Latest news with #FIFAClubWorldCup™
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Auckland City FC Seek Silver Lining In Nashville
24 June 2025 NASHVILLE, Tennessee - For Auckland City FC, Tuesday's clash with Boca Juniors is more than a final fixture, it's a final stand. After two humbling defeats in Group C, the Navy Blues are out of the FIFA Club World Cup™, but not out of fight. Against the backdrop of a raucous, blue-and-gold-drenched Geodis Park, they'll look to sign off with pride against one of South America's most storied clubs. Spanish midfielder Gerard Garrig24 June 2025a embodies the spirit and determination of the team from Auckland. 'We're gutted after the two losses,' he admitted in the build-up, 'but we know we can do better. We showed that for 60 minutes against Benfica. Now we want to compete for the full 90.' Garriga's words are more than pre-match platitudes. Against Benfica, Auckland held their shape, kept the ball, and even carved out chances. 'We were more confident with the ball,' he said. 'We're a team that's used to playing with the ball in New Zealand and Oceania. Against Bayern, we couldn't get it. But against Benfica, we grew into the game.' Boca Juniors arrive in Nashville with a mountain to climb. They must win, and win big, to have any hope of progressing. With Benfica likely to face a stern test from Bayern Munich, Boca's path to the knockouts hinges on goal difference. Expect Miguel Ángel Russo's side to come out swinging. Garriga knows what's coming. 'They're going to go with everything,' he said. 'They need goals. The challenge is to keep a clean sheet as long as we can, frustrate them with the ball, defend well, help each other. If we do that, we have a lot of possibilities to have a good performance.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The atmosphere will be electric. Boca's fans have lit up the tournament with their passion, and Tuesday promises more of the same. Garriga, far from being daunted, is relishing it. 'It's going to be amazing. Thousands of Argentinians, so loud. We have to enjoy it. It might be once in a lifetime.' He believes the occasion could even lift his side. 'It's going to be an extra motivation. We're not used to playing in front of that many people. But it's going to be positive. We're buzzing to be in that game.' For Boca, it's a must-win. For Auckland City FC, it's a must-remember. Garriga summed it up best: 'Compete 90 minutes. That's the goal. If we do that, anything can happen. A draw, maybe even a win. That would be a great way to finish this tournament.' MATCH DETAILS FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025™ Auckland City FC vs Boca Juniors Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee KO: Tuesday, 24 June 2025, 4:00PM (Local Time) -Wednesday, 25 June 2025,7:00 AM (NZT) AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Jackson MANUEL 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam KANUI BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Hisense Football Arena Lights Up Mall of the Emirates & a Real Madrid Legend Set to Appear Soon
DUBAI, UAE, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a global leader in consumer electronics and the official partner and TV screen provider of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, kicked off an immersive brand activation at Mall of the Emirates on 20 June, running through to 29 June 2025. Named 'The Hisense Arena', the pop-up experience celebrates global sport, innovation and lifestyle entertainment, and aims to captivate football fans and families during the FIFA Club World Cup tournament. As part of Hisense's "Own the Moment" campaign, the activation brings the spirit of the tournament to life in the UAE, offering fans the chance to engage with cutting-edge technology, immersive entertainment, and the electrifying energy of world-class football, right in the heart of Dubai. Special Appearance by Real Madrid Legend The 10-day activation will culminate in a headline moment on Saturday, 28 June, with the arrival of a football legend and former Real Madrid player. Fans can look forward to an exciting experience as the football icon engages with the crowd and helps unveil Hisense's latest innovation, a product designed to transform the way we experience sport, entertainment, and connected living. A Playground for Fans and Future-Forward Tech Showcasing the full Hisense product ecosystem built for sports and technology enthusiasts, including industry-leading TVs, laser TVs, smart home appliances, and more, the Hisense Arena offers an experience where visitors can truly Own the Moment, from exploring the latest in connected living to celebrating the region's love for football. Inside the Hisense Arena, visitors are immersed in a vibrant world where entertainment, sport, and innovation collide. From high-energy live performances to interactive football challenges and freestyler showcases, every moment is designed to spark excitement. Guests can strike a pose in dynamic photobooths, win daily prizes, and take part in immersive challenges, such as scoring goals, embarking on a 2-minute VR football experience, and testing their skills on the latest FIFA video game powered by Hisense's cutting-edge AI-powered TV technology. For younger fans, family-friendly zones with face painting and entertainment will ensure an engaging experience for every age. Where Sport Meets Everyday Innovation As a proud sponsor of the FIFA Club World Cup, Hisense continues to lead the way in redefining fan engagement and supporting the world of sport. With this bold and interactive takeover, the brand invites the UAE community to witness firsthand how sports sponsorships, combined with smart technology, can elevate entertainment, lifestyle, and consumer connection. Through Hisense's notable global sports partnerships with FIFA Club World Cup™, UEFA EURO™ and Real Madrid, Hisense has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the viewing experience at home and in the stadium, and now it's bringing fans closer to the sport in shopping malls, too. Further extending this excitement beyond the Arena, until 13 July 2025, shoppers who purchase selected Hisense products from authorised retail stores, brand shops, and official e-commerce platforms in the UAE will be entered into a raffle draw, with 48 lucky winners receiving a full refund if Real Madrid wins the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. The Hisense Arena is located in the Central Atrium on the ground floor at Mall of the Emirates and will be open to the public daily till 29 June 2025. Entry is free, and visitors of all ages are invited to experience the future of connected living, celebrate the game, and Own the Moment with Hisense. About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognised leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specialising in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide. With 34 industrial parks, 30 R&D centres and 66 overseas companies, Hisense continues to lead the industry with a diverse range of products. With regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and 5 offices across the MENA region, Hisense ensures efficient manufacturing, innovation, and distribution, to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the market. Stay updated with all the latest developments on the website: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hisense Middle East Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Sport360
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sport360
The Hisense Arena comes alive at Mall of the Emirates with football, innovation and family fun
As FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ heats up, Hisense – official partner and TV screen provider – is bringing the excitement to supporters with a dynamic fan zone at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, soon to be headlined by a special appearance from a football legend. Group-stage matches continue to grip the United States. England superstar Jude Bellingham scored as 10-man Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1, two-goal Turkey youngster Kenan Yildiz shone in Juventus's 4-1 win over Wydad AC and Fluminense edged Ulsan HD 4-2 in a rollercoaster contest. The tournament may be captivating fans Stateside, but there's also plenty of action in store for supporters in the UAE. From June 20–29, the Central Atrium of Mall of the Emirates hosts The Hisense Arena – an immersive experience where smart innovation and football excitement come together, featuring everything from VR football trials and FIFA gaming to freestyle shows, photo booths and daily giveaways. Highlights include a Football Accuracy Test, designed for young adults, families, and football fans of all levels. This skill-based activation invites visitors to shoot for glory, offering both casual players and die-hard fans a chance to connect with the sport in a fun, high-energy environment. Another standout attraction is the Football VR Experience, where fans step into a virtual stadium and test their skills in a thrilling, interactive football-themed simulation. Paired with FIFA gaming challenges on Hisense's cutting-edge TVs, the vibrant space brings the future of sports entertainment to life. The experience continues with the Laser TV Zone, which recreates the electric atmosphere of a live football stadium. With crowd chants echoing and visuals powered by Hisense's large-format Laser TVs, fans are fully immersed in match-day magic, without leaving the mall. The headline moment arrives on Saturday, June 28, with the appearance of a legendary former Real Madrid player, set to bring star power to The Hisense Arena. The football icon will engage with fans and take part in the unveiling of Hisense's latest innovation in connected living and sports-viewing technology. This anticipated moment reinforces Hisense's role in bridging elite sport with fan-first innovation, bringing global football energy to the heart of Dubai. This bold activation underlines Hisense's long-term investment in global football, elevating the consumer journey of its ongoing partnerships with the FIFA Club World Cup™, UEFA EURO™ and Real Madrid. By embedding itself in homes and everyday fan experiences, the brand continues to champion meaningful connections between sport, technology and lifestyle. Hisense's presence at the tournament demonstrates how smart technology and creative sponsorships can redefine engagement both inside and outside the stadium. The Hisense Arena is open daily until June 29 at Mall of the Emirates. Entry is free – and football fans won't want to miss it.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
City Undone By Di Maria In Orlando Deluge
Friday 20 June 2025 ORLANDO, Florida - For 45 steamy minutes, Auckland City dared to dream Beneath the heavy Florida air, at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium, the Oceania champions summoned a gutsy, defiant performance that stymied Benfica's stars, until Angel Di María's stoppage-time penalty at the end of the first half pried the lid off what had been a tightly sealed jar. What followed after a two-hour lightning delay was a flood, on and off the pitch, as the Portuguese giants ran out 6–0 winners and eliminated the New Zealanders from the FIFA Club World Cup ™. Still, for those backing the Navy Blues, there were moments of pride and progress. Nathan Garrow, handed his tournament debut in goal, turned away waves of Benfica pressure in the first half with the bravado of a veteran. 'The experience is crazy,' the 20-year-old said afterward. 'I just thought I'd give my all. Nearly kept it 0–0 for halftime, and then… questionable penalty. But it is what it is.' The 'what it is,' unfortunately for City, was a turning point. Haris Zeb's challenge on Gianluca Prestianni offered Di María a chance to break the deadlock, and he didn't blink, stroking a composed effort down the middle as Garrow committed to his right. City headed to the changing room ruing missed moments and debating the decision, but the weather had other plans. Lightning rolled through the Orlando sky, delaying the restart by two hours and draining momentum from the underdogs. When play resumed, Benfica returned with renewed focus and clinical determination. Pavlidis doubled the lead in the 53rd minute. Renato Sanches, then Leandro Barreiro, twice in two minutes, piled on the pressure and the goals. Di María, mercilessly, added his second spot-kick in stoppage time after a VAR review, sealing a brace that bookended the game and crushed Auckland's resolve. 'We can take some pride from the first half and some of the moments in the game,' said defender Michael den Heijer. 'I think we battled well.' They did. Garrow's saves, knee here, fingertip there, kept Benfica at bay longer than many had expected. The high defensive line still bent under pressure, and the counters looked sharper than they had against Bayern Munich. 'Today was a small improvement,' Den Heijer noted. 'Everyone's probably hurting at the moment, but we showed more confidence.' That improvement will give City confidence as they head to Nashville for their final Group C fixture against Boca Juniors. With nothing to play for but pride, the Navy Blues will look to write one last note of resistance. 'We just gotta try and do it within that first half, do it for 90 minutes,' Garrow said. 'Hopefully we can pull some result.'
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Posa Returns For SL Benfica Match In Orlando
Press Release – Auckland City FC After a punishing 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich, the New Zealand side now face Portuguese powerhouse SL Benfica at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium on June 20, in what could be a defining moment in Group C. Striker Myer Bevan, speaking after training in Chattanooga struck a tone of quiet determination: 'We've just got to move past that now and focus on the two games ahead.' The mood in camp is focused, not defeated. There's an understanding that while the odds are steep, the opportunity to compete on this stage is one they won't take for granted. SL Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in Orlando after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors. Their attacking quality is undeniable, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, and Vangelis Pavlidis bring UEFA Champions League pedigree. Bevan singled out Benfica's stars with admiration: 'Di Maria, obviously… and Otamendi – players like this have experienced the highest level for a very long time.' But he also hinted at a tactical opening: 'Maybe there's more space behind them… hopefully we can go at them as well as them coming at us.' Also bolstering the club's ranks is the return to the dugout of head coach Paul Posa who is back after a minor surgical procedure prevented him from travelling with the team on 2 June. The draw between SL Benfica and Boca Juniors means goal difference could be decisive, and the Navy Blues will be hoping they may find more room to operate if SL Benfica push forward aggressively. This isn't just about survival, it's about showing they belong. Auckland City FC know they're underdogs, but they've been here before. And in Orlando, under the Florida sun, they'll look to write a new chapter, one built on resilience, not reputation. Match Details FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP™ – Group C SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL Friday, 20 June 2025, 12:00PM (Local Time) – Sat, 21 June 2025, 4:00 AM (NZT) AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Jackson MANUEL 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam KANUI BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB. HEAD COACH: Paul POSA ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS ASSISTANT COACH: Daewook KIM GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN TECHNICAL ANALYST: Malte THESENVITZ PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS PHYSIO: Natalia KOSINSKA TEAM DOCTOR: Craig PANTHER TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup ™ on DAZN DAZN is offering free access to all FIFA Club World Cup™ matches. Here's how you can tune in: Sign up for a free DAZN account – Simply register with your email address. No hidden costs or fees. Download the DAZN App – Available on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device via your app store. Watch on a laptop or PC – Visit Log in – Select 'Get Started' or 'Log In' and enter your email address. Enjoy the matches – You now have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the FIFA Club World Cup™. Note: If you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, the competition is included in your current membership. Be part of the FIFA Club World Cup™ action and get your tickets here If you want to catch every kick of the ball then sign up to DAZN NZ to stream our FCWC matches live and free!
