Football

Four clubs from three continents have advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, setting up compelling matchups for the final stages of the 2025 tournament. The final two semifinalists were determined on Saturday. UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning performance, defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the quarterfinals despite playing with nine men. Five-time CWC winners Real Madrid secured their semifinal berth with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Here's how the Club World Cup semifinals are structured: First Semifinal: Fluminense vs Chelsea Tuesday at 3 pm (19:00 GMT) MetLife Stadium, New Jersey The opening semifinal features Brazil's Fluminense against English Premier League side Chelsea. Fluminense has impressed throughout the tournament, with goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hercules securing their semifinal spot in a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal in Orlando, Florida. Chelsea advanced after a […]

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal delivered the biggest upset of the Club World Cup tournament, defeating Manchester City 4-3 in extra time to advance to the quarterfinals. The match concluded 2-2 after regulation time on Monday, with Marcos Leonardo scoring the decisive goal in extra time to secure what many consider one of the greatest victories in Middle Eastern football history. Al Hilal will now face Brazilian club Fluminense in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing a non-European team reaches the semifinals. Manchester City opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Bernardo Silva, who converted from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross. Al Hilal protested that Ait-Nouri had used his arm in the buildup, but the goal was allowed to stand. City created numerous opportunities to extend their advantage before halftime, but poor finishing and outstanding goalkeeping from Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou maintained the narrow lead. […]

Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will almost certainly not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, potentially disappointing FIFA President Gianni Infantino who hoped to feature one of football's most prominent figures at the tournament. The Portugal captain revealed on Saturday that he had received "quite a few" offers from participating clubs to join them for the tournament beginning June 14, but has decided against accepting any of these invitations. "Some things make sense to talk about, other things don't, and, as a person says, you can't take part in everything," Ronaldo explained. "You have to think about the short, medium and long term. It's a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had quite a few invitations to go." Ronaldo made these comments in Munich, one day before Portugal's UEFA […]

Arsenal are reportedly exploring multiple transfer targets this summer, with Nico Williams remaining a priority following his standout performances for Spain at the European Championships last summer. The Athletic Club winger has attracted significant interest from top European clubs since the tournament. Arsenal previously pursued Williams last summer, but the Spanish international chose to remain at his boyhood club for another season. Recent reports suggest Arsenal have renewed contact with Williams, with sources indicating a potential deal may be more feasible this transfer window. However, with the club also targeting Martin Zubimendi and seeking a new striker, securing all three signings could prove financially challenging. Arsenal's striker search has focused on several candidates, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the preferred options. However, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has also emerged as a potential target, particularly given Villa's reported concerns […]

The international break showcases the global reach of the Roshn Saudi League, with players from the competition representing nations across multiple continents in crucial World Cup qualifiers and UEFA Nations League action. Asian World Cup Qualification Drama Otabek Shukurov - Al Fayha Uzbekistan stands on the brink of historic World Cup qualification, needing just one point from upcoming matches against UAE or Qatar. The Al Fayha midfielder could help his nation achieve their first-ever World Cup appearance, currently sitting second in Group A behind already-qualified Iran. Ibrahim Bayesh/Youssef Amyn - Al Riyadh/Al Wehda Iraq seeks to end a 40-year World Cup drought, their last appearance dating to Mexico 1986. The Al Riyadh and Al Wehda players face crucial fixtures against Korea Republic and Jordan, with the latter potentially serving as a winner-takes-all encounter for qualification. European Competition Excellence Cristiano Ronaldo/Ruben […]

Ali Majrashi's journey with Al Ahli has been an emotional rollercoaster since joining the Jeddah club in January 2022. Just months after his arrival, he experienced the painful relegation of the 88-year-old Saudi club for the first time in their history during a match against his former team, Al Shabab. The defender then celebrated Al Ahli's immediate promotion back to the Roshn Saudi League, returning just in time for the league's transformation. Most recently, Majrashi was overcome with emotion as he played a crucial role in Al Ahli securing their first continental trophy. Matthias Jaissle's team triumphed in the AFC Champions League Elite on home soil, defeating Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in a convincing final performance. Few players remain at Al Ahli who have experienced this entire journey alongside Majrashi, which explains the raw emotion visible on his face as cameras […]