Brazilian clubs continue to thrive at the Club World Cup.  Fluminense upset Inter Milan 2-0 on Mo...

Brazilian clubs continue to thrive at the Club World Cup.Fluminense upset Inter Milan 2-0 on Monday, eliminating the Champions League finalists to reach the quarterfinals of the competition.Veteran striker German Cano scored the opening goal in the third minute, and Fluminense withstood late Inter pressure before substitute Hercules sealed a famous victory with a stoppage-time tally.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fluminense and fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras are now both in the last eight of the tournament.More to come.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 30: Germán Cano of Fluminense FC celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, United States.

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Fluminense upset Inter to reach Club World Cup quarterfinals

Canada was knocked out of the 2025 Gold Cup by underdog Guatemala on Sunday, falling 6-5 on penal...

Canada was knocked out of the 2025 Gold Cup by underdog Guatemala on Sunday, falling 6-5 on penalties after the tense quarterfinal match finished 1-1 in normal time.The loss means Canada now has no competitive fixtures left to play before co-hosting next summer's 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico. The team will use friendly matches to prepare for the tournament.Canada was leading 1-0 through a 30th-minute goal from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a> and seemingly in control until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159283" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159283">Jacob Shaffelburg</a> received a second yellow card and was sent off in first-half stoppage time. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guatemala took full advantage after the break, dictating play before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/86131" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/86131">Rubio Rubin</a> equalized with an emphatic header in the 69th minute that enlivened the partisan crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.Neither side could find a winning goal in the remaining minutes, and the scrappy contest went straight to penalties after the final whistle.David, whose first-half goal came from the spot, wasn't available to take a penalty after being substituted late in the contest. The striker, wearing the captain's armband once again in the absence of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/134054" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/134054">Stephen Eustaquio</a>, required treatment multiple times in the second half, and was clearly struggling physically before finally being taken off.His replacement, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/209864" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/209864">Promise David</a>, opened the shootout with a goal. Every other taker found the net until veteran striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/40740" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/40740">Cyle Larin</a>, who had his weak effort denied. Guatemala could've ended it there, but captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159621" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159621">Jose Pinto</a> fired his potential game-winning shot well over the crossbar and into the stands.The shootout then went to sudden death, where Canadian defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/199996" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/199996">Luc de Fougerolles</a> blasted his effort off the underside of the bar. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/183522" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/183522">Jose Morales</a> then stepped up to slot home the winning spot-kick and send Guatemala to the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 1996, when the tournament had only nine teams and no quarterfinal stage.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's over. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanMNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/372mLC9Qj6">pic.twitter.com/372mLC9Qj6</a>— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/onesoccer/status/1939449679659557237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canadian goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148088" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148088">Dayne St. Clair</a>, picked by head coach Jesse Marsch to start over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/22068" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/22068">Maxime Crepeau</a>, got close to stopping two penalties, even getting his hand to one effort, but was ultimately unable to help Canada avoid the surprising ouster from the competition."If I'm honest, we're missing half of our group," Marsch said after the match, according to <a href="https://x.com/tombogert/status/1939457801434140995">Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport</a>. "That's not an excuse ... We fell short and that's painful."He added: "I believe in these guys entirely."Canada suffers its second consecutive shootout elimination at the Gold Cup after falling to the Unites States in the same manner in 2023. The Canadians were looking for their second Gold Cup title, and first since 2000.Guatemala, enjoying an unlikely run, will play the United States in the semifinals after the Americans beat Costa Rica in a quarterfinal shootout of their own Sunday night.Defending champion Mexico plays Honduras in the other semifinal.The Gold Cup final will take place July 6.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 29: Darwin Lom #14 of Guatemala celebrates after defeating Canada in penalty kicks during the Gold Cup 2025 Quarter Finals match between Guatemala and Canada at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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10-man Canada stunned by Guatemala in Gold Cup shootout

The group stage at the revamped Club World Cup is in the books. Below, we're looking back on the ...

The group stage at the revamped Club World Cup is in the books. Below, we're looking back on the biggest surprises from the tournament's opening two weeks in the United States.<h3>Brazilians step up to European challenge</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/cropped_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791968/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220208792.jpg?ts=1750910047 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304379">said</a> before the tournament that the gap between his team and European sides was "minimal." That seems true of his team, and also for fellow Brazilian outfits Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense.Botafogo's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid was the only defeat for a Brazilian team during the group stage. Botafogo and Fluminense progressed with second-placed finishes, while Flamengo and Palmeiras topped their quartets. Atleti, Chelsea, and FC Porto finished below their Brazilian group rivals. The four Brazilian squads, along with their vibrant fans, have arguably been the most entertaining part of this tournament thus far.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Botafogo's 1-0 upset of Champions League holders PSG was the standout result of the group stage, and it produced the most memorable soundbite. "The cemetery of football is full of favorites," Botafogo coach Renato Paiva <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304379">said</a>, rather poetically, after the memorable victory.Group stage: Brazil vs. Europe<ul>
<li>Palmeiras 0-0 Porto</li>
<li>Fluminense 0-0 Borussia Dortmund</li>
<li>Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Botafogo</li>
<li>Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea</li>
<li>Atletico Madrid 1-0 Botafogo</li>
</ul>The excuse of European sides faltering against supposedly lesser opponents due to their tougher workload doesn't totally ring true.The squads of Brazilian clubs have navigated more matches than their counterparts in Europe over the past 12 months through their commitments in the league, state competitions, and continent-wide tournaments. Cash-rich European clubs also enjoy greater roster depth over Brazilian teams, allowing more opportunities to rotate squads over the course of a season.The only advantage that Brazilian teams may have is that they're better acclimated to the temperature and humidity. A heatwave in the United States has thrust the Club World Cup into Carnival conditions. The Brazilian sides often appear comfortable while the European-based players seem to be wading, not running, through the thick, damp air.It's a shame resilient duo Botafogo and Palmeiras will meet in the round of 16, therefore denying one of those teams another meeting with a European giant. But at least one will be assured of a quarterfinal against Benfica or Chelsea.Brazil's last Club World Cup win came in 2012 when Corinthians overcame Chelsea in the final. Winning it will be tougher now that the tournament is much bigger and full of wealthy clubs, but it's already been a historic summer for Brazilian club football - and one that's made even sweeter by the failures of Boca Juniors and River Plate, the storied teams from rival nation Argentina.<h3>More misery for Atleti</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/cropped_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792111/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221754889.jpg?ts=1751028536 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Pantling - FIFA / FIFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>Atletico Madrid fans have endured a rotten few months.A 2024-25 season that promised so much rapidly disintegrated. The laws now stipulate an accidental double-touch penalty that goes in can be retaken, but that change in early June was prompted by Julian Alvarez's slip and finish being ruled out during Atleti's shootout with Real Madrid, leading to a Champions League last-16 elimination. That heartbreak coincided with a strong La Liga title push sputtering into a third-placed finish. Los Colchoneros also suffered heartbreak to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals.Not only did the Club World Cup offer a chance to ease that pain, it was an opportunity to play and win a tournament that they'll otherwise find it hard to enter again. Atletico Madrid qualified for the Club World Cup based on UEFA's four-year ranking; it's hard to imagine that La Liga champions Barcelona won't be above them the next time the competition rolls around in 2029.The Club World Cup also presented a chance to edge closer toward the true European elite by earning some of the huge prize money on offer.Atletico failed in their mission for redemption and growth. Getting thumped by Paris Saint-Germain isn't wholly surprising and Atleti beat the Seattle Sounders, but only scoring once against Botafogo led to the Spaniards' ignominious exit as the Brazilians progressed.<h3>Inter Miami silence doubters</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/cropped_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791205/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220230381.jpg?ts=1750369275 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Inter Miami were in a rut going into the Club World Cup.Lionel Messi's team, a tournament invitee for all intents and purposes, had just three wins in 10 matches heading into the competition. Miami looked painfully slow and defensively frail, conceding 26 goals in those games dating back to late April. There were genuine concerns, not unfounded, that Javier Mascherano's team would get humbled on home soil in Group A.They admitted as much themselves."It's clear that we are not at the level to compete at the Club World Cup, but we will try to compete in our group," midfielder Sergio Busquets <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45024595/miami-not-level-compete-club-world-cup-busquets">said</a> after Miami was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in emphatic fashion by the Vancouver Whitecaps in late April.Those doubts certainly seemed justified in the first half of the tournament opening against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. If not for the heroics of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, including a penalty save, Mascherano's men would've been in trouble right from the off. But Inter Miami steadied the ship after that. They were unfortunate not to score at least once themselves in the second half against Al Ahly, and then, powered by a majestic Messi free-kick, beat FC Porto in their second match. They earned a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their Group A finale, becoming the lone MLS team in the tournament to reach the knockout rounds.The once defeatist outlook has been replaced by hope going into the last 16, where Miami will look to pull off an all-time upset against Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League holders and presumptive best team in the world."If there is something this sport has proven (it's) that anything can happen in any match," Mascherano <a href="https://apnews.com/article/club-world-cup-inter-miami-psg-mesi-suarez-enrique-603bffa4168b0d03eb8f96e65ead7229">said</a> of the upcoming contest, which will see Messi take on his former club for the first time since leaving in 2023. "And who's to say that Sunday will (not) be our day. Sometimes, things happen."

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3 biggest surprises from Club World Cup group stage

We have reached the business end of the 2025 Club World Cup.  The revamped tournament is moving i...

We have reached the business end of the 2025 Club World Cup.The revamped tournament is moving into the knockout stage after an intriguing opening round ended Thursday. The European clubs, for the most part, came through unscathed, while Brazil's representatives made noise with their play on the pitch and their standout supporters in the stands.Real Madrid and Al-Hilal were the last two teams to advance from the group stage. The former beat Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 to finish atop Group H, while Al-Hilal grabbed second place. Madrid will meet Juventus in the last 16, while Al-Hilal have the daunting task of taking on Manchester City, who were the only team to emerge from the opening round with a perfect record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Knockout stage is set. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFACWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFACWC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ocob6Q9juC">pic.twitter.com/Ocob6Q9juC</a>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1938434389421240399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s reunion with European champions Paris Saint-Germain, and his influential former coach Luis Enrique, is arguably the standout fixture of the next round. Inter Miami and PSG are on the same side of the bracket as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.Manchester City, fresh off a 5-2 shellacking of Juve, will feel confident about their chances of reaching the final on the other side of the bracket, though Champions League finalists Inter Milan could potentially stand in their way in the quarterfinals.Brazil is guaranteed to have at least one team in the quarters, with Palmeiras and Botafogo set to meet in the last 16. That's the lone last-16 matchup that doesn't involve a European side.The Club World Cup final will be played July 13 at MetLife Stadium.Round of 16 schedule All times listed in ETJune 28: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (12 p.m.) - Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaJune 28: Benfica vs. Chelsea (4 p.m.) - Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteJune 29: PSG vs. Inter Miami (12 p.m.) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaJune 29: Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (4 p.m.) - Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiJune 30: Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (3 p.m.) - Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteJune 30: Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal (9 p.m.) - Camping World Stadium, OrlandoJuly 1: Real Madrid vs. Juventus (3 p.m.) - Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiJuly 1: Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (9 p.m.) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaThe schedule from the quarterfinal onward can be found <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293324">here</a>. <h3> </h3><h3> </h3>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 14: A detailed view of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy on the pitch prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Al Ahly FC and Internacional CF Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Club World Cup bracket: PSG, Bayern, Madrid, Juve on same side

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi retained his status as Major League Soccer's highest-paid player...

Inter Miami captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> retained his status as Major League Soccer's highest-paid player in 2025, according to annual salary data <a href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide">released</a> by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) on Wednesday.The Argentine superstar's total guaranteed compensation is $20.4 million. His base salary accounts for more than half that amount, coming in at $12 million.His total compensation doesn't reflect any non-playing revenue streams. Messi has a lucrative sponsorship deal with Adidas, and a revenue-sharing agreement with MLS broadcast partner Apple.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was previously <a href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2023/lionel-messi-career-earnings-billion-mls-1234730823/">reported</a> that Messi could earn up to $150 million over the life of his existing contract with Inter Miami, which he signed in 2023. The deal is due to expire at the end of the year, though he's widely expected to extend his stay with the MLS club.With Messi leading the way, Inter Miami broke their own MLS record for total payroll. Guaranteed compensation for their entire squad totals $46.84 million, which is $5 million more than the benchmark they set last year. It's also at least double the outlay of every other team in the league except Toronto FC and Atlanta United.Messi's teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1114" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1114">Sergio Busquets</a> ranks third in the league in guaranteed compensation. The veteran midfielder is making $8.7 million this season. Only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/7611" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/7611">Lorenzo Insigne</a> of Toronto FC, at $15.4 million, stops Miami from having the two highest-paid players in MLS.Atlanta's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/59535" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/59535">Miguel Almiron</a> ($7.8 million) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/67865" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/67865">Hirving Lozano</a> of expansion side San Diego FC ($7.6 million) round out the top five highest-paid players.There are currently 131 players in MLS who make at least $1 million. The average guaranteed compensation for the league's entire pool of players also continues to rise. It now sits at $649,199, a 9.22% increase from the spring of last year.CF Montreal have the league's lowest payroll at $11.99 million, while reigning MLS Cup champions the LA Galaxy come in at $22.87 million.The current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and MLSPA, signed in 2021, runs through the 2027 season.

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 16: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami react after Messi's first-half goal during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC on March 16th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

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Messi tops MLS salary list at $20.4M, Miami breaks payroll record

Canada advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday in a mes...

Canada advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday in a messy match punctuated by two red cards issued to El Salvador in the first half.Canada, thrown off its game by El Salvador's excessively physical approach, had to wait until the 53rd minute to open the scoring. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a>, who had a first-half penalty saved by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/85572" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/85572">Mario Gonzalez</a>, broke the deadlock by picking out the bottom corner with a precise finish. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148092" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148092">Tajon Buchanan</a> doubled the lead three minutes later to seal the result.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jonathan David with the perfect finish! <a href="https://t.co/uJzjSv4kp2">pic.twitter.com/uJzjSv4kp2</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1937715192558707007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The win means Canada finishes atop Group B. Jesse Marsch's team will meet Guatemala in the quarterfinals of the competition.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Marsch was on the bench for the first time at the tournament. He spent the first two matches serving a suspension for a red card he received during the Nations League third-place game in March.Tuesday's contest at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston got off to an inauspicious start, with El Salvador's Santos Ortiz taking an errant boot to the head in the opening seconds and requiring treatment that delayed play for nearly 10 minutes.Ortiz was then sent off after being shown his second yellow card in the 35th minute for a wild tackle. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/62341" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/62341">Jairo Henriquez</a> followed that up by throwing an inexplicable elbow to the face of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/165277" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/165277">Alistair Johnston</a> deep into first-half stoppage time, immediately after David was denied from the penalty spot.Referee Joe Dickerson was told by the VAR to review the incident, and he brandished a red card after a quick check. El Salvador became the first team to have two players sent off in the first half of a Gold Cup match.El Salvador's physio was also sent off after the halftime whistle."Typical CONCACAF," Canada's David <a href="https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1937726626298835443">said</a> after the match of El Salvador's tactics. "I think a bit chaotic, a lot of fouls – but we knew, we expected this, so we were just ready for it."The untidy contest brought an end to the opening round of the tournament and finalized the quarterfinal matchups.Gold Cup quarterfinal matchups (all times ET):June 28: Panama vs. Honduras (7:15 p.m.) June 28: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia (10:15 p.m.) June 29: Canada vs. Guatemala (4 p.m.) June 29: United States vs. Costa Rica (7 p.m.)Canada and the United States are on the same side of the bracket and will meet in the semifinals if they both win their respective quarterfinal games.Mexico is the reigning Gold Cup champion, and is looking to become the first nation to win the CONCACAF event 10 times.The Gold Cup final is slated for July 6.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 24: Jonathan David #10 of Canada scores during the Group Stage - Group B match between Canada and El Salvador as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on June 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Canada's messy win over 9-man El Salvador completes Gold Cup quarterfinal field

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a CONCACAF investigat...

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a CONCACAF investigation into his conduct during the ongoing Gold Cup, the governing body <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/news/concacaf-disciplinary-committee-decision-on-the-case-of-the-canadian-soccer-association-and-jesse-marsch/">announced</a> Monday.Marsch and Canada Soccer were under investigation for "incidents" that occurred during the team's tournament opener last week, a 6-0 win over Honduras at BC Place in Vancouver.Canada Soccer (CSA) was fined an undisclosed amount for "breaching security protocols for accredited delegation officials and for failing to comply with anti-doping procedures by not providing the required representative for the halftime doping control draw," CONCACAF said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The CSA called the two fines "minor" in a brief <a href="https://news.canadasoccer.com/jesse-marsch-cleared-of-all-allegations-by-concacaf">statement</a>.CONCACAF was investigating whether Marsch and the CSA disregarded rules regarding suspended officials, and whether the tactician used offensive language toward CONCACAF match officials.Marsch wasn't on the touchline for the 6-0 demolition of Honduras, as he was serving the first game of a two-match ban for a red card he received earlier this year during the Nations League third-place match.He planned to watch the Honduras game from a private suite within BC Place. The investigation centered on his frustrated response, and the language he used, when told by a CONCACAF official that he needed to move from that location, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TSNScianitti/status/1936097428362444893">TSN</a>.Marsch said little about the investigation when asked about it prior to Canada's second group match of the competition."I think it's a much bigger deal in the media than it is internally," he told reporters ahead of Canada's 1-1 draw with Curacao in Houston.Canada, looking to secure top spot in Group B, will close out group play against El Salvador today. Marsch is eligible to return to the bench.

INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 23: Head coach Jesse Marsch Canada directs his team during a Concacaf Nations League game between Canada and USMNT at SoFi Stadium at on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada coach Marsch cleared of wrongdoing after CONCACAF investigation

Canada was on the brink of securing its place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, but conc...

Canada was on the brink of securing its place in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, but conceded a 94th-minute goal and had to settle instead for a 1-1 draw against Curacao.The Canadians looked like a shell of the team that dismantled Honduras 6-0 in its tournament opener, getting overrun in the second half in Houston and ultimately holding on for the single point.Despite the disappointing result, Canada still sits atop Group B after two matches, and can advance to the next round of the tournament when it closes out group play against El Salvador on Tuesday. A win in that match would clinch top spot in the group, and a quarterfinal matchup with the team that finishes second in Group C.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A much-improved performance will be needed to do that, though.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/168731" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/168731">Nathan Saliba</a> opened the scoring at Shell Energy Stadium in the ninth minute with his second goal in as many games, but Canada couldn't build on the early tally. The Canadians, who survived multiple close calls in the second half, broke down defensively in the final minutes and allowed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/175464" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/175464">Jeremy Antonisse</a> to score a deserved equalizer for Curacao.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Antonisse with the late match drama 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/lQfaNgZ4w3">pic.twitter.com/lQfaNgZ4w3</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1936591014426218701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canada was arguably lucky to still be leading going into stoppage time.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/16137" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/16137">Jurgen Locadia</a> thought he scored an equalizer in the 66th minute, but, after a lengthy VAR check, his excellent left-footed strike was ruled out for a narrow offside in the buildup to the goal.Curacao then felt a penalty kick should've been awarded for a handball inside the area, but the referee ruled that the players had stopped play before the infringement because of a whistle they heard that came from the sparse crowd.Canada, which was once again without suspended head coach Jesse Marsch, didn't heed those warnings, and made multiple sloppy mistakes on the game-tying goal by Antonisse. Marsch, currently under investigation by CONCACAF for undisclosed "incidents" during the Honduras game, watched from the stands while serving the second of his two-game ban for a red card he picked up in the Nations League in March.Saturday's hard-fought contest, played in sweltering conditions, lacked attacking flow or rhythm, and leaves both teams with plenty of room for improvement as they look ahead to their final group games.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 21: Jonathan David of Canada and Jearl Margaritha of Curacao battle for a ball during the Group Stage - Group B match between Curacao and Canada as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Shell Energy Stadium on June 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Canada concedes stoppage-time goal in scrappy draw with Curacao

Canada Soccer and men's national team coach Jesse Marsch are under investigation for undisclosed ...

Canada Soccer and men's national team coach Jesse Marsch are under investigation for undisclosed "incidents" during the team's 2025 Gold Cup opener against Honduras on Tuesday, CONCACAF announced.The governing body <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/en/news/concacaf-statement-disciplinary-investigation-into-the-csa-and-jesse-marsch-following-gold-cup-incidents/">said</a> it would examine evidence that Canada Soccer and Marsch "disregarded regulations applicable to suspended match officials and used offensive language toward CONCACAF match officials."CONCACAF's disciplinary committee will now "review all available evidence, including official reports," with information regarding any potential sanctions to be provided "in due course."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Canada won its tournament opener 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver.Marsch wasn't on the touchline for the lopsided victory, as he was serving the first of a two-match suspension for the red card he received during Canada's third-place Nations League game in March. That sending-off and subsequent ban resulted from an outburst toward the referee.He watched Tuesday's dominant performance from a suite inside the stadium.Canada is back in action at the Gold Cup against Curacao on Saturday. Assistant coach Mauro Biello, who assumed Marsch's spot on the bench against Honduras, will again lead the team.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Head Coach Jesse Marsch of Canada attends the Concacaf Nations League Semifinal match between Canada and Mexico at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada coach Marsch under investigation for 'incidents' during Honduras match

Canada opened its 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday, sh...

Canada opened its 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday, showing off its newfound depth and sending an early message to the rest of the field at the tournament.After a largely uneventful start to the contest at BC Place in Vancouver, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/209404" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/209404">Niko Sigur</a> opened the scoring in the 27th minute with his first goal for Canada. The versatile 21-year-old found the net after a slick combination with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/159817">Jonathan David</a>, who captained the team in the absence of both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/134054" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/134054">Stephen Eustaquio</a>. The former, who was in attendance, continues to recover from a torn ACL, while the latter is with FC Porto at the Club World Cup.Canada didn't miss either star Tuesday. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/187409" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/187409">Tani Oluwaseyi</a> doubled the lead just before the halftime interval with a wicked shot from a tight angle. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/148092" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/148092">Tajon Buchanan</a> put the result beyond doubt three minutes into the second stanza and then scored his second goal of the match in the 65th minute.Substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/209864" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/209864">Promise David</a> got his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/168731" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/168731">Nathan Saliba</a> completed the rout with a ferocious left-footed strike in the 90th minute.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What a way to score your first goal for Canada, Nathan Saliba! 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/F3N8JjyvcI">pic.twitter.com/F3N8JjyvcI</a>— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1935194431952683476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 6-0 triumph is Canada's biggest scoring outburst since netting seven goals against Aruba in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It's also the team's largest win since Jesse Marsch took over as head coach last year.Ironically, Marsch wasn't on the bench Tuesday. The American tactician was serving the first of a two-match ban he received after being shown a red card during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place game in March.Mauro Biello assumed coaching duties in Marsch's absence."Tonight was a perfect example of some of the good young players in this country. And we wanted to continue to give them opportunities, continue to help them develop and become the players that we think that they could be," Biello said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article/youngsters-step-up-as-canada-flexes-might-against-honduras-at-gold-cup/">John Molinaro of Sportsnet</a>. "And tonight, we saw a really good performance by a number of young players that have a handful of caps, and I think it's exciting. It's exciting to put a team with players with those (few) caps, and then put in a performance like that."In addition to Davies and Eustaquio, Canada was without usual starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/165277" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/165277">Alistair Johnston</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/193200" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/193200">Moise Bombito</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/99764" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/99764">Derek Cornelius</a>."We have a solid group. We don't only have a certain (starting) 11," David said of the team's depth, which has gone from a glaring weakness to an obvious strength under Marsh. "We have guys that can step up at any moment to make the difference." Canada, sitting atop Group B after the first round of fixtures, is back in action Saturday against Curacao at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. It will wrap up group play June 24 versus El Salvador.Canada, the Gold Cup champion in 2000, is looking to win the tournament for a second time.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 17: Niko Sigur #23 of Team Canada celebrates his goal during the Group Stage - Group B match between Canada and Honduras as part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup at BC Place on June 17, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Top players who could move during the summer transfer window

Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and Al Ahly counterpart Mohamed Elshenawy stood tall to earn ...

Inter Miami goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/52340" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/52340">Oscar Ustari</a> and Al Ahly counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcaf/players/65831" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcaf/players/65831">Mohamed Elshenawy</a> stood tall to earn their teams a goalless draw in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.The 38-year-old Miami netminder made several outstanding saves in the first half, including turning aside a penalty from Egyptian forward Trezeguet in the 43rd minute, as the hosts were overrun at Hard Rock Stadium to begin the contest.If not for Ustari's heroics, the contest could have been out of reach by the halftime interval. The 12-time African champions, spurred on by their raucous fans who traveled to the United States, continuously carved through the Inter Miami defense. Al Ahly created two clear-cut breakaways that Ustari denied before earning their penalty kick, but Trezeguet couldn't bury the golden opportunity, and he couldn't get a clean shot off on the rebound.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Inter Miami, lucky to still be level after 45 minutes, turned the tide in the second half, but Elshenawy promptly replicated the performance of his opposite number.The Al Ahly shot-stopper came up with two massive saves in the waning seconds of the entertaining affair, including redirecting a spectacular long-range effort from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> onto the crossbar in the 95th minute.That came just moments after he leapt to make a fine save on a header from substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///concagc/players/45806" href="https://thescore.com/concagc/players/45806">Fafa Picault</a>. Messi created that chance with an inch-perfect cross.The Argentine superstar also came close earlier in the second half, bending a free-kick around the wall that shaved the outside of the post. When the ball bounced back off the advertising boards and into the netting behind the goal, many in the stands thought the Miami magician had scored."In the second half, we created chances," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano told <a href="https://x.com/DAZNFootball/status/1934074113305280679">DAZN</a> after the 0-0 stalemate. "We controlled the game, we had the chances to score and win the game."He added: "Maybe in the first half we were excited, we were nervous, we didn't move the ball from one side to the other. So we tried to translate to the players to be calm, we have to keep possession, we can find the spaces to attack better."Both teams ultimately had to settle for a point in the first game of the expanded competition, which was played in front of more than 60,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium despite earlier concerns about ticket sales. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has championed the revamped event, was in attendance, seated beside soccer legends Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio.Inter Miami and Al Ahly are back in action July 19 against fellow Group A foes FC Porto and Palmeiras, respectively.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 14: Ian Fray #17 and Tomas Aviles #6 of Inter Miami CF congratulate Oscar Ustari #19 after a penalty kick save during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Al Ahly FC and Internacional CF Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Brazil punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.  Viniciu...

Brazil punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a> scored the lone goal of the game, giving new head coach Carlo Ancelotti his first win as Selecao boss in his second match in charge. "We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve," Vinicius said after the match, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-ecuador-chile-ancelotti-world-cup-5d44b7075e76c173d605069a7728c8d1">Mauricio Savarese of The Associated Press</a>. "We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brazil, the all-time leader with five World Cup titles, now sits third in CONMEBOL qualifying on 25 points with two rounds of fixtures remaining. The team is mathematically assured of one of South America's six automatic berths for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The Brazilians have still never failed to qualify for a men's World Cup.Argentina, Brazil's eternal rival, and Ecuador are the top two teams in the CONMEBOL standings after 16 games, and have also secured their World Cup places.Ancelotti, hired by Brazil to replace Dorival Junior, began his tenure with a goalless draw against Ecuador last week. The team showed more willingness to get forward Tuesday, which has been a major concern for supporters who've grown tired of a conservative style of play during this qualifying cycle.Brazil will close out its qualification campaign with matches against Chile and Bolivia in September. With a World Cup spot now secured, Ancelotti's focus will be on bringing verve and joyfulness back to a Brazilian attack that has stagnated; Brazil has only managed more than one goal in one of its last six matches.

TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward #10 Vinicius Jr celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Paraguay at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 10, 2025.

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Cristiano Ronaldo says he's likely to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, seemingly putting an end...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> says he's likely to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, seemingly putting an end to transfer speculation that both he and FIFA president Gianni Infantino fueled in recent weeks.The veteran forward's current deal with the Saudi Arabian club expires June 30. Negotiations over a new contract are <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6378611/2025/05/23/cristiano-ronaldo-club-world-cup/">reportedly</a> underway.Asked about his future following Portugal's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297701" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297701">shootout win</a> over Spain in Sunday's Nations League final, the 40-year-old said "practically nothing is going to change." Prompted specifically with Al-Nassr, he replied, "yes."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Those comments followed his admission prior to Sunday's match that he wouldn't go to the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. Ronaldo said multiple teams reached out to him but added "you can't try and do everything."FIFA president Infantino sparked widespread speculation in May when he said that "discussions" were underway for Ronaldo to play in the revamped Club World Cup this summer, which would've required him to leave Al-Nassr. The Saudi side, which he joined in 2022, didn't qualify for the tournament.Ronaldo himself seemed to suggest last month that a move could be on the cards. Following Al-Nassr's final match of the season, he said on social media "this chapter is over," adding that his story is "still being written."But after much conjecture, it appears he's going to remain with the Riyadh-based outfit.Ronaldo lifted his third international trophy Sunday when Portugal won the Nations League. His second-half goal, his record-extending 138th for his country, tied the match at 2-2 before Portugal went on to win the shootout.

MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 8: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates the victory after the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

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Ronaldo plans to stay at Al-Nassr after discussions with CWC teams

The new-look FIFA Club World Cup got underway Saturday, with 32 teams from around the globe vying...

The new-look FIFA Club World Cup got underway Saturday, with 32 teams from around the globe vying to win the revamped event. Get ready for the tournament with theScore's comprehensive preview package, where we'll answer all your questions and tee up the action in the United States.<h3>What's new about the Club World Cup?</h3>This summer's Club World Cup, championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has been expanded to include 32 teams for the first time. Each of the governing body's six confederations - AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North America and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania), and UEFA (Europe) - will be represented.Previous iterations of the event took place annually in a central location and featured only seven clubs, with a total of seven matches played in less than two weeks. The most recent edition, contested in 2023 in Saudi Arabia, was won by Manchester City. That old version of the Club World Cup has been rebranded as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and will continue to run on a yearly basis in the winter; Real Madrid won it last year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The new Club World Cup, meanwhile, will feature 63 matches staged over 29 days in the United States. The tournament will also shift to a quadrennial schedule, being held every four years as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup; the latter is taking place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2026.<h3>When does it start?</h3>The tournament began June 14 with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami being held to a goalless draw by Egyptian outfit Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/cropped_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788295/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217351209.jpg?ts=1748744654 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>The group stage concludes June 26, and the knockout rounds begin two days later. The Club World Cup final is slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The full match schedule is available <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293324" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293324">here</a>.<h3>How can I watch?</h3><a href="https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/welcome/fifa-club-world-cup?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=CWC_NA_CA_en_SEARCH_ACQUISITION-CONVERSION_FOOTBALL_BRAND_EXACT_ONGOING&amp;utm_content=CWC%20BRAND%20EXACT%20ONGOING&amp;utm_ad=751618704874&amp;utm_term=dazn%20club%20world%20cup&amp;matchtype=e&amp;device=c&amp;GeoLoc=9000990&amp;placement=&amp;network=g&amp;campaign_id=22547910872&amp;adset_id=181932697360&amp;ad_id=751618704874&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22547910872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_fyqye9K-Q4TpC-ehov5zss0kcib&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwgIXCBhDBARIsAELC9ZjWUGTAWHuyPqxSZuYGM3npsSabG31QLL5ffiqrdcLuTWr5Xa9fpTYaAr6ZEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">DAZN</a>, the official global broadcaster of the tournament, will livestream all 63 matches for free, in multiple languages.Select games will also be carried in English on TNT in the United States, while Univision, TUDN, and ViX will broadcast matches in Spanish in the U.S.<h3>What's the tournament format?</h3>Similar to the old formats of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, the 32 teams have been split into eight groups of four.After the four teams within each group have played against each other once, the respective group winners and runners-up advance to the knockout rounds, while the remaining clubs are eliminated from the competition. The knockout stage - round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final - will be composed of one-off matches. If any knockout game is tied after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time (30 minutes), then, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine who advances.<h3>Who qualified, and how did they get there?</h3>There were two ways to qualify for the Club World Cup. Teams booked their spots by either winning their respective continental title - UEFA Champions League or CONMEBOL Libertadores, for example - in one of the four most-recent seasons, or by having what FIFA described as a "high ranking of performance" in those top-level events over the same four-year cycle.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/cropped_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787231/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207612062.jpg?ts=1748206402 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Angel Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>A maximum of two teams from any single nation can participate, with the exception that continental champions are guaranteed a place in the tournament. As Brazil has dominated South American soccer in recent years - four different Brazilian teams have won the Libertadores in the past four years - it has four teams in the Club World Cup.Once the two-team limit was hit for any given country, other teams from that country could not qualify via the performance ranking route. That's why Premier League champions Liverpool, for instance, are absent despite being ranked eighth by FIFA's coefficient system; Manchester City and Chelsea grabbed England's two places because they've won the Champions League more recently than the Reds.Inter Miami, meanwhile, were granted a special berth reserved for a team from the host nation.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Qualification</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</td>
<td>Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</td>
<td>Champions League (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>🇪🇸</td>
<td>Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Atletico Madrid</td>
<td>🇪🇸</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>🇮🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>🇮🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>🇩🇪</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>🇩🇪</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>🇫🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>🇵🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benfica</td>
<td>🇵🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Bull Salzburg</td>
<td>🇦🇹</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palmeiras</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flamengo</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fluminense</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Botafogo</td>
<td>🇧🇷</td>
<td>Libertadores (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>River Plate</td>
<td>🇦🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boca Juniors</td>
<td>🇦🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seattle Sounders</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LAFC</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Playoff winners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter Miami</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
<td>Host nation berth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monterrey</td>
<td>🇲🇽</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pachuca</td>
<td>🇲🇽</td>
<td>Champions Cup (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al-Hilal</td>
<td>🇸🇦</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Urawa Red Diamonds</td>
<td>🇯🇵</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al Ain</td>
<td>🇦🇪</td>
<td>AFC Champions League (2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ulsan HD</td>
<td>🇰🇷</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al Ahly</td>
<td>🇪🇬</td>
<td>CAF Champions League (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wydad AC</td>
<td>🇲🇦</td>
<td>CAF Champions League (2022)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ES Tunis</td>
<td>🇹🇳</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mamelodi Sundowns</td>
<td>🇿🇦</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auckland City</td>
<td>🇳🇿</td>
<td>4-year ranking</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Club Leon of Mexico were originally set to take part after winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2023 but were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281526" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281526">ruled ineligible</a> because FIFA doesn't permit multiple teams from the same ownership group to participate; Leon and fellow Mexican squad Pachuca are part of Grupo Pachuca. Leon's place was taken by Los Angeles FC, who beat Club America in a one-off playoff match last month to qualify.<h3>How did the draw unfold?</h3>Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter MiamiGroup B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle SoundersGroup C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, BenficaGroup D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Chelsea, LAFCGroup E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter MilanGroup F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi SundownsGroup G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain, JuventusGroup H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg<h3>Where are the games being played?</h3>The United States is playing host to multiple soccer tournaments this summer, with the Club World Cup and 2025 Gold Cup running concurrently. To avoid any stadium conflicts or crossover, the former is taking place primarily on the East Coast of the country, while the U.S. West Coast handles much of the latter.Club World Cup matches will take place at the following 12 venues:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Venue</th>
<th>Location</th>
<th>Capacity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rose Bowl Stadium</td>
<td>Pasadena</td>
<td>88.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MetLife Stadium</td>
<td> East Rutherford</td>
<td>82.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of America Stadium</td>
<td>Charlotte</td>
<td>75K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta</td>
<td>75K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lincoln Financial Field</td>
<td>Philadelphia</td>
<td>69K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lumen Field</td>
<td> Seattle</td>
<td>69K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Camping World Stadium</td>
<td>Orlando</td>
<td>65K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hard Rock Stadium</td>
<td> Miami Gardens</td>
<td>65K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEODIS Park</td>
<td>Nashville</td>
<td>30K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TQL Stadium</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
<td>26K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter&amp;Co Stadium</td>
<td>Orlando</td>
<td>25K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Audi Field</td>
<td>Washington</td>
<td>20K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>What are the teams fighting for?</h3>The total prize pool for the tournament is $1 billion. Each team is guaranteed to earn between $3.58 million and $38.19 million just for taking part. Additional prize money is awarded as teams advance in the competition; a spot in the final is worth $30 million on its own.The tournament champions could take home up to $125 million.FIFA also introduced a new trophy last year for the Club World Cup, designed in collaboration with luxury jeweller Tiffany &amp; Co.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/cropped_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788991/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218185959.jpg?ts=1749131171 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Soobum Im - FIFA / FIFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>"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 governing body <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/innovative-fifa-club-world-cup-trophy-unveiled-ahead-of-new-tournament-in-2025">stated</a> in a release upon revealing the hardware. "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 winning club will also get to wear a <a href="https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/news/soccer/fifa-world-cup-winners-to-recieve-unique-shirt-patch-cwcuk25/1vkmzg78ihgab1buraqpyagksw">special badge</a> on their shirts for four years - until the next edition of the event - that dubs them "world champions."<h3>What are the biggest storylines?</h3>New faces in new placesIn anticipation of this summer's tournament, FIFA opened an extraordinary transfer window so clubs could make signings before heading to the United States. It's open until June 10 and has already resulted in several teams adding fresh faces to their squads; Real Madrid have been the most active so far, landing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in time to have the pair available at the Club World Cup.The biggest unknown remains the status of Cristiano Ronaldo. Infantino recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290611" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290611">said</a> there are "discussions with some clubs" about signing the Portuguese legend from Al-Nassr, potentially on a short-term deal, so he could play in the tournament this summer.Can the underdogs surprise?UEFA heavyweights such as the aforementioned Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Inter Milan, and newly minted European kings Paris Saint-Germain will be the overwhelming favorites in this competition, with the strong South American contingent expected to provide a stern test.But major tournaments have a habit of delivering the unexpected. Can Mamelodi Sundowns, the richest team in Africa, spring a surprise and emerge out of a well-balanced Group F? Egyptian giants Al Ahly, meanwhile, could upset the apple cart on opening night when they take on Messi and Miami. Prolific Al Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali is precisely the type of player who could earn a big transfer should he perform well on this stage.Dembele's Ballon d'Or bid<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/cropped_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788360/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218077368.jpg?ts=1748800816 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jean Catuffe / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Paris Saint-Germain's emphatic victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final put Ousmane Dembele in pole position to win the Ballon d'Or, but Lamine Yamal kept himself very much in contention by starring in Spain's 5-4 victory over Dembele's France in the Nations League semifinals. The race remains incredibly tight between the two superstars.With no major international tournament taking place this summer, and Barcelona not involved in the Club World Cup, the event in the U.S. gives Dembele an extra opportunity to separate himself from the chasing pack in the race for the coveted trophy, which will be awarded in September.A chance for youngsters to shineOn the back of another grueling campaign, managers of Europe's elite teams, blessed with loaded squads and deep benches, are certain to rotate their lineups in the United States. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Messi, and Dembele will take the pitch, but with the upcoming domestic season already in mind - or, in Messi's case, the current MLS campaign - coaches will need to be wise about managing minutes.That creates opportunities that perhaps otherwise wouldn't be available for prodigious young talents to get significant opportunities against high-level opposition. The stars of tomorrow should get chances to shine. Teenagers like Senny Mayulu (PSG), Tyrique George (Chelsea), and Endrick (Real Madrid) have much expected of them in the coming years.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31482333/related

Everything you need to know about the FIFA Club World Cup

Los Angeles FC defeated Mexican giants Club America 2-1 in extra time to earn the final spot in t...

Los Angeles FC defeated Mexican giants Club America 2-1 in extra time to earn the final spot in this summer's Club World Cup.Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/59772" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/59772">Denis Bouanga</a> scored the winning goal in the 115th minute to seal a valuable comeback victory for LAFC and ensure there will be three Major League Soccer teams in the upcoming event.Club America appeared on track to grab the tournament berth - and the guaranteed $9.5 million in participation money - after former LAFC player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fmf_cl/players/161916" href="https://thescore.com/fmf_cl/players/161916">Brian Rodriguez</a> opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But unlikely scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/214231" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/214231">Igor Jesus</a> equalized with a header off a corner kick in the 89th minute. Then Bouanga, who looked threatening all match, decided the contest with a dramatic winner when it seemed like a penalty shootout may be required at BMO Stadium.Bouanga's deflected shot from just outside the box wrong-footed America netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fmf_cl/players/67895" href="https://thescore.com/fmf_cl/players/67895">Luis Malagon</a> and found the back of the net.The victory means LAFC will slot into Group D for the revamped competition, alongside Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Flamengo of Brazil, and Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis.That spot had belonged to Liga MX outfit Leon, but the Mexican squad was ruled ineligible by FIFA and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3252771" href="https://thescore.com/news/3252771">removed</a> from the tournament in March for being part of the same ownership group as Pachuca, another Mexican team that is participating in the event.FIFA then organized a one-off playoff match between LAFC and America, rewarding the former for being the CONCACAF Champions Cup runners-up in 2023, and the latter for being the top-ranked team in the confederation.LAFC join Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders as MLS representatives in this summer's expanded competition, which will feature 32 teams from around the world for the first time.The Club World Cup begins June 14 in the United States, with the final slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium.The club that takes home the trophy is expected to earn over $100 million in total prize money.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Denis Bouanga #99 of Los Angeles FC reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In match between Los Angeles Football Club and Club America at BMO Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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LAFC grab final spot in Club World Cup with dramatic win over Club America

This season's Champions League final, a meeting between Paris Saint-Germain's young guns and Inte...

This season's Champions League final, a meeting between Paris Saint-Germain's young guns and Inter Milan's grizzled veterans, is finally here. Get ready for Saturday's match with theScore's comprehensive preview package.<h3>The lowdown 📝</h3>Who: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Milan What: 70th European Cup final When: 3 p.m. ET Saturday Where: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany) Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania) VAR: Dennis Johan Higler (Netherlands)<h3>How to watch 📺</h3>United States: CBS, TUDN, Paramount+ Canada: DAZN<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Betting odds 🤑</h3>Odds via theScore Bet/ESPN BetPSG: +115 Draw: +235 (match goes to extra time) Inter: +240<h3>Key questions ❓</h3>Will youth or experience win out?PSG went all-in on a major philosophical shift when it became clear that Kylian Mbappe was going to depart for Real Madrid. The club, under Qatari ownership since 2011, finally ditched the superstar-led approach that continued to fall short in the Champions League, opting instead to build a younger, more exuberant and cohesive unit. With Luis Enrique putting all the pieces together, it's paid immediate dividends. PSG, with an average age of 24.4, has one of the youngest squads in Europe's top leagues. Inter, meanwhile, are on the opposite end of the spectrum, and arrive in Munich with a vastly experienced roster that averages out at almost 30 years old. The majority of the players expected to start Saturday were on the pitch in the 2023 final against Manchester City, and that continuity has been critical to the club's success under Simone Inzaghi. Inter's squad could undergo significant changes as early as this summer, so this could be the club's last opportunity to win the Champions League with this core. Inter have shown signs they are running out of steam in the second half of the season; they're scoring fewer goals and conceding more chances compared with the opening months of the campaign. Do they have one more big performance left in them, or could we be witnessing the start of a PSG dynasty?Dembele's crowning achievement?Like PSG as a whole, Ousmane Dembele has hit another gear in 2025, finally making good on the enormous potential that he flashed at Borussia Dortmund but failed to realize at Barcelona. Dembele, always playing in the shadow of a bigger star at club and international level throughout his career, is the guy now at PSG, thriving since Luis Enrique moved him into a central role that gives him freedom to pop up all over the pitch and exploit spaces wherever he can find them.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/cropped_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783464/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212066208.jpg?ts=1746100733 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Frenchman, now 28, leads PSG with 33 goals - only one of which has come from the penalty spot - and 44 total goal involvements across all competitions this season. He scored in the semifinal victory over Arsenal, provided two assists in the quarterfinal triumph versus Aston Villa, and found the net in the thrilling last-16 success against Liverpool. Another decisive moment in the final could put Dembele in pole position for this year's Ballon d'Or.Can Inter exploit aerial advantage?There will be fascinating individual and tactical battles to watch all across the field Saturday. Who will dominate the flanks, where both teams have elite full- and wing-backs who they rely on to generate offense? Will PSG's metronomic midfield dictate the tempo, or will Inter's hard-working trio control the match? After shining en route to the final, which goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma or Yann Sommer, will make the critical saves necessary to lift the trophy? Will Inter find the same level of success on the counterattack as they did in the semifinals against a Barcelona team that also presses high like PSG? These are all critical questions that need to be answered.But they could ultimately be moot. In one-off finals where the finest details can make all the difference, Inter's set-piece prowess could be the decisive factor. The Nerazzurri were devastatingly effective from dead balls in the semifinals against Barcelona, profiting from multiple corner kicks. Marquinhos and Willian Pacho are no slouches in the air, but, collectively, PSG are undersized in comparison with their Italian counterparts; more than a quarter of the goals they conceded in Ligue 1 this season - 31% - came from set pieces.<h3>Further reading 📖</h3>Dive into some of the storylines surrounding the contest<ul>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281588" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281588">4 factors that will decide UCL final</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292465">Inzaghi eyeing legend status at Inter</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292000" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292000">Last chance for Inter's veteran core?</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292450" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292450">Rugged Acerbi leads Inter's title bid</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3291997" href="https://thescore.com/news/3291997">Holy grail within reach for PSG after philosophy change</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293019" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293019">Kvaratskhelia eyes double success at Inter's expense</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293013" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293013">Luis Enrique is the superstar of new-look PSG</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293782" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293782">Dembele's transformation has PSG on verge of glory</a></li>
</ul><h3>Injury updates 🤕</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Injury</th>
<th>Status</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Benjamin Pavard</td>
<td>Inter</td>
<td>Ankle</td>
<td>Available</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yann Bisseck</td>
<td>Inter</td>
<td>Knee</td>
<td>Doubtful</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Piotr Zielinski</td>
<td>Inter</td>
<td>Calf</td>
<td>Doubtful</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Possible lineups 👀</h3>PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Desire DoueInter (3-5-2): Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram<h3>Kit matchup 👕</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> week ✨ <a href="https://t.co/guNo8jCgEP">pic.twitter.com/guNo8jCgEP</a>— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1926919160400900504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Season at a glance 🔎</h3>PSGForm (all competitions): WWWWLW League finish: 1st in Ligue 1 Domestic cup: ChampionsInterForm (all competitions): WDWWWD League finish: 2nd in Serie A Domestic cup: Lost in semifinals<h3>Path to the final 🏟</h3>PSGLeague phase: 15th place Knockout playoffs: Beat Brest (10-0 on aggregate) Round of 16: Beat Liverpool (4-1 on penalties) Quarterfinals: Beat Aston Villa (5-4 on aggregate) Semifinals: Beat Arsenal (3-1 on aggregate)InterLeague phase: 4th place Round of 16: Beat Feyenoord (4-1 on aggregate) Quarterfinals: Beat Bayern Munich (4-3 on aggregate) Semifinals: Beat Barcelona (7-6 on aggregate)<h3>By the numbers 🔢</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PSG</th>
<th></th>
<th>Inter</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>10-1-5</td>
<td>Record</td>
<td>10-3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td>Goals Scored</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Goals Against</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>32.5</td>
<td>Expected Goals (xG)</td>
<td>23.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.7</td>
<td>xG Against</td>
<td>17.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>+0.93</td>
<td>xG Difference per 90</td>
<td>+0.48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dembele (8)</td>
<td>Top Scorer</td>
<td>Martinez (9)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Tournament pedigree 🏆</h3>Best European Cup finish for both clubsPSG: Finalists (2020)Paris Saint-Germain have never won the European Cup. Their only previous appearance in the final came in 2020, when a team led by Mbappe and Neymar fell 1-0 to Bayern Munich. The atmosphere will be much different this time around, though, as that match was played in Lisbon without fans because of COVID-19 restrictions.Inter: Champions (1964, 1965, 2010)Inter will be making their seventh appearance in the European Cup final. Only six clubs have reached the marquee match more often than the Nerazzurri, who've hoisted the trophy three times in their history. Inzaghi's men are back in the final for the second time in three seasons after a slender defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 showpiece.<h3>Fun facts 🤯</h3>1: Incredibly, this will be the first Champions League meeting between PSG and Inter. It's also only the second time that a French and Italian club will lock horns with the European Cup on the line. Marseille beat AC Milan to lift the trophy in 1993 in a match that was, coincidentally, also played in Munich.2: PSG bench boss Enrique is looking to become only the second manager to win a treble on two separate occasions, having previously accomplished the feat in 2015 with Barcelona. Pep Guardiola currently stands alone in this category, winning the treble with Barca in 2009 and again with Manchester City in 2023.3: Inter midfielder Mkhitaryan could become the first male player to win all three UEFA club competitions currently on offer if he features in an Inter victory Saturday. The Armenian won the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017 and captured the Conference League with Roma in 2022. If, as expected, he gets on the pitch against PSG, Mkhitaryan will be the first to even play in all three finals.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/cropped_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787742/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217509031.jpg?ts=1748477679 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Pantling - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>4: The four previous European Cup finals played in Munich have produced a first-time tournament winner; Nottingham Forest (1979), Marseille (1993), Borussia Dortmund (1997), and Chelsea (2012). A good omen for PSG?13: Renowned for their defensive solidity throughout the tournament, Inter threw away their trusted playbook in the semifinals, going toe-to-toe with Barcelona as the two teams combined for 13 goals, equaling the record for most Champions League goals in a knockout tie. Will they revert to type in the final against PSG or embrace a more open game again?24: PSG, desperately seeking their first Champions League triumph, would become the 24th different club to lift the European Cup if they're victorious. Marseille are the only French outfit to win this title, with Reims, Saint-Etienne, and Monaco - like PSG themselves - all losing finalists in the past.98: Cup finals are typically expected to be tense, cagey affairs, but here's some hope that we'll see a more open contest in Munich: PSG have not been involved in a goalless draw in their past 98 Champions League matches, a run that dates back to a 0-0 stalemate with Real Madrid in 2015.<h3>What they're saying 🗣</h3><a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0299-1dd33004abaf-aab07c6cffa1-1000--paris-vs-inter-champions-league-final-preview-where-to-watch/">Enrique</a>: "It's Inter's second final in three years. They're ready. They've not made too many changes to their side. It's a team that dominates from set pieces. It's up to us to go into the final in the right frame of mind. We've grown a lot this season and the players have progressed a lot. I think the strength of the team is the most important thing."<a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0299-1dd33004abaf-aab07c6cffa1-1000--paris-vs-inter-champions-league-final-preview-where-to-watch/">Inzaghi</a>: "It's been a long journey to get to the final. We got there step by step. ... The players did something extraordinary. We played four amazing games against two world-class teams like Bayern and Barcelona. It was great to celebrate this achievement (reaching the final) here with our fans."<h3>Prediction 🔮</h3>PSG 2, Inter 1 (AET)Inter were viewed as underdogs against Bayern Munich and Barcelona in their previous two rounds but used their savviness and never-say-die attitude to dispatch both favorites. A repeat, and a first Champions League triumph in 15 years for an Italian side, wouldn't be a surprise. That said, PSG is the more talented team overall, and, unlike Inter's past two opponents in the competition, go into the match at full strength and well-rested after locking up the Ligue 1 title ages ago. PSG won't showcase the same type of naivety that doomed Barcelona in the semifinals against Inter, and will, finally, capture the trophy the club has craved for so long with an extra-time victory.

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Lamine Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona that runs until June 2031, the Catalan club ann...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/193783" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/193783">Lamine Yamal</a> signed a new contract with Barcelona that runs until June 2031, the Catalan club announced Tuesday."A contract extension for Lamine Yamal is another demonstration of the solidity of the current Barca project," the club <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/4274403/lamine-yamal-extends-contract-with-fc-barcelona-to-2031">said</a> in a statement.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Let's dance. Until 2031. <a href="https://t.co/Hfwy0TtOol">pic.twitter.com/Hfwy0TtOol</a>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1927432710278005104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Barca president Joan Laporta and the teenage star's agent, Jorge Mendes, met Monday to finalize the new deal after months of negotiations, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45334853/barcelona-lamine-yamal-new-deal-2031-sources">Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Yamal's previous deal, inked in 2023, was set to expire next year. As he was younger than 18 at the time, he was only allowed to sign a three-year pact.The Spanish winger turns 18 in July.Yamal's new contract will reportedly feature a significant wage increase. Laporta <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45234696/lamine-yamal-barcelona-contract-getting-special-treatment-joan-laporta">said</a> earlier this month the teenager requires "special treatment" from the club, adding that his salary "has to be in line with his performances, not his age."Yamal scored 18 goals and recorded 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions this past season, delivering several mesmerizing performances that helped Hansi Flick's team claim a domestic treble.His new contract will reportedly include several individual incentives and bonuses, including one for winning the Ballon d'Or.Yamal is considered one of the frontrunners for the coveted award this year, along with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/96238" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/96238">Raphinha</a>, who just extended his Barca contract.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 18: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates the championship with the trophy during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Villarreal at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Barcelona Spain

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Has Cristiano Ronaldo played his final game for Al-Nassr?  The Portuguese icon shared a cryptic m...

Has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> played his final game for Al-Nassr?The Portuguese icon shared a cryptic message Monday after his team's final match of the Saudi Pro League season, leading to renewed suggestions that he could leave the club when his contract expires next month."This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all," Ronaldo wrote on social media.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all. <a href="https://t.co/Vuvl5siEB3">pic.twitter.com/Vuvl5siEB3</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1927101078979375440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Al-Nassr conceded two late goals in a 3-2 loss against Al-Fateh on Monday, ultimately finishing third in the table and therefore failing to qualify for next season's AFC Champions League.Ronaldo, 40, scored the opening goal of the match and finished as the league's top scorer for the second consecutive season.His contract is set to expire June 30.FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently suggested Ronaldo could play at the upcoming Club World Cup, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3290611" href="https://thescore.com/news/3290611">claiming</a> "some clubs" are exploring the possibility of signing the veteran forward during an extraordinary transfer window that's been put in place this summer ahead of the tournament.The unique transfer window is open from June 1-10. The Club World Cup begins June 14 in the United States."Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup," Infantino told online streamer IShowSpeed. "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. Still a few weeks time, will be fun.”Al-Nassr didn't qualify for the Club World Cup, but Ronaldo has been linked with fellow Saudi team Al-Hilal and Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, potentially on a short-term deal or on loan.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on May 07, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Kylian Mbappe's first season at Real Madrid may not have ended with the silverware he expected at...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/66967" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/66967">Kylian Mbappe</a>'s first season at Real Madrid may not have ended with the silverware he expected at club level, but that didn't stop the French superstar from taking home a marquee individual honor.Mbappe won the European Golden Shoe on Sunday as the highest scorer across the top tiers of Europe's various domestic leagues, finishing the campaign with 31 La Liga tallies to compile more points than Sporting CP talisman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/101459" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/101459">Viktor Gyokeres</a>.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Goals (Points)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Kylian Mbappe</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>31 (62)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Viktor Gyokeres</td>
<td>Sporting CP</td>
<td>39 (58.5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Mohamed Salah</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>29 (58)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Robert Lewandowski</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>27 (54)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Harry Kane</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>26 (52)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Mateo Retegui</td>
<td>Atalanta</td>
<td>25 (50)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Only goals in league matches are considered for the Golden Shoe award, and a coefficient points system is used to weigh the strength of different leagues. The top five leagues based on UEFA's rankings have a coefficient factor of two, while the leagues ranked sixth to 22nd by the governing body have a factor of 1.5. That's why Gyokeres finished second despite scoring eight more league goals than Mbappe.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This is the first time that Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, has won the award.He ended the campaign with 42 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions. After overcoming a slow start where his fit alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a> was awkward, he settled in at the Santiago Bernabeu and ultimately recorded his 31 league tallies in just 34 appearances.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/3804" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/3804">Harry Kane</a> took home the Golden Shoe in 2023-24. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> has won it a record six times.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 29, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Gianluca Nesci

Supervising Editor

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Daniel Rouse

Senior News Editor

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