&w=3840&q=100)
How FIFA Club World Cup can change the landscape of global football
The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup finally got under way in Miami, ending over a year of speculation, criticism, and behind-the-scenes resistance. Speaking ahead of the launch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was confident that the expanded tournament would be a historic step forward for football. He described it as a transformative competition that would elevate the club game to new heights. The month-long event is spread across 11 U.S. cities, symbolising FIFA's intent to tap into global markets and reshape how elite football is consumed and contested. Whether it will redefine the game remains to be seen, but the scale of ambition on display is unmistakable.
Infantino's vision comes to life
Gianni Infantino, a central force behind the tournament's expansion, was in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium as Inter Miami and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly played out a goalless draw in front of over 60,000 fans. Though the match lacked sparkle, the elaborate opening ceremony — complete with music, dancers, and fireworks — reflected FIFA's larger-than-life vision. For Infantino, this wasn't just another competition; it was a personal milestone. The trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., even carries his name — twice — underscoring his ownership of the project.
Resistance and resilience
Despite facing legal hurdles in Europe, warnings from players' unions about burnout, and resistance from domestic leagues, Infantino pushed ahead. Critics questioned whether the football calendar needed another elite event, especially when the Champions League already dominates the club scene. Yet, by launching the 32-team format, FIFA has carved out a new tournament that's now locked into the schedule every four years, with clubs like PSG already qualifying for 2029.
Fan reception and future potential
Initial turnout suggested cautious optimism. While ticket prices were slashed late, the large crowd — heavily featuring Al Ahly supporters from Egypt and the U.S. — gave the event a celebratory atmosphere. Messi nearly delivered a fairytale finish, only to be denied by a fingertip save. The magic wasn't complete, but FIFA's new chapter had firmly begun.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Egypt's Al Ahly battle to scoreless draw in Club World Cup opener
Inter Miami was held to a scoreless draw against Egypt's Al Ahly in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday (June 14, 2025) night. In front of more than 60,000 fans at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami survived a first half onslaught by 12-time African champion Al Ahly, which was denied a potential winning goal from the penalty spot when Trezeguet's effort was stopped by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. Miami had scoring chances in the second half, with Lionel Messi shaving the post with a free kick and then hitting the bar with a curling effort from long range in added time. Miami had to rely on veteran Argentine goalkeeper Ustari to keep the game level in the first half, with the 38-year-old pulling off a number of saves as Al Ahly dominated with multiple chances. He produced a crucial double save just before halftime — blocking Trezeguet's 43rd-minute penalty and then getting up quickly to deny the forward again on the rebound. A draw leaves both teams with a battle to advance from Group A with tougher tests likely to come against Brazilian giant Palmeiras and Porto from Portugal. The top two advance to the round of 16. Miami can be encouraged by its performance in the second half after being dominated in the first half. The result: Group A: Inter Miami 0 drew with Al Ahly 0.
Mint
3 hours ago
- Mint
PSG thrash Atletico Madrid 4-0 to start their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup campaign on high note
Paris Saint-Germain began their first-ever campaign of the FIFA Club World Cup match against Atletico Madrid full of energy. They kept the ball for most of the time and pushed Atletico hard, making it tough for them to move forward. PSG players looked unstoppable as they registered 4-0 to clinch the win. PSG wasted no time in establishing their command, they took 82.6% possession in the first 15 minutes. The breakthrough came when Fabian Ruiz converted a goal with his powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area, finding the bottom corner to give PSG a lead. As the first half progressed, PSG continued to dominate. Just before the break, midfielder Vitinha glided through Atletico's defense with ease, and strengthened his team's by scoring a goal by outsmarting the goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The second half saw Atletico fight to stay in the contest powered by Oblak's remarkable goalkeeping skills. Early in the half, he produced a save, and an effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia onto the crossbar went in vain. However, Atletico's hopes were dented when a goal by Julian Alvarez was disallowed due to a foul by Koke on Desire Doue during the build-up. The match took a dramatic turn in the 78th minute when Atletico were reduced to 10 men. Defender Clement Lenglet received a second yellow card for dissent after protesting referee Istvan Kovacs' failure to penalize an obstruction on Oblak. Atletico had a golden opportunity to register their first goal but failed to do so when substitute Alexander Sorloth somehow missed an open goal from close range in the 82nd minute. PSG's substitute Senny Mayulu, on the other hand, fired into the bottom corner in the 87th minute to make the scoreline 3-0. In the added time, PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye struck the post, missing a fourth goal. Moments later, Atletico's Robin le Normand was penalized for handball following a VAR review, allowing Lee Kang-in to convert the resulting penalty and seal a one-sided 4-0 victory for PSG. 'A very good performance. We did a very good game, it is difficult with this temperature. We did well against a tough team, we controlled all of the game. We are happy with the result," Vitinha expressed 'The toughest thing to do in football is to maintain the level and that is what I try to do,' he added. PSG have their next match against Club Botafogo on June 20, followed by their third FIFA Club World Cup game against Seattle Sounders on June 24. Atletico Madrid are scheduled to play their next match against Seattle Sounders on June 20, followed by a match against Botafogo Juniors on June 24.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business Standard
PSG vs Atletico Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2025 live time and streaming
UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will kick off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign against a familiar rival, Atlético Madrid, in Pasadena this Sunday. The two teams recently clashed for the first time in a competitive match during the revamped Champions League group stage, where Atlético pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory with a last-minute goal from Ángel Correa on the counterattack. Despite dominating that encounter, PSG came up short a setback that came before Luis Enrique's squad truly hit their stride. In the new year, the French champions hit top form, knocking out three Premier League teams on their path to the final. Their crowning moment came in Munich, where they delivered a stunning 5–0 win over Inter Milan to lift their maiden Champions League trophy. For Atlético Madrid, the 2024–25 season began with huge promise, including a remarkable 15-match winning streak. But their European hopes were dashed by city rivals Real Madrid, and their La Liga title challenge faded late in the campaign. PSG team news Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for the tournament didn't include any major surprises, but some changes are expected from the team that started the Champions League final when PSG open their Club World Cup campaign on Sunday evening. Ousmane Dembélé, who was dealing with a minor injury toward the end of the season, is likely to be given some rest during the tournament. As a result, Gonçalo Ramos may be preferred in the starting lineup. Bradley Barcola is also carrying a slight knock, though PSG have plenty of depth on the wings to cover for his potential absence. Young talents like Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Ibrahim Mbaye are expected to have significant roles for the reigning European champions throughout the competition. Atletico Madrid team news Diego Simeone has taken a 30-man squad to the United States for the tournament, which features three players nearing the end of their contracts: César Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo. Atlético Madrid have a clean bill of health heading into their opening match on Sunday, giving Simeone the option to field a full-strength side. Despite a demanding international window in June for their South American stars, both Rodrigo De Paul and top scorer Julián Álvarez are expected to start. Alexander Sørloth, who netted a hat-trick as a substitute on La Liga's final day, is pushing for a spot in the XI, though he'll likely need to unseat Antoine Griezmann to do so. PSG vs Atletico Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2025 starting 11 (probable) PSG starting 11: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaïre-Emery, Moscardo, Ruiz; Doué, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia FIFA Club World Cup 2025: PSG vs Atletico Madrid live telecast and streaming details When will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG vs Atletico Madrid be played? The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid will be played on June 16 (according to IST). What time will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid begin on June 16? The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid will kick off at 12:30 AM IST. What will be the venue for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final between PSG and Atletico Madrid? Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid. Where will the live telecast of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid be available in India? The live telecast of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid will not be available in India. Where will the live streaming of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final between PSG and Atletico Madrid be available in India? The live streaming of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between PSG and Atletico Madrid will be available on the DAZN app and website.
