2025 FIFA Club World Cup Archives - YFM Ghana

Pierluigi Collina Hails Referee Body Cams and New Rules at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

YFM Ghana — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:16:33 +0000

The 2025 tournament was the first major FIFA event to feature body cameras on referees. Collina reported that the technology was met with enthusiasm and exceeded expectations. The body cams offered fans and officials a unique, first-person view of the action, providing unprecedented transparency. “The outcome of using the ref cam here at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 went beyond our expectations. We thought it would have been an interesting experience for TV viewers and we’ve received great comments,” Collina said. “We were asked: ‘Why not in all the matches?’ and even more: ‘Why not in all sports?’” Collina also highlighted the value of body cams for referee training and analysis. He referenced a group stage match between Atlético de Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, where the technology clarified why a handball incident was missed by the referee due to an obstructed view. The video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, resulting in a correct penalty decision. A major rule change debuted at the tournament: goalkeepers now face a corner kick if they hold the ball for more than eight seconds, replacing the previous six-second indirect free kick rule. This amendment, passed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in March 2025, aimed to reduce time-wasting. Collina reported several positive outcomes: : Matches saw less time lost to goalkeepers holding the ball : Only two goalkeepers were penalized, indicating widespread respect for the rule. : The rule’s main goal was to encourage compliance rather than to punish infractions. The tournament also featured an enhanced version of semi-automated offside technology. According to Collina, this system accelerated offside calls and minimized unnecessary interruptions, ensuring that decisions were both timely and correct. “The alert went to the assistant referees well before, when there was a clear offside position. So, it worked very well, we have the goals disallowed, correctly disallowed; we also had correct decisions supported by the semi-automatic offside technology – [we are] very happy, very pleased,” he said. A total of 117 match officials from 41 member associations oversaw the 63 matches of the expanded 32-team tournament. Collina concluded by commending the quality of officiating and the pride felt by all involved: “It was a great competition. The people attending the matches confirm this, it was well played by players and well refereed by match officials. And all the referees who are here are 100% proud of being part, of having been part of this first time ever.” Source: FIFA.com

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Hits Two Million Fan Milestone in Atlanta

YFM Ghana — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:28:18 +0000

The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025 reached a major milestone on Tuesday, 1 July, surpassing two million fans in attendance as the tournament entered the knockout rounds. The landmark moment came during the round of 16 clash between CF Monterrey and Borussia Dortmund at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Francisco Mendoza, a local resident originally from Mexico, was named the tournament’s two millionth fan while attending the match with his wife, Paola, and daughters, Megan and Erika. Adding to the family’s special night, Mexican football legend Luis Hernández – Mexico’s joint top scorer at the FIFA World Cup™ – surprised them pitch-side before kickoff. “This is our first game together since my family joined me in Atlanta, and now it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever,” said an emotional Francisco Mendoza. With fans turning out in large numbers across the 11 U.S. host cities and 12 stadiums, the tournament has averaged over 35,000 spectators per game, showing the global appeal of the revamped competition. The largest crowd so far was 80,619 for the group-stage showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid at Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl Stadium. Other high-attendance fixtures included: 70,248 – Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca (Charlotte) 65,574 – PSG vs Inter Miami (Atlanta) 64,811 – FC Salzburg vs Real Madrid (Philadelphia) 63,587 – Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors (Miami) With seven matches still to play, including high-profile quarter-final clashes, fans can purchase tickets at FIFA.com/tickets. Global streaming platform DAZN is also offering free access to every match. The Mendozas, meanwhile, won’t miss a moment. FIFA has gifted them four tickets to Saturday’s blockbuster quarter-final between PSG and Bayern Munich, also in Atlanta.

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Nine-Year-Old Wydad Fan Rachida Becomes One Millionth Spectator at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

YFM Ghana — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:42:40 +0000

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ has reached a major milestone, with total attendance surpassing one million during the match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The historic distinction of being the tournament’s one millionth fan went to Rachida Elomari, a nine-year-old Wydad AC supporter from Virginia, USA. It was her very first time attending a football match in a stadium—an experience she had been eagerly anticipating since Wydad qualified for the expanded 32-team competition. “I’m here in Philadelphia because my parents told me two years ago that Wydad was going to play in the US,” Rachida said. “I was really excited because I wanted to see my team play, and this was my first time ever going to a stadium. I want to support my team with all my might!” For Rachida, the tournament has meant more than just football—it was a rare chance to connect with her favorite team without having to travel across continents. “The FIFA Club World Cup gives families like ours a chance to see Wydad live, without spending thousands of dollars flying to another country,” she explained. “I’ve watched World Cups on TV, but seeing this in real life is such a great opportunity—with the greatest teams in the world, in my opinion.” An aspiring footballer herself, Rachida also shared her love for the game: “It’s one of the most popular sports in my country. It’s really fun, keeps us healthy, and away from trouble.” The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted across 12 world-class venues in the United States, has seen fans create a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere both inside the stadiums and throughout the host cities. The tournament has delivered historic moments and massive crowds, with a peak attendance of 80,619 recorded during the Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético de Madrid clash at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles on June 15. Other high-attendance matches include: 70,248 – Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 63,587 – Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami 62,415 – Real Madrid vs Al Hilal, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami 60,927 – Al Ahly vs Inter Miami CF, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami After 30 matches, the tournament has welcomed 1,094,686 fans, averaging 36,490 spectators per game. With 31 matches still to be played beyond June 22, there is more action ahead for football lovers. Tickets remain available at FIFA.com/tickets, and for those unable to attend in person, DAZN—the tournament’s exclusive global broadcaster—is streaming all matches for free to fans around the world.

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World’s Top Clubs Set to Train Across the U.S. Ahead of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – Full List

YFM Ghana — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:11:35 +0000

With excitement building for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, 32 elite clubs from around the globe are preparing to establish base camps across the United States. The historic tournament will see teams from 20 different countries training in 14 U.S. states—creating a rich, multicultural football atmosphere and connecting deeply with local communities. FIFA has confirmed 34 official Team Base Camp Training Sites for the group stage, stretching coast to coast—from Florida to California, and New Jersey to Washington. These world-class facilities are designed to provide top-level preparation and warm American hospitality. “These sites—and more importantly, the communities around them—will offer a warm welcome and top-tier support to the world’s best clubs,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “Players, coaches, staff, and fans will form lasting bonds with local supporters.” From top-tier MLS grounds to prestigious university campuses, each base showcases the strength of U.S. sports infrastructure and its commitment to community engagement. Some confirmed Team Base Camps include: Al Ahly (Egypt): Nova Southeastern University (FL), The Pingry School (NJ) Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia): DC United Training Center (VA), Nashville SC Facility (TN) Atlético Madrid (Spain): LA Memorial Coliseum (CA) Borussia Dortmund (Germany): Inter Miami CF Training Center (FL) Chelsea FC (England): Philadelphia Union Facility (PA), Nova Southeastern University (FL) Bayern Munich (Germany): Wide World of Sports Complex (FL) Juventus (Italy): Greenbrier Sports Center (WV), ChampionsGate (FL) Real Madrid (Spain): Gardens North County Park (FL) Manchester City (England): Lynn University (FL) Paris Saint-Germain (France): UC Irvine (CA) Seattle Sounders (USA): Sounders FC Facility (WA) Flamengo (Brazil): Stockton University (NJ), Wide World of Sports Complex (FL) River Plate (Argentina): Sounders FC Facility (WA) Florida leads the way with nine training sites, followed by California (5), New Jersey (4), and North Carolina (3). Other host states include Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Georgia, West Virginia, and Oregon—each adding local flavor to this global showcase. Top MLS clubs—Inter Miami, DC United, Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, Philadelphia Union, and Nashville SC—will play a pivotal role in hosting and highlighting the U.S.’s premier football infrastructure. Beyond training, these camps will become hubs of interaction and inspiration, offering fans the chance to engage with football legends and soak in the atmosphere of one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent history. As the world’s best clubs prepare for action, the United States stands ready to deliver a football experience like no other.

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Al Ahly arrive in Miami Ahead of Historic FIFA Club World Cup Campaign

YFM Ghana — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:20:49 +0000

Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC have touched down in Miami, Florida, ahead of the much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025™—marking the start of their historic campaign as one of four African clubs taking part in the expanded global tournament set to be staged across the United States. Drawn into a blockbuster Group A, Al Ahly will face a star-studded lineup including 2021 Copa Libertadores champions SE Palmeiras, Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto, and Inter Miami CF—led by global icon Lionel Messi. Al Ahly’s Group A Fixtures: Saturday, 14 June – Al Ahly FC vs Inter Miami CF (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 20:00) Thursday, 19 June – SE Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FC (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 12:00) Monday, 23 June – FC Porto vs Al Ahly FC (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 21:00) Speaking upon arrival, head coach José Riveiro expressed pride and anticipation about the challenge ahead. “We’re excited and happy to be here, representing our club and our fans. We know this is a short but very competitive tournament, and we’re here early to adapt and prepare well,” said Riveiro. The Spanish tactician, who is experiencing the U.S. for the first time, acknowledged the tough test that awaits in the opening game against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. “It’s a team full of big names—players who’ve won everything. You can’t really prepare for Messi. You just have to stay disciplined and control situations before the ball even gets to him.” Al Ahly captain and veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, also speaking from Miami, echoed the team’s readiness and hunger. “We take immense pride in being here. We’re fully prepared and determined to bring joy to our people back home. This is a huge moment for our club and for African football,” he said. Looking ahead to the opening clash with Inter Miami, El Shenawy acknowledged the significance of facing Messi. “When you talk about a legendary player like Messi, you’re talking about football royalty. Facing him and his team is an honour. It’s more than just a match—it’s a historic moment, and we’ve come ready.” Al Ahly’s presence at the Club World Cup continues their proud tradition of representing Africa on the global stage. With a mix of experience, confidence, and determination, the Red Devils aim to leave a lasting mark in what promises to be a thrilling tournament in the USA.

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