Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jurgen Klopp’s fierce criticism of FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, defending the expanded 32-team tournament as a resounding success. The former Arsenal boss, now FIFA’s global football development chief, hailed the competition’s positive reception ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster final between Chelsea and PSG in New Jersey.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo resumed full training on Thursday in a bid to recover in time for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. The Ecuadorian international picked up a knock late in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash against Fluminense, casting doubt over his availability for the much-anticipated final in New Jersey.
Xabi Alonso has admitted that Real Madrid face a major challenge to reach the level of Paris Saint-Germain after a humbling 4-0 defeat in the Club World Cup semi-final. The new Los Blancos boss described the loss as 'painful' and a clear wake-up call, vowing that the team must now begin a new era with 'fresh minds' and stronger unity ahead of next season.
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a blistering first-half performance to seize control of their Club World Cup semi-final clash against Real Madrid, racing into a 3-0 lead within the opening 30 minutes at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday evening. Luis Enrique's side came out firing in front of a packed crowd, exposing a disorganised Madrid backline to score three unanswered goals in what was the most chaotic opening half of the Xabi Alonso era.
Despite enduring an intense summer campaign in the United States for the expanded Club World Cup, Chelsea have not been granted any scheduling leniency by the Premier League. The Blues are set to kick off their 2025-26 league season at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17, just over a month after completing their Club World Cup final in New Jersey.
Chelsea legend Thiago Silva, who returned to Fluminense this summer after four remarkable years in London, was recognised in heartfelt fashion by his former club following the Club World Cup semi-final clash. The Premier League outfit progressed to the final riding on the brilliance of Joao Pedro who dazzled with a pair of exceptional goals, one in each half, to seal the victory.
Liverpool are reportedly weighing a move for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo as they brace themselves for Luis Diaz's possible departure this summer. With increasing speculation surrounding the Colombian's future at Anfield, the Reds could rival Arsenal for the signature of the Brazilian star, who may be edging closer to his own exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.