United Kingdom poised to host Women's World Cup in 2035
The United Kingdom looks almost certain to host the 2035 Women's World Cup after Fifa's president, Gianni Infantino, described its interest as the 'one valid bid' for those finals.
The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales announced last month they would submit a joint expression of interest in hosting the finals in 10 years' time.
The deadline for initial expressions of interest passed on Monday and, although Spain's federation president, Rafael Louzán, last week announced his country's intention to bid alongside Portugal and Morocco, Infantino indicated the UK bid was the only one being considered.
'We received one bid for 2031 and one bid – one valid bid I should add – for 2035,' he said at the Uefa Congress in Belgrade. 'The 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.'
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Leader Live
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Uriah Rennie remembered as ‘epitome of a role model' after death at 65
Rennie was born in Jamaica before moving to Sheffield aged six with his family and went on to oversee more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the English top flight. Once described as the 'fittest' match official in world football, Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare neurological condition left him paralysed from the waist down. After his death was announced on Sunday, Howard Webb, the Professional Game Match Officials Board Limited (PGMOL) chief refereeing officer, paid tribute to his former colleague. Webb said in a statement: 'Uri was not only a trailblazer who paved the way for many others after becoming the first black referee in the Premier League, he was a great person and a great referee who cared deeply about his community and helping people fulfil their potential. 'He was a strong influence on our refereeing group too, offering a calming presence and we shared many good times together. 'An epitome of a role model, Uri was a valued member of the football family who has been taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by us all but his legacy will live on.' We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Uriah Rennie. A trailblazer in every sense, he will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first Black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many. Uriah played a… — Kick It Out (@kickitout) June 9, 2025 Rennie started refereeing locally in 1979 before making history in 1997 when taking charge of his first Premier League match between Derby and Wimbledon, which he had to abandon because of a floodlight failure at Pride Park. The Premier League said on X: 'Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.' Rennie became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the select group of professionals one year later before retiring in 2008. Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said on X: 'We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Uriah Rennie. The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Uriah Rennie. As the first black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. — Premier League (@premierleague) June 9, 2025 'A trailblazer in every sense, he will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many. 'Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him.' In November 2023 martial arts expert Rennie was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities. He was last month installed as the chancellor of the university and was labelled by former Premier League referee Chris Foy as a 'real community hero in that part of the world'. In an emotional interview with talkSPORT, Foy said: 'He was a gentleman, a gentle giant. He was a friend to me, a mentor to me, he was just a special person who put everybody first before himself. 'He was a real presence on the field and he was a real presence off the field, a true gentleman. If it was difficult for him, he never showed it because he was always grounded. He loved refereeing.' Another former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, told Sky Sports: 'As a person he was humble, he was quiet, he was unassuming. But most importantly, he was kind.'
The Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Sun
2025 Club World Cup tips and predictions
THE 2025 Club World Cup is set to be the biggest and most spectacular edition of the tournament yet. For the first time, 32 of the world's top clubs from every continent will compete in a month-long showdown for global supremacy - and fans are in for a treat. With heavyweight clashes, underdog stories, and never-before-seen matchups on the cards, the stage is set for a thrilling summer of football. Whether you're watching for entertainment or getting involved in the markets, this tournament offers plenty of opportunities for smart betting decisions. In this guide, we've compiled our expert Club World Cup tips and predictions to help you stay ahead of the game - and as the tournament unfolds, we'll highlight key matchups, spot potential upsets, and provide you with all the insight you need to back your bets with confidence. ⚡ Quick tips for the 2025 Club World Cup 2025 Club World Cup group stage predictions and tips The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage promises to be a thrilling showcase of global football. Featuring elite clubs from every continent, the tournament follows the familiar World Cup-style format, with eight groups of four and only the top two teams progressing to the Round of 16. This format ensures genuine jeopardy in almost every match. With many of these sides rarely meeting in competitive fixtures, the group stage also offers great opportunities to uncover value in the betting markets. Below, we break down each group, highlight the clubs most likely to advance, and share our early predictions on how the tournament might play out. Group A SE Palmeiras (BRA) Palmeiras head into the 2025 Club World Cup as one of South America's most formidable sides and genuine contenders to top Group A. Under the continued guidance of Abel Ferreira, the club has maintained a strong position in Brazilian football, finishing second in the 2024 Brasileirão and reaching the last 16 of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. Although this isn't quite up to their usual higher standards, it is still a good record, and with Palmeiras still boasting a talented, cohesive squad, we can see them having a strong run in the competition. FC Porto (POR) A seasoned side in European competition, Porto bring tactical knowhow to the group. While they may not boast the attacking firepower of their Portuguese counterparts Sporting and Benfica, their defensive structure and midfield control could frustrate opponents. Don't underestimate Porto's ability to grind out results either. They made it to the Europa League playoff round and finished third in their domestic league in the 2024/25 season, so they clearly know what they are doing. Al Ahly FC (EGY) Al Ahly look to lack the big names stars to make a splash in this competition. They are certainly not one of the favourites to qualify, and even though they have managed to avoid some of Europe's big guns, it's hard to see them claiming enough points to finish in the top two. Inter Miami CF (USA) With Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez leading the charge, Inter Miami will - at the very least - draw headlines. Can they deliver on the pitch? That's the question. And while their attacking strength is undeniable, questions remain about their defensive resilience at this level. Still, they're capable of scoring against anyone, making them a dangerous spoiler in this group. They will have to beat Porto and Al Ahly if they want to progress. Position Team 1. SE Palmeiras 2. FC Porto 3. Inter Miami 4. Al Ahly 👉 Group A betting tip Porto aren't as strong as they used to be, so with superior squad depth and tournament experience, the Brazilians look like a good value bet to finish top. 🏟️ Group A fixtures: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, Sunday, 15 June, 01:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Palmeiras vs Porto, Sunday, 15 June, 23:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Palmeiras vs Al Ahly, Thursday, 19 June, 17:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Inter Miami vs Porto, Thursday, 19 June, 20:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Inter Miami vs Palmeiras, Tuesday, 24 June, 02:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Porto vs Al Ahly, Tuesday, 24 June, 02:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey 📺 Group A must-see match Inter Miami CF vs Porto – This could be the match that decides who will qualify for the Round of 16, and with Messi in action, the match will attract global attention. Group B Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) The 2025 Champions League winners are the hottest team in club football and are rightly one of the favorites to win the title. After the departure of underperforming star names, Luis Enrique has rebuilt PSG, and now boasts one of the most talented squads in world football. With the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to call upon, it would be no surprise to see PSG land another big trophy. Atlético de Madrid (ESP) A tournament side built for grinding results, Atlético will be tough for anyone to break down. Diego Simeone's disciplined approach, combined with physical intensity and moments of attacking quality, makes them one of the most difficult teams to face. They're unlikely to blow teams away, but they'll be consistent, and after underperforming in La Liga and the Champions League, this competition offers Simeone's team a chance to create some history. Botafogo (BRA) Botafogo's defence of the Campeonato Brasileiro hasn't got off to the best of starts, and that won't give them a great deal of confidence in what looks like a very tough group. Nevertheless, just appearing here is a big moment for the club. However, their lack of recent experience in international knockout competition may show, and while the Brazilians are well able to keep it tight at the back, they lack the attacking weapons needed to break down the two European teams in the group. Seattle Sounders FC (USA) Seattle brings a well-structured squad with a strong team ethic and considerable experience in tournament play. They will be disappointed to have only made it to the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and although they have made a steady start in the MLS Western Conference, they have won less than half their games this season. The Sounders lack the star names of their European counterparts, and a top-two finish would be a major surprise in this tough-looking group. 👉 Group B betting tip With PSG's current form, there can be no other choice. 🏟️ Group B fixtures: Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético Madrid, Sunday, 15 June, 20:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders, Monday, 16 June, 03:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle Seattle Sounders vs Atlético Madrid, Thursday, 19 June, 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo, Thursday, 19 June, 23:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Seattle Sounders vs Paris Saint-Germain, Monday, 23 June, 17:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle Atlético Madrid vs Botafogo, Monday, 23 June, 17:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles 📺 Group B must-see match Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético de Madrid - A clash of styles between PSG's flair and Atlético's grit. This matchup should decide who wins the group. Group C Bayern Munich (GER) Bayern arrive as one of the tournament favourites, brimming with confidence after reclaiming their Bundesliga title from Leverkusen. Their high-pressing style imposed by head coach Vincent Kompany, subsidised by the goals of Harry Kane, make Bayern an intimidating prospect for any opponent. Expect dominant performances and plenty of goals as the German giants aim to assert their superiority early. Auckland City FC (NZL) The Oceania champions have become regulars at the Club World Cup, but the step up in class here will be immense. While the Navy Blues are a disciplined and well-coached team, Paul Posa's outfit lacks the sort of quality and technical sharpness to match their group rivals. Earning even a point would be a big achievement in such a competitive pool. CA Boca Juniors (ARG) Boca Juniors have had a troubled season that resulted in Fernando Gago leaving the club in April. After an interim period with Mariano Herrón in charge, Miguel Ángel Russo was appointed as the new manager at the beginning of June. The Argentine outfit will be hoping the veteran manager will be able to stabilise performances in his third spell at the club. SL Benfica (POR) Benfica are an exciting, attack-minded team capable of playing fluid football and disrupting more established sides. They will see the Club World Cup as an opportunity to get something out of a disappointing season that saw them narrowly miss out on both the Primeira Liga title and Taça de Portugal to bitter rivals Sporting. 👉 Group C betting tip The Germans quality and tournament experience make them clear front-runners in this group. 🏟️ Group C fixtures: Bayern Munich vs Auckland City, Sunday, 15 June, 17:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati Boca Juniors vs Benfica, Monday, 16 June, 23:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Benfica vs Auckland City, Friday, 20 June, 17:00 BST, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors, Saturday, 21 June, 02:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Auckland City vs Boca Juniors, Tuesday, 24 June, 20:00 BST, GEODIS Park, Nashville Benfica vs Bayern Munich, Tuesday, 24 June, 20:00 BST, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 📺 Group C must-see match Boca Juniors vs Benfica - Can Boca Juniors put their troubles behind them and see off the legendary Benfica? This match looks set to decide who qualifies from the group, along with Bayern. Group D CR Flamengo (BRA) After a fast start to the current Campeonato Brasileiro season, Flamengo will come into the tournament with serious ambitions. Filipe Luís is in his first full season in charge of the team, and with a technically gifted squad at his disposal, the inexperienced head coach will hope his free-scoring outfit can replicate their league form on the world stage. Don't be fooled into believing that Flamengo are one-dimensional. As well as being the highest scorers in the Brazilian top flight, they also boast the tightest defence, having only conceded four times in their eleven matches. Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN) Espérance has a proud history and a reputation as one of Africa's top clubs. Although they'll be underdogs here, their physical style and strong team cohesion could make them a tough matchup for more fancied sides. Head coach Maher Kanzari has just led them to the Tunisian league title. Despite this success, it's hard to see the Tunsians getting out of their group. Chelsea FC (ENG) After a poor start to 2025, Chelsea have finished their domestic season strongly with a fourth place Premier League finish and a win in the Europa Conference League final. Although the Blues have struggled on the road, they will come into the competition full of confidence and certainly can't be taken lightly by any of the more established clubs. Los Angeles FC (USA) Los Angeles FC only qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Club América 2-1 in extra time during a special playoff at the end of May. The playoff was arranged after Club León, the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League winners, were disqualified due to FIFA's multi-club ownership rules. As runners-up in that tournament, LAFC were given another chance to qualify, facing Club América. Denis Bouanga scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing LAFC's spot in the expanded 32-team competition. 👉 Group D betting tip Back the in-form Londoners to edge out the Brazilian champions in a tight group. 🏟️ Group D fixtures: Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC, Monday, 16 June, 20:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Flamengo vs Espérance de Tunis, Tuesday, 17 June, 02:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Flamengo vs Chelsea, Friday, 20 June, 19:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Los Angeles FC vs Espérance de Tunis, Friday, 20 June, 22:00 BST, GEODIS Park, Nashville Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea, Wednesday, 25 June, 02:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Los Angeles FC vs Flamengo, Wednesday, 25 June, 02:00 BST, Camping World Stadium, Orlando 📺 Group D must-see match CR Flamengo vs Chelsea FC - A blockbuster clash featuring top talent from South America and Europe. Likely to determine who finishes top of the group and an early guide on how the tournament might play out. Group E CA River Plate (ARG) River Plate brings tradition, tactical discipline, and passionate support into the tournament. Their recent form in CONMEBOL competitions shows they can compete with the best, with Marcelo Gallardo's team clinching their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare after a 6-2 win over Independiente del Valle on Matchday 5. The Argentines are among the favourites to win this group. Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) Urawa Red Diamonds are one of Asia's most consistent continental performers, but they'll face a serious step up in quality here. Quick transitions and defensive discipline will be their strengths, but whether they can break down elite defences or contain River and Inter is another question. Along with Monterrey, the J1 League outfit are huge outsiders to progress. CF Monterrey (MEX) Monterrey has a strong track record in international competitions. There is a good mix of physicality and technicality within their ranks, but it isn't likely to be enough to compete with both River Plate and Inter. Domènec Torrent has just been appointed the team's new head coach ahead of the competition, but the reality is that the Club World Cup is more likely a chance for Torrent to get to know his players ahead of the new Liga MX season. Inter Milan (ITA) Inter are a well-oiled machine, and their European pedigree makes them a major threat. Defensively resolute, tactically mature, and boasting attacking depth, they'll be one of the most complete sides in the competition. Whether they will have sufficiently recovered from the dual shock of their Champions League final mauling and exit of head coach Simone Inzaghi remains to be seen. Despite this, we still expect the Italians to win the group. 👉 Group E betting tip Inter Milan should win the group, but after the battering and upheaval of the recent weeks, it might be worth having a sneaky wager on River Plate at 9/4, if you feel the 2/5 on Inter topping the table is too short. 🏟️ Group E fixtures: River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds, Tuesday, 17 June , 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle Monterrey vs Inter Milan, Wednesday, 18 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds, Saturday, 21 June, 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle River Plate vs Monterrey, Sunday, 22 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Inter Milan vs River Plate, Thursday, 26 June, 02:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey, Thursday, 26 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles 📺 Group E must-see match Inter Milan vs River Plate - A massive fixture between the Champions League runners-up and the legendary Argentines is likely to decide the group winners. Group F Fluminense FC (BRA) The 2023 Copa Libertadores champions are attempting to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 that saw them finish down in 14th position in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Fluminense come into the competition on a three match unbeaten run if they can build on that momentum, they are a good bet to win one of the less competitive groups. Borussia Dortmund (GER) For the most part, the Germans had a very disappointing season in the Bundesliga. But, a strong finish to the campaign saw the 2024 Champions League beaten finalists sneak into the top four and next season's elite UEFA competition. A bit like Fluminense, BVB seem to have perfectly timed their run back into top form. Ulsan HD (KOR) Ulsan are a disciplined and well-drilled side, but they'll be major underdogs against the firepower of Fluminense and Dortmund. Their defensive structure will be tested heavily, and their best chance at points may come against Sundowns. They could be a frustrating opponent, but at 12/1 to win the group, progression to the Round of 16 would be a huge surprise. Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) The South African champions have just completed an eighth successive PSL win. They were comfortably the best team in the division, winning 24 out of 28 of their league matches. However, against the tactical sharpness and speed of their group rivals, the Sundowns will struggle and will likely be competing for third place with Ulsan. 👉 Group F betting tip Fluminense FC to be the Group F winner at 2/1 looks a great bet. The bookies seem to have decided it's Dortmund's to lose by making the Germans the 8/15 favourites, but we prefer the look of Fluminense to top the table at 2/1 with talkSPORT BET. 🏟️ Group F fixtures: Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund, Tuesday, 17 June, 17:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Tuesday, 17 June, 23:00 BST, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, 21 June, 17:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati Fluminense vs Ulsan HD, Saturday, 21 June, 23:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD, Wednesday, 25 June, 20:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense, Wednesday, 25 June, 20:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami 📺 Group F must-see match Fluminense FC vs Borussia Dortmund - This is the match that will decide the group, and it will be interesting to see which of the two in-form teams comes out on top. Group G Manchester City (ENG) Manchester City were the kings of European football in 2023, but they have been in decline ever since. This culminated with their third place in the 2024/25 Premier League season, their worst league finish under Pep Guardiola since 2017. City did finish the season strongly, and can't be taken lightly by anyone in this competition. But with a rebuild currently taking place, expectations will be lower than normal for the Cityzens. Wydad AC (MAR) Wydad are a physical, compact side that thrives on discipline and set-piece threats. While they've had success in African competitions, the quality gap against teams like City and Juventus will be stark. A spirited performance could see them steal a result, but the reality is, the Moroccans are playing for third. Al Ain FC (UAE) Al Ain were runners-up in a smaller Club World Cup edition held in 2018. The 14-times UAE Pro-League winners lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the final after a shock penalty shoot out win over River Plate at the semi-finals stage. With a larger format in place for the 2025 edition, there is little to no chance of a repeat of 2018. Getting out of the group would be regarded as a huge success this time around. Juventus FC (ITA) Like Manchester City, Juventus have also had a poor 2024/25 season. The Old Lady of Italian football finished fourth in Serie A, 12 points behind champions Napoli. Nevertheless, Juventus are still a huge name and they did record a Champions League win over City in the group stages of the competition. It's hard to see them winning this event, but they should comfortably get out of the group, albeit probably in second place. 👉 Group G betting tip Manchester City to be the Group G winner at 2/5 with BetMGM has to be the bet. Despite City's recent struggles, Juventus are in no better shape. 🏟️ Group G fixtures: Manchester City vs Wydad AC, Wednesday, 18 June, 17:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Al Ain vs Juventus, Thursday, 19 June, 02:00 BST, Audi Field, Washington, D.C. Juventus vs Wydad AC, Sunday, 22 June, 17:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Manchester City vs Al Ain, Monday, 23 June, 02:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Juventus vs Manchester City, Thursday, 26 June, 20:00 BST, Camping World Stadium, Orlando Wydad AC vs Al Ain, Thursday, 26 June, 20:00 BST, Audi Field, Washington, D.C. 📺 Group G must-see match They may both be underperforming, but Manchester City vs Juventus is still the stand out fixture of this group. The loser is likely to play Real Madrid in the next round, so plenty is at stake. Group H Real Madrid C.F. (ESP) Real Madrid are synonymous with success on the global stage, but by their high standards, the 2024/25 season was a huge setback. Los Blancos finished runners-up to Barcelona in all three of their domestic competitions. But despite this, Madrid did win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, so the season wasn't a complete disaster. Xabi Alonso will be in the dugout for the Club World Cup, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see his Madrid team lift the trophy. Al Hilal (KSA) The Saudi giants have made major waves in recent years, none more so than the recent signing of Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach. The Champions League runner-up boss will inherit a squad packed with talent, with big names like Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who all boast recent Premier League experience. CF Pachuca (MEX) Pachuca haven't had a great time domestically, but they did make it to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they lost 3-0 to Real Madrid in the final. The December 2024 defeat to Los Blancos was more comprehensive than perhaps the scoreline suggests, and highlights the gulf in class the Mexicans are going to have to overcome to make a mark on this competition. FC Salzburg (AUT) Salzburg are a well-drilled, youthful side with a strong track record of developing future stars. Under the guidance of Thomas Letsch, the Red Bull-backed club finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga and successfully navigated two qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage. However, that proved to be their limit. The Austrians suffered seven defeats in eight matches and finished third from bottom in the 36-team group. It's hard to see Salzburg making much of an impact in this competition. 👉 Group H betting tip Real Madrid are just 1/6 to win Group H. A better value bet looks to be the even money available with Betfred on Al Hilal to qualify for the Round of 16. 🏟️ Group H fixtures: 📺 Group H must-see match Although it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid lines up under new head coach Xabi Alonso, the standout match has to be the second-place decider between Al Hilal and FC Salzburg. Predictions for Round of 16 With the top two teams from each group advancing, the Round of 16 is set to deliver thrilling knockout action. Based on our group predictions, we expect European and South American giants to dominate, with Al Hilal the only team from outside the two football-powerhouse continents to progress. Here's how the Round of 16 is likely to shape up, along with our predicted winners: Round of 16 fixtures Winner SE Palmeiras vs Atlético de Madrid Atlético de Madrid FC Bayern München vs CR Flamengo FC Bayern München Inter Milan vs Borussia Dortmund Inter Milan Manchester City vs Al Hilal Man City Paris Saint-Germain vs Porto Paris Saint-Germain Chelsea vs Boca Juniors Boca Juniors Fluminense FC vs River Plate River Plate Real Madrid vs Juventus Round of 16 betting tip Real Madrid to beat Juventus - The tie of the Round of 16 looks set to be between the winners of Group H, likely to be Real Madrid, against the runners up of Group G, likely to be one of Manchester City or Juventus. At the moment we are favouring Man City to win the group, meaning Los Blancos would face Juventus of Italy. In the knockout stages of such a prestigious competition, we will have to go for Real Madrid to get the win. Predictions for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals As we enter the quarter-finals, the elite clubs begin to clash. Expect tense tactical duels and world-class performances. European powerhouses like Bayern and Real Madrid look set to dominate this phase, though upsets are still possible with single-match knockouts. Predictions for quarter-finals Winner Atlético de Madrid vs FC Bayern München FC Bayern München Inter Milan vs Man City Man City Paris Saint-Germain vs Boca Juniors Paris Saint-Germain River Plate vs Real Madrid Real Madrid Quarter-Final betting tip Bayern Munich to beat Atlético de Madrid - The Spaniards are notoriously hard to beat, but we would expect Bayern to come out on top if the two teams clash in the quarter-finals. Predictions for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-finals We expect four European heavyweights to make it to the final four. If all goes to plan, Bayern Munich will meet Manchester City, and Champions League winners PSG will clash with the 2024 champions, Real Madrid, in what would probably be the most highly anticipated match of the competition. Semi-Final betting tip Real Madrid to beat Paris Saint-Germain - As good as PSG have been in recent weeks, we can see a showdown with Los Blancos being a bridge too far for the European champions. The Parisians would have likely swept Madrid aside in the latter stages of the Champions League. But, by this stage of their season, we can see Luis Enrique's team finally running out of gas against a fresher Madrid. 🏆 Who will be the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 finalists? It would be fitting for the first expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup to be contested by two of the most famous club names in world football. Fans of South American football might dispute this, but a Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid showdown would be a final to grace any competition. 👉 Final betting tip Real Madrid to beat Bayern Munich - If the final is to be between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, an Englishman will get his hands on the trophy. We feel it will be Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold who will be in the winning team, as Madrid just have more big-game experience in finals. Q&A for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 The expanded format of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is creating plenty of buzz. Given the new format, there are plenty of questions that punters and fans want answered. Here are the most common ahead of this historic event: 1. Who is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? The United States is hosting the 2025 Club World Cup. This marks the first time the tournament will be held on American soil, serving as a key test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA. 2. When will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 be played? The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025. It spans four weeks, featuring 32 clubs from six confederations in a World Cup-style format. 3. Which venues will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Matches will be played across 12 venues, they are the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Audi Field in Washington, Lumen Field in Seattle, the Rose Bowl in California, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Geodis Park in Nashville, Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. 4. How many teams take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? A total of 32 teams will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This is a major expansion from previous editions and follows the same structure as the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four. 5. How did teams qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup? Teams qualified by winning or placing highly in their continental competitions between 2021 and 2024. This includes UEFA Champions League winners, Copa Libertadores champions, and top-performing clubs from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and OFC. 6. Why are Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal not in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? FIFA rules state that only two teams from any country can qualify, and the qualifying period for the 2025 Club World Cup was between 2021 and 2024. As Chelsea and Manchester City won the Champions League in that period, they were awarded the two English places ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. 7. Which team is the favourite to win the 2025 Club World Cup? Real Madrid are the betting favourites to win the 2025 Club World Cup. Despite their poor 2024/25 season, Los Blancos have competition winning pedigree and will be keen to make history by winning the first edition of the competition in its newly expanded format. About the author Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Uriah Rennie remembered as ‘epitome of a role model' after death at 65
Rennie was born in Jamaica before moving to Sheffield aged six with his family and went on to oversee more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the English top flight. Once described as the 'fittest' match official in world football, Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare neurological condition left him paralysed from the waist down. After his death was announced on Sunday, Howard Webb, the Professional Game Match Officials Board Limited (PGMOL) chief refereeing officer, paid tribute to his former colleague. Webb said in a statement: 'Uri was not only a trailblazer who paved the way for many others after becoming the first black referee in the Premier League, he was a great person and a great referee who cared deeply about his community and helping people fulfil their potential. 'He was a strong influence on our refereeing group too, offering a calming presence and we shared many good times together. 'An epitome of a role model, Uri was a valued member of the football family who has been taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by us all but his legacy will live on.' We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Uriah Rennie. A trailblazer in every sense, he will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first Black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many. Uriah played a… — Kick It Out (@kickitout) June 9, 2025 Rennie started refereeing locally in 1979 before making history in 1997 when taking charge of his first Premier League match between Derby and Wimbledon, which he had to abandon because of a floodlight failure at Pride Park. The Premier League said on X: 'Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.' Rennie became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the select group of professionals one year later before retiring in 2008. Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said on X: 'We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Uriah Rennie. The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Uriah Rennie. As the first black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. — Premier League (@premierleague) June 9, 2025 'A trailblazer in every sense, he will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many. 'Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him.' In November 2023 martial arts expert Rennie was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities. He was last month installed as the chancellor of the university and was labelled by former Premier League referee Chris Foy as a 'real community hero in that part of the world'. In an emotional interview with talkSPORT, Foy said: 'He was a gentleman, a gentle giant. He was a friend to me, a mentor to me, he was just a special person who put everybody first before himself. 'He was a real presence on the field and he was a real presence off the field, a true gentleman. If it was difficult for him, he never showed it because he was always grounded. He loved refereeing.' Another former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, told Sky Sports: 'As a person he was humble, he was quiet, he was unassuming. But most importantly, he was kind.'
