FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025™: A VIBRANT OPENING CEREMONY KICKS OFF A NEW ERA FOR GLOBAL CLUB FOOTBALL
MILAN, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ -- Saturday 14 June at 7:15pm local time, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will explode with energy, colour, and football passion with a show featuring Latin rhythms and rap vibes.
Following the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in Qatar, FIFA has once again selected the acclaimed Olympic producer Balich Wonder Studio to creatively partner in the production of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This groundbreaking new tournament will feature 32 elite teams from all six confederations. It will culminate in what promises to be a spectacular final at New York New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday, 13 July.
Under the leadership of Ceremonies wizard Marco Balich, the creative team has enlisted some of America's top talents. Among them is Grammy-winning producer Emilio Estefan, who will present Vikina and Richaelio for a powerful performance featuring Latin rhythms and movement. Global stars French Montana and Swae Lee will take the stage with a high-energy performance that pays tribute to the global spirit of football.
The show, conceived by Artistic Director Carlos Navarrete Patiño around the concept of "A new era begins," is a journey with 117 performers that brings together some of the best creatives and artists in the entertainment field, such as Heather Shaw, Sooner Routhier, Shelagh O'Brien, Michael Peña, and Marina Toybina.
Marco Balich, Chairman of Balich Wonder Studio, stated: "After the FIFA World Cup Ceremony in Qatar, we are thrilled to support FIFA once again. It's a new chapter that brings together the teams representing all six footballing continents in a competitive tournament. We are very proud to be part of this event."
ABOUT BALICH WONDER STUDIO
Balich Wonder Studio is an integrated entertainment Group that conceives, produces, and delivers live experiences, from large scale Ceremonies to immersive shows, from brand events to destination experiences. They believe in the power of emotion to generate wonder and create unforgettable memories, creating lasting value from unique creativity and impeccable execution. The Group, operating in Europe and the Middle East, it's driven by a talented multi-cultural team of more than 280 people from 20 countries. In 2023, the majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio was acquired by media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay.
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Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoban's storied career a reflection of how far women's hockey has come
Jocelyne Larocque has seen a lot of things during her decorated hockey career. But the 37-year-old from Ste. Anne admits the multiple plot twists she experienced this past season were a shock to the system. A blockbuster trade. A thrilling run to the Professional Women's Hockey League Final. A heartbreaking Walter Cup defeat. A stress-filled expansion process. The departure of four talented teammates. And, above all, the continued rise of her sport in North America. It's quite a story, one the two-time Olympic gold medallist shared with the Free Press during a phone chat this week as she finally had the chance to catch her breath. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Charge defender Jocelyne Larocque (23) celebrates her goal in Game 2 of the Walter Cup Final against the Minnesota Frost. 'I feel so lucky and grateful to be part of this,' Larocque said of what she believes is a golden era in women's hockey. 'You know, I have past teammates that are older than me, the same age as me, younger than me, that are like, 'Man, we're so jealous.' I'm like, 'Yeah, I would be too. Like, I get to experience what we fought for.'' Larocque started the year patrolling the blue-line for the Toronto Sceptres, one of original six teams of the PWHL which began play a year ago. She finished it as a member of the Ottawa Charge, courtesy of a four-player deal that went down in late December between the clubs. 'I won't lie — it was a shock. I assumed with my age I was going to retire in Toronto. When I got the call I was being traded, I was speechless,' she said. Those initial emotions quickly turned into excitement. 'I was happy it was Ottawa. I like their style of play. They're hard-working, try to make the other team's life as hard as possible. They're a physical team,' she said. 'I was happy to stay in Canada so I tried to look at the positives. For me, with my experiences in hockey and in life, I try to think when things are outside of my control, I just try to convince myself that they're for my best interest. So even on the drive through Ottawa, I was like, 'this is going to work out better for you.' And the transition went better than I expected.' With Larocque providing steady two-way play, the Charge lived up to their name. They finished third in the regular-season standings with a record of 14-12-4 — four points behind her old team in Toronto — but really turned it on when the stakes got higher. They upset the No. 1 ranked Montreal Victoire 3-1 in the opening best-of-five playoff series, with their only defeat being a quadruple-overtime classic. Then came a showdown with defending champion Minnesota, who had knocked off Toronto in the other semifinal. SPENCER COLBY / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ste. Anne's Jocelyn Larocque (right) was drafted second overall in the inaugural Professional Women's League Hockey draft in 2023 by Toronto. All four games required overtime and ended 2-1. Ottawa took Game 1 but dropped the next three, including a triple-OT marathon in Game 3. 'It was so much fun,' said Larocque, who had four points (1G, 3A) in eight playoff games, adding onto her seven points (0G, 7A) in 30 regular-season games. 'I think back to when I was a kid and remember being on the outdoor rink, pretending you're playing Game 7. Most of the championships I've played in the past, they've always been just one game. But to be in a series is so fun.' Exhausting, too. 'My body hurt after it, but it was a blast,' she said. 'We were two shots away from winning a Walter Cup, and obviously it didn't go our way. But with how close the games were, how competitive it was, it was a blast.' Then came some additional pain. Larocque and her Ottawa teammates had grown close — a bond tested by the league's aggressive expansion which will add Vancouver and Seattle next season. They will be the seventh and eighth teams in the PWHL, which saw its average attendance jump 27 per cent to 7,230 per game compared to the inaugural campaign. Each of the six existing teams was allowed to protect only three players, leaving the rest vulnerable in a draft. Larocque wasn't protected, sparking some anxious moments as she waited to learn her fate. 'You're just waiting for the unknown,' she said. Ultimately, her name wasn't called. But the Charge lost four major pieces: top defender Ashton Bell (another Manitoban and 2022 Olympic teammate) and starting goalie Emerance Maschmeyer went to Vancouver; forward Danielle Serdachny and defender Aneta Tejralová to Seattle. SUPPLIED Jocelyne Larocque poses with her niece and nephew, twins Rylan and Graclyn, before the start of a Walter Cup Final game in Minnesota. 'After our final game everybody was bawling. And it was for that reason — we knew this wasn't even going to be close to what the Charge would look like next year,' said Larocque. 'All four players that are leaving, it's gut-wrenching. There weren't four players I would have been okay with leaving, but the ones that did, oh man. I don't know if I've even fully processed that they're not going to be on the team next year.' The other five teams were decimated, too, which has led to some pundits suggesting the expansion rules should have been tweaked. Larocque sees both sides of the coin, recognizing it's important to have a competitive league which brings out the best in everyone. 'You know, on one hand you're happy that there's more jobs for tremendous women hockey players. With the calibre of play, there could be probably double the teams,' she said. 'So you want it to expand, but yeah, it's tough. I'm happy that they didn't do this expansion in, like, September. It's nice that we know now (to process).' Speaking of expansion, Larocque continues to hold out hope that Winnipeg will one day be in the mix provided a potential owner steps forward to express interest. 'I can't see why they wouldn't be,' she said. 'Winnipeg is such a great hockey city, a central location. I totally see it in the future.' Larocque isn't sure if she'll still be playing when that happens — 'we're all getting older, right?' — but she also isn't thinking about hanging up her skates any time soon. Along with preparing for her third PWHL season, she also has her eye on what she hopes will be a fourth straight stint on the Canadian Olympic team, this time in Milan in February. 'I don't focus on my age,' said Larocque, who was the first female to ever play in the Winnipeg High School Boys league back in 2003 and went on to play four years with the University of Minnesota-Duluth before graduating and turning pro in 2011. 'I mean, it does take work — eating properly, staying in shape, all those things. And I might be a little more sore after games. But I actually think I'm getting better every year.' SUPPLIED From left: Ste. Anne's Jocelyne Larocque, Brandon's Kristen Campbell and Deloraine's Ashton Bell pose with their gold medals at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Larocque's Ottawa Charge teammate Bell was recently traded to Vancouver in the PWHL expansion draft. She notes luck has also been on her side in terms of avoiding any serious injuries during her career, along with a serious dose of love for what she does. 'An Olympic year is always super exciting. A lot of their decisions will be based on what happens in the PWHL. So, for me, it's just ensuring I have a really good off-season and work hard to be a part of that team,' said Larocque. 'When I was a kid, people would tell me that I couldn't play professional hockey because I was a girl. Now, girls can. I feel lucky and I feel grateful. It gives me a lot of joy.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.


Cision Canada
8 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Latin Star Soleil & Vivalivetv Join the Kingdom of Kush 32nd Anniversary Gala: A Historic Night of Unity and Culture
The Kingdom of Kush Celebrates 32 Years of Rebirth, Sovereignty & Global Vision NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ -- On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Kingdom of Kush will host its 32nd Anniversary Gala & Awards Ceremony at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY, in a landmark event spotlighting the rebirth of one of the world's most storied civilizations. Under the visionary leadership of HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Mansa Suliman Al Kushi, this high-profile gathering of royalty,diplomats, global thinkers, investors, and cultural stewards will celebrate the Kingdom's achievements and future ambitions. A Nation Reborn in Modern Times Inspired by the legacy of the ancient Kushite empire, the Kingdom of Kush has reemerged in Bir Tawil, an unclaimed land between Egypt and Sudan. The nation's mission is bold: to become a digitally enabled, sovereign homeland rooted in African heritage and driven by global innovation. With a constitution in place, diplomatic outreach underway, and sustainable economic development projects already in motion, the Kingdom of Kush is more than a revival—it is a unified rebuilding of history. Rooted in ancestral legacy and driven by modern vision, this movement is a return to sovereignty, identity, and collective power. Kush existed. It flourished. It was lost. And now, through global unity and purpose, it rises once more. "We are not reviving history—we are writing the future," said HIS EXCELLENCY, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe. "Our mission is to unite tradition and technology, and build a beacon of Pan-African prosperity and global cooperation. The Kingdom of Kush is proud to announce the appearance and performance of international Latin sensation Soleil at its 32nd Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony, taking place June 13, 2025, in New York City. Known for her electrifying stage presence and global fusion sound, Soleil brings not only her artistry but a powerful symbol of cultural unity to this historic celebration. Her performance marks a bridge between diasporas, reminding us that the rebuilding of Kush is not just an African movement—it is a global call for solidarity, identity, and collective legacy. In a night filled with royalty, cultural restoration, and the coronation of Queen Mothers, Soleil's appearance underscores the Kingdom's vision: a future where music, history, and people converge in harmony. "As a Latina, it's an honor to be part of something that transcends borders," Soleil shared. "The mission of the Kingdom of Kush is deeply connected to all of us who carry heritage, pride, and a desire to see our communities thrive." The 32nd Anniversary Gala will be streamed exclusively via VivaLiveTV channel 1 and on the kingdom of kush Channel 7, allowing a global audience to witness the rebirth of a nation—and the unity that powers it. Gala Highlights & Visionary Programming The gala's Run of Show includes keynote speeches from Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, Esther Anato-Dumelo, Queen Mother Dr. Pam Fomunung, and Queen Mother Dr. Latonja Eppinger, as well as a presentation by H IS R OYAL H IGHNESS. Tanvir Ullah on the nation's smart city development plan. Featured moments include: The Royal Court Coronation Ceremony bestowing official titles Book signing for Countrypreneur by HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS. Mansa Suliman Al Kushi An awards ceremony honoring cultural and civic leaders A live performance by international recording artist Latin Star Soleil An auction supporting Kush's infrastructure, education, and sustainability initiatives Live global broadcast powered by VivaLive TV Innovation with Purpose: Citizenship, Finance & Sovereignty The Kingdom's offerings go far beyond ceremonial pageantry. New initiatives include: Why It Matters Now This is a rare moment in global history—a chance to witness the birth of a new sovereign nation built on values of unity, sustainability, and Pan-African pride. The Kingdom of Kush is one of the only modern nations to emerge from an ancient cultural identity and position itself as a digital-first economy ready for global participation. As the world grapples with displacement, digital governance, and climate realities, Kush offers a model rooted in heritage, but designed for tomorrow. " In our past lies the blueprint for our future." — Ancient Kushite Proverb Global Press and Media Invitation This gala marks a key moment for diplomatic, cultural, and business media outlets to engage directly with a new sovereign voice in Africa. Opportunities include: Interviews with Kush leadership and Queen Mothers Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and red carpet access Editorial features on digital sovereignty, dual citizenship, and cultural diplomacy Press passes and one-on-one interview scheduling are available upon request. [email protected] 347-674-8966


Calgary Herald
9 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Stamps looking to make it two straight wins when they travel to Toronto
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