Qatar ponders 2029 CWC hosting bid. Spain, Morocco and Brazil declared
June 30 – Qatar is considering a bid to stage the 2029 Club World Cup.
News
UEFA launches joint study into impact of increased player workload
June 29 – With the Club World Cup now in the last 16 stages and European clubs dominating, UEFA, supported by the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe, has launched a “scientific and data-driven” study into player workload and welfare.
Transport cuts could impact fans at World Cup 2026 in the City of Brotherly Love
June 30 – Major cuts to Philadelphia’s transit system have prompted concerns over the city’s readiness to host matches during the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp tears into FIFA’s Club World Cup expansion
June 20 – Jürgen Klopp has never been one to mince words, and the former Liverpool manager’s latest assessment of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup is typically brutal.
Liga Portugal agrees €31.8m budget as Arena Liga Portugal comes on-line
June 28 – The Portuguese league – Liga Portugal – has approved a budget for the next season which forecasts record revenue of €31.8 million.
England retain European U21 title with extra time win over Germany
June 30 – Marseilles winger Jonathan Rowe came off the bench a minute into extra time to fire England to a second successive Uefa U21 Euro crown after a 3-2 victory over Germany in Bratislava – a result that could put a few players in the frame for 2026 World Cup selection.
Bayern cruise past Flamengo to set up PSG clash
June 30 – Germany’s Bayern Munich cruised past Flamengo 4-2 to reach the last eight of the Club World Cup and eliminated the Brazilians.
Maresca slams Club World Cup weather chaos
June 30 – Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back after Chelsea’s dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in the Club World Cup round of 16 – and his target wasn’t the Portuguese side.
West Ham extend Jeton finance app sponsorship
June 30 – West Ham United have announced a multi-year extension to their 5-year partnership with Jeton, which will see the brand continue as its Official Unified Finance App partner.
Greeks plan a football ‘Renaissance’ from grassroots upwards
June 30 – The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has unveiled it new grassroots development programme, dubbed ‘Renaissance’, aimed at nurturing young talent across Greece. The program emphasises a structured organisation of football academies and is set to usher in a new era for the sport in the country.
USA clinch last four slot with penalty win over Costa Rica
USA 2 Costa Rica 2 (USA win 4-3 on pens)
June 29 – You’d hate to use the word ‘sterile’ to describe a Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final, but following the drama and passion of Guatemala versus Canada, it all felt a little flat as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Costa Rica kicked off for the right to face Guatemala in St. Louis. After 90 minutes and the drama of penalty kicks,
Guatemala dump man-down Canada in penalty shoot-out
Canada 1 – Guatemala 1 (5-6 after pens)
June 29 – The Canadian fans were taking their boycott of Donald Trump’s immigration policies to heart at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, as the lack of red flags was in stark contrast to the blue and white festival that Guatemala brought to the Concacaf quarter-final tie in an epic contest that would be settled by Guatemala with the drama of penalty kicks.
Mexico find the way to San Jose despite Saudi road blocks
June 28 – Mexico made hard work of overcoming Saudi Arabia 2-0 to book their place in the Gold Cup semi-final. Second half goals from Alexis Vega and Santiago Gimenez secured the win against the Gold Cup guests.
Honduras stun Panama with penalty shoot-out win for spot in semi-finals
June 28 – Honduras stunned a shell-shocked Panama, coming back from a goal down to force a penalty shoot-out and claim the first spot in the semi-finals. Outside the covered State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the temperature had hit 108 degrees. Inside the emotional seesaw of this game reached a similar high pitch.
UEFA to decide on Palace’s Europa League fate tonight
June 27 – Crystal Palace are sitting in UEFA’s naughty corner today (Friday), waiting to discover if they’ll be allowed to play in next season’s Europa League – because John Textor’s multi-club empire is infringing on UEFA’s rules.