The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is off and operating, and has produced loads of speaking factors and storylines already. Let’s catch you up on what’s taking place, what you’ve got missed and what’s nonetheless to come back.
We’ll replace this file all through every matchday with the catastrophe reporting, evaluation and enjoyable from the competitors, so examine again often for the catastrophe information as we observe the enjoyable main as much as the match closing at MetLife Stadium on July 13.
The lead: Delap on scoresheet as Chelsea advance to final 16
That is exactly the form of sample Liam Delap is hoping to interrupt. Chelsea have been main however laboring within the stifling Philadelphia warmth towards Espérance de Tunis on Tuesday earlier than their new £30 million striker took his likelihood to wrap up second place in Group D and protected passage to the spherical of 16.
Moments after Tosin Adarabioyo‘s header had given Chelsea the lead in first-half stoppage time, Delap collected a ball clipped ahead by Enzo Fernández earlier than dropping his shoulder, slicing inside on his proper foot and rolling the ball into the web. The defending was poor, however Delap’s medical end settled what needed to that time been a considerably nervous show, given defeat at Lincoln Monetary Area would have despatched Chelsea crashing out of the Membership World Cup.
That they had created just a few openings and managed the play — registering 75% possession within the first half — however have been unable to press house that benefit. Repeatedly, this has been Chelsea’s undoing.
Delap made positive the story was totally different this time and his first purpose for the membership — on his third look — was the pivotal second in a 3-0 win and comes at a very opportune second.
Earlier within the day, Chelsea discovered that FIFA had determined to increase Nicolas Jackson‘s suspension for his pink card towards Flamengo from the obligatory one recreation to 2. Meaning he will even miss Saturday’s round-of-16 conflict towards Benfica in Charlotte, and it’ll give Delap one other alternative to stake his declare as their fundamental ahead when the 2025-26 marketing campaign begins in August.
The competitors between Jackson and Delap is shut, however there’s little doubt who has the momentum proper now. He turned a troublesome night right into a routine one, and that, in essence, is the job.
Chelsea have been sufficiently comfy to take Delap off within the 59th minute with Benfica in thoughts, and the two-goal margin right here additionally masked one other night the place supervisor Enzo Maresca tried to steadiness the seemingly incompatible twin goals of attempting to win this competitors and experimenting for subsequent season.
Maresca made eight modifications to the staff that misplaced to Flamengo, with Cole Palmer, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Trevoh Chalobah, and Robert Sánchez all among the many substitutes.
This was largely as a result of fatigue throughout the squad and a need to prioritize using contemporary legs, given Maresca’s pre-match admission that the staff may barely practice amid sweltering temperatures which hit 100F for the primary time in 13 years earlier on Tuesday.
Simply as towards Flamengo, Maresca tried one thing totally different with Malo Gusto inverting from left again, Noni Madueke on the left wing, and Romeo Lavia appearing as a sole midfield pivot with Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku each pushing on behind Delap.
There have been encouraging indicators, however Chelsea struggled to create a lot of notice till that sudden double salvo from Tosin and Delap.
Andrey Santos made his long-awaited aggressive debut, and Nkunku had the possibility to attain from the spot taken away when a penalty awarded for handball by Yassine Meriah was overturned on VAR evaluation.
Substitute Tyrique George added a late third with a low drive through which Tunis goalkeeper Bechir Ben Saïd ought to have saved, however in impact, Chelsea have been largely operating down the clock on an evening when solely the outcome mattered.
They should be higher towards Benfica. But when Delap can proceed his promising begin, there’s each likelihood they are going to be. — James Olley
In the present day’s high Membership World Cup information
• Miami’s unbeaten run sets up CWC clash with PSG
• Club World Cup: How teams can reach last 16
• Chelsea’s Jackson handed two-match ban after red
Sights and sounds round FIFA Membership World Cup
Di Maria, Benfica upset Bayern to high Group C
CHARLOTTE — Ángel Di María is not prepared to go away Benfica simply but. The winger, 37, will head again to boyhood membership Rosario Central when this Membership World Cup is over. However that should wait, after Benfica’s 1-0 win over favorites Bayern Munich in Charlotte, North Carolina, confirmed their place within the final 16.
In 97-degree warmth — temperatures so excessive that Bayern determined to observe Borussia Dortmund in permitting their substitutes to look at the sport from the locker room — Di Maria rolled again the years. He was concerned within the transfer that put Benfica forward within the thirteenth minute, and far later, within the eightieth minute, there he was: tirelessly accumulating the ball, holding off a defender’s problem, turning into house and transferring the play on, permitting his staff to maintain possession.
Three minutes later, it was Di Maria calling on these countless reserves of power and chasing Bayern’s Michael Olise, harrying a participant 14 years his junior and pushing Olise, who had the ball, again to the midway line. That was the story of the sport: Bayern dominated, ending with 73% possession and extra pictures (13-7), crosses (20-3) and probabilities created (12-5). However Benfica have been in a position to withstand.
When Di Maria was lastly substituted, within the 87th minute, he was on the far facet of the sphere from the benches. It meant he needed to take the lengthy stroll across the fringe of the sphere as play continued, saluting the Benfica followers inside Financial institution of America Stadium as he went.
Di Maria wasn’t their solely star. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, 23, made 4 necessary saves and was named participant of the match. Captain Nicolás Otamendi — additionally 37 — and his center-back associate António Silva, 21, made 20 clearances between them. Bayern, regardless of throwing on Harry Kane, Olise and Joshua Kimmich at halftime, have been annoyed.
In added time, as Kane headed simply large on the close to publish, it was Otamendi who rose with him, throwing himself to the bottom to earn a free kick. The Argentine’s teammates celebrated it like a purpose. Moments later, on the full-time whistle, Otamendi embraced Silva, then Trubin. Benfica’s mix of youth and expertise had achieved sufficient.
“The climate was extraordinarily scorching,” Trubin stated afterward. “I am so drained, I do not really feel nothing. I simply wish to relaxation.” He can relaxation till Saturday, when Benfica play subsequent. Topping Group C, ending unbeaten on seven factors, means they will face Group D’s runners-up. Bayern, who made themselves match favorites once they beat Auckland 10-0, needed to accept second place. — Alex Kirkland
Flamengo go unbeaten of their group, however now face more durable opposition in knockout stage
ORLANDO — Flamengo appear to be a staff that would conceivably win the Membership World Cup, however they’ll need to do it the exhausting manner.
After ending high of Group D forward of Chelsea — regardless of a 1-1 draw with LAFC at Tenting World Stadium on Tuesday — their reward is a spherical of 16 match towards Bayern Munich in Miami on Sunday.
In the event that they win that, their quarterfinal is more likely to be towards European champions Paris Saint-Germain, who play Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami of their spherical of 16 match. They could not have picked a more durable path to the semifinals.
Flamengo, sitting high of their home championship in Brazil, introduced themselves as a real contender for the trophy with their 3-1 win over Chelsea. However Enzo Maresca may suppose now that one thing constructive has come from the defeat, together with his staff scheduled to play Benfica within the second spherical earlier than a potential quarterfinal towards both Palmeiras or Botafogo.
Flamengo boss Filipe Luís is not going to be too involved concerning the draw with LAFC.
He made seven modifications to the staff that beat Chelsea and so they nonetheless ought to have gained comfortably. They hit the woodwork 4 occasions earlier than Denis Bouanga opened the scoring for LAFC within the 84th minute.
The Brazilian followers, who made the sport in Orlando really feel prefer it was being performed in Rio, lastly received one thing to shout about when Wallace received a deserved equalizer two minutes later. — Rob Dawson
Auckland scores a purpose
A lot has been manufactured from the Membership World Cup’s sole newbie staff and Oceania representatives Auckland City for his or her off-field tales somewhat than their on-field play, however their closing Group C recreation yielded a purpose and one thing significant (along with the participation cash) to take again to New Zealand.
52′ AUCKLAND CITY SCORE THEIR FIRST GOAL OF THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP!!! 🇳🇿
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Each Recreation | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #AKLBOC pic.twitter.com/a9AHuYcJzR
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 24, 2025
The purpose got here as so many underdogs’ do — through a set piece, with Jerson Lagos‘ outswinging nook discovering the noggin of central defender Christian Gray, who steered a header past the diving Agustin Marchesin. Within the grand scheme of issues, the purpose did nothing to alter the trajectory of Group C — Benfica’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich took care of any drama, with Boca Juniors eradicated by that outcome — as issues in Nashville have been delayed for almost an hour as a result of adversarial climate.
Grey will return to his day job in Auckland as a instructor — he needed to be authorized for time off work with a view to swimsuit up for the Navy Blues — Jerson Lagos will return to his part-time barber gig and the Membership World Cup will tick over, however we’ll all the time have that purpose, and their delirious celebrations, to mirror on after a memorable match. — James Tyler
Goodbye, Boca Juniors
NASHVILLE — Boca Juniors, with maybe essentially the most vibrant fan base within the group stage of the FIFA Membership World Cup, stated goodbye to the match after a 1-1 draw of their closing match towards Auckland Metropolis.
Nashville welcomed the Argentine staff with a temperature of 91 levels Fahrenheit (33 levels Celsius). Though they needed to win the match, in addition they needed to hope for a Bayern Munich victory over Benfica, which by no means got here, because the Portuguese staff gained 1-0. The outcome was watched by the Xeneizes followers on the screens at Geodis Park, whereas their staff’s recreation was suspended for 45 minutes as a result of a menace of a thunderstorm.
Regardless of the unhealthy information of Benfica’s victory, the Boca Juniors followers by no means stopped cheering. — José Muñoz, ESPN Mexico
Flamengo prepared for matchup towards Bayern
As Flamengo put together for a heavyweight conflict towards German powerhouse Bayern Munich, among the gamers look ahead to the match forward of them as they give the impression of being to progress within the Membership World Cup as true contenders.
“We managed to qualify in first place and stay undefeated,” stated defender Alex Sandro to CazéTV. “That is nice for moving into the subsequent spherical with excessive confidence. [Bayern?] We all know how robust they’re and the gamers they’ve. However we additionally know what we’ve to do.
“Our recreation plan would not change. Taking part in towards Bayern has all the time been nice. Taking part in towards massive groups, in a manner, helps us put together higher. It is an excellent alternative to see what degree we’re at as we speak. And the extent will improve 100%, each for them and for us.”
“It is a staff [Bayern] that is used to profitable and enjoying nice matches,” stated defender Danilo to SporTV.
“I’ve confronted them just a few occasions in my life, and I do know precisely what sort of staff we will face. I additionally performed with their coach [Vincent Kompany] at Manchester Metropolis, and he was my captain.
He is a man who calls for dedication and depth from his gamers. That is the way it was when he was Metropolis’s captain, and that is how he’s as a coach, and he takes care of each element. For us to get by way of the subsequent spherical, we’ll have to be at our greatest as soon as once more, enjoying with numerous synergy. As we have proven, we’ve each likelihood of getting by way of.” — Roberto Rojas
Monterrey’s Sergio Ramos and Sergio Canales practice with staff
PASADENA — Sergio Ramos, Johan Rojas and Sergio Canales educated alongside their teammates forward of Wednesday’s match towards Urawa Red Diamonds, their final recreation of the group stage within the Membership World Cup, with the potential for getting a ticket for the knockout section.
Canales hasn’t been at his high degree all through the match, and sources informed ESPN that the Spanish participant is coping with a damage within the thigh. He will likely be a game-time determination for the match, which will likely be held on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Ramos, a former Spain nationwide staff defender, did not take part in joint workouts the earlier days, however he labored alongside his teammates on Tuesday. — Ricardo Cariño, ESPN Mexico
1:09
Burley: Do not choose groups on Membership World Cup efficiency
Craig Burley explains why you’ll be able to’t use the Membership World Cup to find out which sides are stronger than others.
Star participant of the day
Grey’s purpose for Auckland will likely be remembered
There’s just one title stealing the headlines as we speak on the Membership World Cup: Christian Grey, the person who simply may grow to be the good instructor at his college when he returns house to New Zealand.
Grey’s towering header for Auckland Metropolis towards Boca Juniors goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín did not simply give the OFC facet their first and solely purpose of the match, but it surely secured a shocking 1-1 draw with the South American giants and capped their journey on a excessive notice.
Sure, Auckland conceded 17 objectives in three video games. However Grey’s second will likely be remembered not only for denying Boca their very own Music Metropolis Miracle in Nashville and a spot within the spherical of 16, however for symbolizing the appeal of a semi-professional facet standing tall amongst world giants like Bayern Munich and Benfica.
One of the vital heartwarming tales of this Membership World Cup belongs to Auckland and particularly for Grey. — Rojas
Match previews, odds for Wednesday
Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD (Group F; Cincinnati, Ohio, 3 p.m. ET)
Odds (through ESPN BET
): Borussia Dortmund (-600), Draw (+600), Ulsan HD (+1000)
The truth that Dortmund are in a very good place to advance from Group F is considerably lucky contemplating their bumpy, chaotic Membership World Cup thus far. First, they’d a 0-0 draw with Fluminense through which they wanted Gregor Kobel‘s heroics between the posts to protect a degree. Then there was a 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns through which Niko Kovac’s facet raced to a 4-1 lead after an hour after which white-knuckled their strategy to a win through which they have been outshot, outdone in possession and outmatched within the xG battle (2.74-1.72). And but, in the event that they full enterprise towards an Ulsan HD facet that is already eradicated, they will arrange a date with both (we expect) River Plate or Inter Milan within the spherical of 16.
Serhou Guirassy opened his Membership World Cup account towards Mamelodi and will thrive once more right here if he is capable of get constant service from Jobe Bellingham, who remains to be getting used to his new environment. (Julian Brandt additionally must be a much bigger determine for this staff within the closing third, however they have loads of time to determine it out.) We count on a cushty Dortmund win and one other massive European facet within the last-16, however this match has proven a capability to shock. — Tyler
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense (Group F; Miami, Fla., 3 p.m. ET)
Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns (+300), Draw (+260), Fluminense (-115)
Fluminense host Mamelodi Sundowns of their closing group stage match at Laborious Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The Brazilian giants at the moment lead the Group F standings with 4 factors and a purpose distinction of plus-2 after a 0-0 draw towards Borussia Dortmund and a 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD. Although a triumph on Wednesday afternoon towards Sundowns would guarantee qualification to the spherical of 16, the highest slot of the group is dependent upon the outcomes of the ultimate spherical of matches.
Dortmund additionally at the moment boast 4 factors after a victory and a draw, however they sit in second place as a result of their purpose distinction of plus-1. Ought to the German staff beat Ulsan HD by extra objectives than Fluminense rating on Sundowns, the Brazilian facet would qualify in second place.
However Mamelodi Sundowns is not going to make it straightforward for Fluminense, as a victory may see the staff by way of to the subsequent spherical of the Membership World Cup. The South African staff beat Ulsan to tally three factors and enter the ultimate spherical with hopes of advancing. — Lizzy Becherano
Inter Milan vs. River Plate (Group E; Seattle, Wash., 9 p.m. ET)
Odds: Inter Milan (+130), Draw (+175), River Plate (+280)
Inter have been the oldest facet in Europe’s Massive 5 leagues final season by weighted minutes. That can possible change subsequent season, and we’re getting glimpses of it within the Membership World Cup. Cristian Chivu has a protracted historical past working with children, and at Parma final season, he labored with one of many youngest sides in all of Europe. From the Esposito brothers (Pio and Sebastiano, who will likely be competing for a beginning spot alongside Lautaro Martínez) to Valentin Carboni, who notched the winner towards Urawa (after lacking almost all of 2024-25 by way of damage), the Nerazzurri have quite a lot of gifted younger gamers prepared for his or her shot.
That stated, essentially the most coveted younger participant on show will likely be turning out for River Plate. Real Madrid-bound Franco Mastantuono is already drawing comparisons with Lamine Yamal (he is really a bit youthful), and whereas he is nonetheless uncooked, the sense of chance each time he will get the ball is palpable. — Gab Marcotti
Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey (Group E; Pasadena, Calif., 9 p.m. ET)
Odds: Urawa Purple Diamonds (+300), Draw (+270), Monterrey (-120)
The J.League facet are strictly enjoying for satisfaction after two defeats from two video games in Seattle, taking a brief jaunt south to tackle Liga MX champions Monterrey on the hallowed Rose Bowl. That they had a mere 18% possession in a 2-1 defeat vs. Inter Milan through which they held a 1-0 lead till the ultimate 12 minutes, and have been outclassed by a River Plate facet that had tenacity, expertise and Actual Madrid-bound Franco Mastantuono. Monterrey have an excellent likelihood to win and buck the development of Concacaf groups going house early, however they will want to attain: A repeat of their efficiency vs. Inter — simply 4 pictures on the right track and a sole Sergio Ramos headed purpose — merely will not be sufficient. Coach Domènec Torrent will likely be hoping his largest artistic supply, Sergio Canales, has recovered in time from damage to characteristic. — Tyler