Latest news with #FIFA
Yomiuri Shimbun
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Belarus Qualifying for European Soccer Event Forces UEFA to Find Third Co-Host Nation
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA changed the hosting plan for its 2026 European Championship for indoor soccer on Friday because Russia's military ally Belarus has qualified for the finals tournament. Co-hosts Latvia and Lithuania 'prohibit the organization of matches involving Belarusian teams on their domestic territories,' said UEFA, which added Slovenia as a third host for the 16-team futsal event. Slovenia, the home nation of UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, will now organize more than half of the four-yearly tournament that opens on Jan. 20 and includes Ukraine. UEFA said Belarus will be drawn to play in one of the two groups moved to Slovenia's capital Ljubljana, which also will stage two quarterfinals, both semifinals and the final. One group will be played in each of Riga, Latvia's capital, and Kaunas in Lithuania. 'Each city will also host one quarterfinal, reaffirming their central roles in the tournament,' UEFA said, giving no details of how Ukraine will be separated from Belarus in the draw. Russian teams have been banned from international competitions by UEFA and FIFA since the full military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. UEFA's move in 2023 to reintegrate Russian under-17s teams was stopped by a backlash from Ukraine and other member federations. National and club teams from Belarus have continued to play, though must host 'home' games in neutral countries with no fans in the stadium. Belarus will start qualifying for the men's 2026 World Cup in September in a group with Denmark, Scotland and Greece. Belarus is playing home games in Hungary. The previous futsal Euros played in the Netherlands saw one of the last soccer matches between teams from Russia and Ukraine, in the quarterfinals on Feb. 4, 2022. Russia won 3-2.
France 24
an hour ago
- Sport
- France 24
Chelsea boss Maresca hails Fernandez ahead of Benfica Club World Cup clash
"I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch," Maresca told reporters in Charlotte. That is where the sides will face off on Saturday in the last 16 of FIFA's expanded competition. Fernandez was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League, and also featured in their run to the UEFA Conference League title. At the Club World Cup he came off the bench at half-time to score the second goal in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their opening game. The 24-year-old has started both matches since, and laid on two goals in the 3-0 victory against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia which clinched Chelsea's place in the last 16. Fernandez was signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a British transfer record fee at the time of £107 million ($147 million). In 2025 he has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals. "This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists," Maresca added. "This is what I want from attacking players -- I have said many times that I prefer to have attacking players with 10-12 goals each than just one striker with 40 goals. "His contribution has been top and I am sure it will be even better next season." Chelsea have won all three previous competitive meetings with Benfica, the last coming in the Europa League final in 2013. But Maresca is wary of the Portuguese side after they beat Bayern Munich to top their group at the competition. "I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe," said the coach. "In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do. Every game is tough and complicated, and anything can happen."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is the Club World Cup's Flashy Makeover Ruining Football?
Is the Club World Cup's Flashy Makeover Ruining Football? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FIFA's revamped Club World Cup has truly landed in the USA, bursting with bold innovations. From body cameras on referees to live VAR replays, the tournament feels like a Hollywood blockbuster. But are these changes revolutionizing football or turning it into an Americanized spectacle? Advertisement The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted across the US from June 15 to July 13, showcases 32 so-called elite teams, including Manchester City and Chelsea. FIFA mandates clubs field their strongest squads, with fines of at least $445,000 for withdrawals according to Sky Sports. This ensures star power but sparks debate about player fatigue. Is the Club World Cup a Spectacle or Spectacular? Referees now wear body cameras, broadcasting their perspective live. Fans in stadiums see VAR decisions on giant screens, adding drama and transparency. Semi-automated offside technology, using advanced sensors, promises faster, accurate calls, though some purists argue it disrupts the game's flow. "Superior Player" voted on by the public is surely a winner? The tournament's group-and-knockout format, with massive prize money, aims to rival the Champions League (FIFA hopes). FIFA's decision to reassign ticket holders' seats to fill TV-friendly sections has raised eyebrows, with critics calling it a superficial fix for empty stadiums according to the Daily Mail. There is no doubt this less about passion and more about perceived popularity. Botafogo beating Champions League Winners PSG has been the biggest 'upset' so byThese changes scream spectacle, tailored for American audiences craving entertainment. Live VAR and referee cams feel like reality TV, while the hefty fines ensure a star-studded cast. Yet, some fans on X worry the tournament's soul is lost in the glitz, prioritizing flash over football's gritty essence. Players coming out to glamour and glitz one-by-one is an odd-one! Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is clearly a fan. He said: "I think it's something special and new for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?" Advertisement He went on to say that whilst a bit show-biz it might be fun, but also noted that being first out might mean a bit of a wait for teammates; which, in England in the cold wet rain might cause a few raised eyebrows. Lop-sided games are no fun for fans or viewers. That should change. The expanded 32-team format, up from seven, boosts inclusivity, featuring clubs from every continent says FIFA. However, whispers of a 2029 expansion to 48 teams and relaxed two-club-per-nation limits have European giants grumbling on X. The balance between global reach and elite quality, teeters. Player welfare remains a hot topic. With packed schedules, forcing clubs to bring top players risks burnout, especially post-season. FIFA's innovations aim to elevate the game, but critics argue they cater more to casual US fans than diehard supporters. The "8-second rule" for goalkeepers has been seen for the first time. The Club World Cup's new vibe is undeniably fun, with tech-driven excitement and a festival-like atmosphere. Yet, the Americanized gloss, think big screens and even bigger bucks, has some fans nostalgic for simpler times. Will FIFA's gamble make this a global celebration or a commercialized circus? Advertisement FIFA's vision is bold, blending cutting-edge tech with football's heart. The body cams and live VAR add intrigue, but the push for spectacle might alienate traditionalists. As the tournament unfolds, its legacy hangs on whether it unites fans or divides them over its flashy new face. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
World Cup 2026 Tickets are Available Already - Don't be Scammed (they're Fake)
World Cup 2026 Tickets are Available Already - Don't be Scammed (they're Fake) originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Soccer fans across America are buzzing with excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 104 matches and an expanded 48-team format, it's shaping up to be the biggest World Cup ever. But before you rush to snag fake tickets, here's a critical heads-up: those listings you're seeing on Vivid Seats? FIFA haven't even released any tickets yet Vivid Seats, a popular ticket resale platform, has already posted ads for 2026 World Cup tickets, with prices ranging from $1,500 to a jaw-dropping $60,000 for premium seats. The hopefully obvious catch? FIFA, the governing body of the World Cup, hasn't released any tickets yet. Advertisement Official sales won't start until late 2025, exclusively through This means any tickets listed now on Vivid Seats or similar resale sites like StubHub are speculative at best and potentially fraudulent at worst. Related: Is the Club World Cup's Flashy Makeover Ruining Football? Victims of fake ticket deals often end up more than just out of pocket. FIFA has issued clear warnings to fans, urging them to steer clear of unofficial ticketing sites. In a statement to ESPN, FIFA emphasized that tickets bought from unauthorized sources risk being canceled, leaving buyers out of pocket and without a seat. The organization faced similar issues in 2018, when it filed a criminal complaint against resale site Viagogo for selling fraudulent World Cup tickets. Vivid Seats' listings have raised red flags, especially after reports surfaced of incorrect match details, like a Bay Area game labeled 'Match 63, Group G,' which FIFA's schedule confirms is actually set for Seattle. It is where the Scalpers go to fill their bank accounts and empty yours The problem isn't just about fake tickets. Scalpers thrive on platforms like Vivid Seats, driving prices to astronomical levels. For context, official ticket prices for the 2022 Qatar World Cup ranged from $11 for group-stage matches to $1,600 for the final's best seats. Advertisement Resale sites, however, often inflate costs far beyond face value, pricing out everyday fans. With the 2026 World Cup's massive scale, 108 matches across 16 cities, the scalpers are banking on hype to lure eager buyers early. So, how can you protect yourself? First, only buy tickets through FIFA's official channel, once sales open. Register on the site now to get alerts for when tickets drop. Second, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or listings on secondary markets before official sales begin. If you're set on hospitality packages, those will be available through FIFA's partner, On Location, starting late 2024, but again, stick to official sources. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic event, but don't let excitement cloud your judgment. Save your money and avoid the scalpers' trap. Wait for FIFA's official release to secure your spot in the stands. Next: MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
In The End, Auckland City's FIFA Club World Cup Involvement Came Good
Christian Gray (left) produced one of the moments of the tournament so far. Back home in New Zealand, Christian Gray will soon be sharing something special with his students. They may even already know. As he and his Auckland City teammates approached their final Group C encounter with Boca Juniors at FIFA's Club World Cup in the United States on Tuesday, they would have feared the worst. Already eliminated from the tournament, Auckland, a semi-professional team, had let in 10 (ten) goals against Bayern Munich and six against Benfica. Meanwhile, Boca's hopes of qualification from the group hung in the balance; it required a Bayern victory in the other game and a goal rush, a possibility against the underdog, whose players work full-time jobs or study outside of soccer. As it happened, neither transpired. Not only that, Auckland produced one of the shocks of the competition—a highlight from a group stage that has seen Botofogo defeat Paris Saint-Germain and Flamengo upend Chelsea. Trailing in the second half, a corner arrived, and trainee teacher Gray nodded in a precious goal, which ultimately earned a point against a giant of South American soccer, one that has lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy six times and previously boasted the talents of legendary Diego Maradona. Despite Boca knowing elimination loomed large, it was impressive. Standing Proud Auckland City's players' market values are in the thousands of dollars, far adrift of the million-dollar mark—this in a tournament where the finest soccer talents are worth around nine figures in the transfer market. Their professions range from sales representatives to community coaches, and Auckland's winnings of roughly €4 million ($4.5 million) from the Club World Cup—peanuts to elite clubs—is a fortune for an entity and federation not used to dealing in such sums. Auckland's ratio of goals conceded to goals scored was 17:1 in the United States. The side qualified for the event as a top performer in its region. Had professional outfits from Australia been competing in the OFC Champions League—for clubs from Oceania—rather than with Asia's finest in the AFC Champions League, one of them might have made the Club World Cup in Auckland's place. 'Oceania's club football is deeply rooted in local communities, similar to Europe, although most clubs remain amateur,' the Auckland City general manager, Gordon Watson, told me before the U.S. adventure. 'We recognise the challenges, particularly around resources, but our key strength lies in our people.' FIFA's transformed competition is now heating up. The knockout stages see an all-Brazilian contest between Botofogo and Palmeiras, European matchups Benfica versus Chelsea and Real Madrid against Juventus, Flamengo's samba flair against Bayern Munich's precision, and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi facing ex-employer Paris Saint-Germain. Inter Milan vs. Fluminense, Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal, and Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey complete an intriguing set. Meanwhile, Auckland City, not to be confused with Auckland FC, is switching focus to games in the country's more modest regional leagues. It's a name that, for all its local identity, has taken on all comers around the globe and achieved a third-place finish at the Club World Cup in 2014. Now, after exiting the latest installment with the memory of a famous goal and result, which its outfield players could barely believe, it can consider the experience a success. FIFA's controversial Club World Cup is a work in progress. At least Auckland City's ride ended well.
