important that we make football really global and this creates a chance for other clubs to progress. It will give more opportunities to more players all over the world to compete at the highest level.

“I accept that the football calendar is a busy one, but this is a competition that is going to take place every four years and of course the rest period during the competition and afterwards has to be respected.”

The final of the event in the United States in 2025 will take place on 13 July. Under normal circumstances that would be four weeks before the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, European club competitions were completed after the end of all domestic football, with the quarter-finals onwards staged in this August period.

As a result, the Premier League gave Manchester City and Manchester United the opening week of the 2020-21 season off to allow their players extra rest time.

Wenger believes a solution can be found this time and pointed to the improved treatment of players as evidence their workload is being managed far better.

“The welfare of the players in the last 20 years has increased dramatically when you look at injury prevention, recovery work, nutrition and advances in medical technology,” he added.

“Also VAR has helped with the protection of players, as players know they cannot escape from making bad tackles that cause injury.

“We see players receiving world awards, the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema, all over the age of 35. And it is not unusual to see international careers lasting over 20 years.

“Not so long ago, that was not possible.”

Lack of recovery time ‘really, really tough’ for players

Manchester City manager Guardiola says he is concerned by the scheduling of tournaments in the middle of the summer, limiting the time off players have between seasons.

“I am not against the new competitions. I am against the lack of time to recover from year to year,” Guardiola said.

“But it is really tough to finish the season and then in three weeks restart again and go to Asia, to be financially stable, or the States. That is really, really tough, for ourselves and especially for the players. For myself, things should change.

“But how do you change when [after] you finish the season, you go to the United States to play another competition? This is the problem.”

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva says the amount of games elite footballers have to play now is “crazy” and increases the risk of injury, though he also says they are well-paid to compensate.

His verdict is therefore strikingly different to that of Wenger.

“We were not consulted, but we try to do our jobs, to represent our clubs the best possible way, and the people that pay our salaries and the fans that support us,” said the Portugal international.

“At the end, we cannot complain because we earn a lot of money, but in my opinion, for the people that love the game and are entertained by the game, if we have this many games for so long, at the end the games will lose the energy and the intensity.”

Fifpro said the new competition format “demonstrates a lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players” and urged world governing body Fifa to hold talks with other football stakeholders to discuss player welfare regulations.

“The extreme mental and physical pressures at the pinnacle of the game is the principal concern of players with multiple club and national team competitions, leading to exhaustion, physical injuries, mental health issues, diminished performance, and risks to career longevity,” Fifpro said.

The tournament will feature clubs from each of the six confederations, with Europe entering 12 teams.

Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City have qualified automatically as the most recent Champions League winners in the four-year cycle.

Arsenal would also be entered if they win the Champions League this season.

Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto and Benfica have also secured places in the tournament in 2025 via the coefficient pathway.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed the news at a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

The revamped format will be played in the same slot where Fifa has previously held the Confederations Cup for international teams, a year before the World Cup.

Football’s world governing body said the summer dates had been set to ensure the scheduling aligns with the international match calendar and to allow sufficient rest time before the start of the domestic seasons.

The powerful European Clubs’ Association has backed the tournament but Maheta Molango, head of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said Fifa’s persistence to go ahead with the expansion shows a lack of concern for player welfare.

“Players have become pawns in a battle for primacy between football’s governing bodies,” he added. “With no-one willing to take a step back or to work collaboratively to create a sustainable calendar.

“These decisions have consequences – not just for players who are being pushed until they break. But for the future quality of these tournaments, with players becoming injured or withdrawing from games as they make their own decisions about how to manage what have become ridiculous demands.”

In a statement, Fifpro, the world players’ union, said there was also “a disregard” for players’ “personal and family lives”.

It added: “The expanded competition will undercut the rest and recovery time of these players at the end of the 2024-25 season, and further disrupt national employment markets by changing the balance between national and international competitions.

“Players will have to perform at the end of an 11-month season with little prospect of getting enough rest before the following season starts.

“The extreme mental and physical pressures at the pinnacle of the game is the principal concern of players with multiple clubs and national team competitions, leading to exhaustion, physical injuries, mental health issues, diminished performance, and risks to career longevity.”

Fifa also announced a new Intercontinental Cup competition from December 2024, which will see the winners of the Champions League face a team that comes through intercontinental play-offs.

The Club World Cup is currently held annually, mid-season, with seven teams from six confederations.

Treble winners City, who won their first Champions League trophy in June, face Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in Saudi Arabia on 19 December.