JACQUI Hurley was playing as well as analysing top-level sport over the course of the weekend.

As usual she chaired The Sunday Game. That included a debate on the merits of penalty shoot-outs in hurling given the events of the Munster decider.

@jacquihurley

She also took part in a basketball training session in Killarney, County Kerry[/caption]

@jacquihurley

Jacqui wasn’t the only Cork woman in attendance[/caption]

But in addition to that she squeezed in a training session with her basketball team.

The Dublin-based club headed down to Kerry where they were joined by another Corkonian who the 41-year-old was quick to hail.

Jacqui said of Irish team captain Edel Thornton: “Great to catch up with Cork’s finest!”

Jacqui herself will also be representing Ireland on the international stage in this summer’s FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championships.

She announced the exciting news in May when she was named among the Irish Over-40s women’s side.

Reposting Basketball Ireland’s Instagram story announcing the five squads that are bound for Switzerland, she added: “Long time since I played for Ireland, such a privilege to be able to do it again this summer.

“Looking forward to making more memories with a phenomenal group of women.”

Earlier this year Hurley conducted an interview with RTE where she spoke about how her passion for playing the sport hasn’t waned over the years.

That’s especially impressive considering she also still plays ladies football with Dublin giants Kilmacud Crokes.

She reflected: “I turned 41 very recently and I reckon the football will have to go. I’ll move into a coaching role in that respect.

“But the basketball is something I’d like to play into my 50s.

“There are so many former Irish internationals that I’ve known down the years, and they are still playing.

“I’d love to play on an Irish Masters team and travel with them. Someday, hopefully.”

As if that wasn’t enough of a packed playing CV with which to boast of, she also played camogie for Cork in her 20s.

In that same interview she delved into how she has to be mindful of her natural biases when covering Gaelic Games.

She laughed: “Ah no, when Cork was playing in the All-Ireland hurling final last year, I was sitting beside Anthony Daly and we almost had to be separated.

“We did have great craic, but I’m emotionally invested in the GAA, and it can be very hard to detach myself.

“But you must keep bias separate. When the Cork camogie team won down the years – I would have played with a lot of them.

“But you must keep your emotions in check on air, because you’re a broadcaster and journalist first and foremost and have a job to do.”

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland return to action on Tuesday as they face Luxembourg, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. 

After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will aim to build momentum with another strong performance as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers starting in September. 

Quick Luxembourg vs Ireland tips

• Ireland to win – 1/1 with SBK
• Troy Parrott to score anytime – 11/5 with talkSPORT BET
• BTTS – 6/5 with bet365

Luxembourg vs Ireland odds

Find the latest football betting odds for Luxembourg vs Ireland. Our odds are provided by the best football bookmakers in Ireland and are subject to change.

Luxembourg vs Ireland predictions

Optimism is growing that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson can guide the Boys in Green to their first World Cup finals since 2002.

Under the Icelandic coach, Ireland have shown clear signs of progress. While they face a tough qualifying group featuring Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia, a second-place finish – and the accompanying play-off spot – is seen as a realistic target.

Back-to-back wins over Bulgaria secured Ireland’s place to Nations League B, and those results were followed by an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday night.

Kasey McAteer marked his first start in a green shirt with a 21st-minute goal. Both sides created chances, but it was Senegal’s superior quality in the final third that told, as substitute Ismaila Sarr finally found a way past Caoimhin Kelleher in the 82nd minute.

On the balance of play, the visitors probably merited a draw to maintain their unbeaten run. Still, Ireland can take plenty of positives from a strong display against an in-form Senegal side.

A win over Luxembourg is no longer the formality it once was. In their last outing, the Red Lions fell just short in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia on Friday, with Tamar Svetlin scoring the only goal just before half-time.

That result marked Luxembourg’s first home loss in three matches. While Luc Holtz’s side have struggled for overall consistency, recent performances at the Luxembourg Stadium suggest they are no pushovers on home soil. 

In March, they claimed an impressive 1-0 win over Sweden in a friendly, and last November, they came from two goals down to earn a hard-fought Nations League 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland.

Luxembourg vs Ireland betting tips

Heimir Hallgrímsson will be keen to maintain the momentum his side has built in recent outings and avoid a setback on the road against Luxembourg. While this fixture presents its challenges, Ireland head into the match as favourites to win. Our Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland match betting tips are below:

Ireland to win

Luxembourg may have managed a win and a draw in their last three home games, but their overall form remains inconsistent. That includes their disappointing loss to Slovenia on Friday night.

In contrast, Ireland appears to be on an upward trajectory. If the Boys in Green can replicate the level of performance they showed in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Senegal, there’s every reason to believe they can secure another win at the Luxembourg Stadium.

Ireland ran out 3-0 winners on their last visit in November 2021. While a repeat of that scoreline may be unlikely, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side should still have enough quality to get the job done.

Back Ireland to win at evens with SBK

Troy Parrott to score anytime

After missing out on a starting role against Senegal due to illness, Troy Parrott is expected to return to the lineup against Luxembourg. 

The 23-year-old is coming off a standout season with AZ Alkmaar, where he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

With Heimir Hallgrímsson looking to get his in-form striker more comfortable at international level, backing Parrott to score anytime here looks like a smart bet.

Back Troy Parrott to score anytime at 11/5 with talkSPORT BET

Both teams to score

We know that Luxembourg have their issues in front of goal, but Ireland have their own problems at the back. 

The Boys in Green have conceded in eight of their last nine matches. Furthermore, the hosts have scored in four of their last six matches and in two of their last three at home. 

No in this market is the favourite at 8/13. We think it’s worth a small wager on yes at odds against, especially given Ireland’s recent defensive record.

Back both teams to score at 6/5 with bet365

How to watch Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland

• Location: Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
• Date and time: Tuesday 10th June, 7.45pm.
• How to watch: RTE2, RTE Player and Amazon Prime Video.

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OVER half of Brits feel lonely at least once a month – but are ashamed to admit it.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 56 per cent would rarely or never consider talking to someone else about how isolated they felt.

SWNS

The research was commissioned by audio brand, Pure[/caption]

Reasons for this included not wanting to burden others (37 per cent), not believing anyone else will understand (21 per cent), and not wanting to appear vulnerable (21 per cent).

This may be a reflection on the strength of their support networks, as a quarter (24 per cent) described theirs as lacking – and a further 13 per cent didn’t have one at all.

Instead, those who feel lonely are likely to distract themselves through entertainment, such as watching TV (47 per cent), going on social media (22 per cent), or listening to the radio (19 per cent).

The research was commissioned by audio brand, Pure, which is partnering with Marmalade Trust, a Bristol-based charity dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and helping people build meaningful connections.

As part of this partnership and in support of Loneliness Awareness Week, Pure will be donating 150 radios to individuals across the UK who are looking for support through a period of loneliness.

Dr Lalitaa [COR], behaviouralist psychologist and expert in emotional wellbeing, commented: “Loneliness remains a taboo subject, often shrouded in shame and stigma.

“But human connection is a basic psychological need – one that’s increasingly difficult to fulfil in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

“It’s encouraging to see initiatives like this that provide simple, tangible comfort and help people feel part of something again.”

Tara Fisher, COO from Marmalade Trust added: “Loneliness is a natural human emotion that we are all likely to experience in our lifetime.

“But there is still a stigma around loneliness, which means a significant portion of the population are reluctant to speak about these feelings to others – either because they don’t feel they have anyone to talk to or are worried about doing so.”

Despite these feelings of shame around loneliness, nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) acknowledged it as a common phenomenon among the general population.

Women were also found to feel lonelier than men – with only 16 per cent of women saying they never feel lonely, compared to 26 per cent of men.

But perceptions about the generations most affected were not entirely accurate – with 19 per cent of all respondents believing the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) is impacted the most by loneliness.

However, Gen Zs (born 1996-2011) specifically reported feeling lonelier than any other age group, with one third feeling this way a few times a week and 11 per cent even experiencing this every single day.

This compares to 19 per cent of the whole population dealing with this a few times a week and only six per cent every day.

Worries about being judged (25 per cent) and dismissed (21 per cent) were also higher among Gen Zs – as were desires to socialise more (53 per cent) and make more friends (42 per cent).

This compares to the ‘famously lonely’ Silent Generation – four in 10 of whom reported usually only going an hour maximum without speaking to someone else.

A fifth of all those asked agreed on one day as the limit for not speaking to another person before feeling lonely – yet 23 per cent go this long, or longer, without talking to anyone regularly.

Regionally, Londoners were most likely to report feeling lonely – with 33 per cent of those living in the capital saying they feel lonely at least a few times a week.

Nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) of all respondents also claimed to feel lonelier now than they did five years ago, primarily because it’s now harder to meet people.

Other reasons included changes in personal relationships (23 per cent), financial stress (22 per cent), and lower self-esteem (20 per cent).

The top locations people reported feeling lonely were also established as at home alone (59 per cent), in a crowd (27 per cent), and when having a meal by themselves (26 per cent).

Perhaps to stave off this lonely feeling, over half (52 per cent) are more likely to listen to the radio when at home alone, according to OnePoll.com data.

Other than listening to the news and their favourite music, 38 per cent utilise their broadcast boxes for background noise (38 per cent), company (20 per cent), and making the house feel less quiet (19 per cent).

A further 16 per cent specified listening to the radio helps them to feel less lonely, with 15 per cent liking to hear the sound of other people’s voices, and 13 per cent enjoying being part of the conversation.

Stations providing the best company were also identified as pop music (30 per cent), oldies music (24 per cent), and talk radio stations (21 per cent).

Hubert Eiter, spokesperson for Pure, which is donating £5 for every Pure radio sold between June 9 – July 9, 2025 in support of Marmalade Trust, said: “Pure has been active in supporting loneliness charities over many years and we are proud to partner with the Marmalade Trust this year.

“It’s great to see that everyday listening can bring a lot of comfort to people, as it has the power to immediately make a room feel livelier and less quiet – we love the fact that radio is able to provide some company for those who feel lonely from time to time.”

SWNS

Regionally, Londoners were most likely to report feeling[/caption]

CRYSTAL PALACE are expected to be left in limbo over their European fate until June 27.

The Eagles sealed a place in the Europa League group stages for the first time in their history by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup.

Alamy

Crystal Palace will learn their Europa League fate later this month[/caption]

But complications around John Textor’s stake in both Palace and French club Lyon have resulted in the south Londoners’ spot being in doubt.

There was hope at Selhurst Park that a quick resolution would be found, but Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body is not expected to announce their decision until the end of this month.

Uefa rules on multi-club ownership prevent any two clubs controlled by the same person or group from competing in the same competition.

Both Palace and Lyon have qualified for next year’s Europa League, but the Ligue 1 side would have precedence as they finished higher in their domestic league.

Textor is the majority owner of Lyon and Palace’s largest shareholder at 43 per cent.

The American could have placed his Eagles shares into a blind trust, as many other owners have done to avoid this outcome, though the deadline to do so was March 1.

Palace have already met with Uefa in Switzerland arguing that Textor has no controlling influence at Crystal Palace.

While he is the largest shareholder, the billionaire has an equal 25 per cent voting right and has complained about a lack of control and influence in the past.

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Senior figures at the club are therefore confident that they will be able to find an agreement with Uefa which will see them take part in the Europa League next season.

A resolution could come sooner should Textor simply sell his shares.

The 59-year-old has been looking to sell his stake in Palace for some time now following a breakdown in relations with chairman Steve Parish.

Textor, who tried to buy Everton last year, is now thought to be open to selling his shares to fellow American investors David Blitzer and Joshua Harris.

Any deal would be difficult to complete in such a short timeframe, though it would immediately put an end to any concerns over breaching Uefa rules.

Three migrant women were arrested stealing phones from music lovers at the Governor's Ball Festival in Queens, according to police.

Мама. Гарне слово! А скільки теплоти і ніжності ховається за ним. Але чому ж, коли ми говоримо “свекруха”, більшу частину молодих жінок пробирає дрібне тремтіння? Адже це теж мама, мама чоловіка. Якщо подивитися на кількість запитів у будь-якій пошуковій системі, то формулювання “як відучити свекруху лізти у родину” буде на одній з перших позицій. Практично […]

Police believe a shooting that left two people dead on the Las Vegas strip followed feuding on social media between the suspect and victims.

THE 2025 Club World Cup is set to be the biggest and most spectacular edition of the tournament yet.

For the first time, 32 of the world’s top clubs from every continent will compete in a month-long showdown for global supremacy – and fans are in for a treat. With heavyweight clashes, underdog stories, and never-before-seen matchups on the cards, the stage is set for a thrilling summer of football.

Whether you’re watching for entertainment or getting involved in the markets, this tournament offers plenty of opportunities for smart betting decisions.

In this guide, we’ve compiled our expert Club World Cup tips and predictions to help you stay ahead of the game – and as the tournament unfolds, we’ll highlight key matchups, spot potential upsets, and provide you with all the insight you need to back your bets with confidence.

Quick tips for the 2025 Club World Cup

• SE Palmeiras to be the Group A winner – 7/4 with BetVictor
• Paris Saint-Germain to be the Group B winner – 4/6 with bet365
• Bayern Munich to top Group C at – 1/2 with Betfred
• Chelsea to be the Group D winner – 4/9 with SBK
• River Plate to top the Group E table – 9/4 with BetVictor
• Fluminense to top the Group F table – 2/1 with talkSPORT BET
• Manchester City to be the Group G winner – 2/5 with BetMGM
• Al Hilal to qualify for the Round of 16 – 1/1 with Betfred
• Real Madrid to win the 2025 Club World Cup – 4/1 with BetMGM

2025 Club World Cup group stage predictions and tips

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage promises to be a thrilling showcase of global football. Featuring elite clubs from every continent, the tournament follows the familiar World Cup-style format, with eight groups of four and only the top two teams progressing to the Round of 16.

This format ensures genuine jeopardy in almost every match. With many of these sides rarely meeting in competitive fixtures, the group stage also offers great opportunities to uncover value in the betting markets.

Below, we break down each group, highlight the clubs most likely to advance, and share our early predictions on how the tournament might play out.

Group A

SE Palmeiras (BRA)

Palmeiras head into the 2025 Club World Cup as one of South America’s most formidable sides and genuine contenders to top Group A.

Under the continued guidance of Abel Ferreira, the club has maintained a strong position in Brazilian football, finishing second in the 2024 Brasileirão and reaching the last 16 of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.

Although this isn’t quite up to their usual higher standards, it is still a good record, and with Palmeiras still boasting a talented, cohesive squad, we can see them having a strong run in the competition.

FC Porto (POR)

A seasoned side in European competition, Porto bring tactical knowhow to the group. While they may not boast the attacking firepower of their Portuguese counterparts Sporting and Benfica, their defensive structure and midfield control could frustrate opponents.

Don’t underestimate Porto’s ability to grind out results either. They made it to the Europa League playoff round and finished third in their domestic league in the 2024/25 season, so they clearly know what they are doing.

Al Ahly FC (EGY)

Al Ahly look to lack the big names stars to make a splash in this competition. They are certainly not one of the favourites to qualify, and even though they have managed to avoid some of Europe’s big guns, it’s hard to see them claiming enough points to finish in the top two.

Inter Miami CF (USA)

With Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez leading the charge, Inter Miami will – at the very least – draw headlines. Can they deliver on the pitch? That’s the question.

And while their attacking strength is undeniable, questions remain about their defensive resilience at this level. Still, they’re capable of scoring against anyone, making them a dangerous spoiler in this group.

They will have to beat Porto and Al Ahly if they want to progress. 

Position	Team
1.	SE Palmeiras
2.	FC Porto
3.	Inter Miami
4.	Al Ahly

Group A betting tip

Porto aren’t as strong as they used to be, so with superior squad depth and tournament experience, the Brazilians look like a good value bet to finish top.

Tip SE Palmeiras to be the Group A winner at 7/4 with BetVictor

Group A fixtures: 

• Al Ahly vs Inter Miami,  Sunday, 15 June, 01:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Palmeiras vs Porto, Sunday, 15 June, 23:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
• Palmeiras vs Al Ahly,  Thursday, 19 June, 17:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
• Inter Miami vs Porto, Thursday, 19 June, 20:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Inter Miami vs Palmeiras, Tuesday, 24 June, 02:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Porto vs Al Ahly,  Tuesday, 24 June, 02:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Group A must-see match

Inter Miami CF vs Porto – This could be the match that decides who will qualify for the Round of 16, and with Messi in action, the match will attract global attention.

Group B

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

The 2025 Champions League winners are the hottest team in club football and are rightly one of the favorites to win the title. After the departure of underperforming star names, Luis Enrique has rebuilt PSG, and now boasts one of the most talented squads in world football.

With the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to call upon, it would be no surprise to see PSG land another big trophy.

Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

A tournament side built for grinding results, Atlético will be tough for anyone to break down. Diego Simeone’s disciplined approach, combined with physical intensity and moments of attacking quality, makes them one of the most difficult teams to face.

They’re unlikely to blow teams away, but they’ll be consistent, and after underperforming in La Liga and the Champions League, this competition offers Simeone’s team a chance to create some history.

Botafogo (BRA)

Botafogo’s defence of the Campeonato Brasileiro hasn’t got off to the best of starts, and that won’t give them a great deal of confidence in what looks like a very tough group.

Nevertheless, just appearing here is a big moment for the club. However, their lack of recent experience in international knockout competition may show, and while the Brazilians are well able to keep it tight at the back, they lack the attacking weapons needed to break down the two European teams in the group.

Seattle Sounders FC (USA)

Seattle brings a well-structured squad with a strong team ethic and considerable experience in tournament play. They will be disappointed to have only made it to the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and although they have made a steady start in the MLS Western Conference, they have won less than half their games this season.

The Sounders lack the star names of their European counterparts, and a top-two finish would be a major surprise in this tough-looking group.

Position	Team
1.	Paris Saint-Germain
2.	Atlético de Madrid
3.	Botafogo
4.	Seattle Sounders FC

Group B betting tip

With PSG’s current form, there can be no other choice.

Paris Saint-Germain to be the Group B winner at 4/6 with bet365

Group B fixtures: 

• Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético Madrid, Sunday, 15 June, 20:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
• Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders, Monday, 16 June, 03:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Seattle Sounders vs Atlético Madrid, Thursday, 19 June, 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo, Thursday, 19 June, 23:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
• Seattle Sounders vs Paris Saint-Germain,  Monday, 23 June, 17:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Atlético Madrid vs Botafogo, Monday, 23 June, 17:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles

Group B must-see match

Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético de Madrid – A clash of styles between PSG’s flair and Atlético’s grit. This matchup should decide who wins the group.

Group C

Bayern Munich (GER)

Bayern arrive as one of the tournament favourites, brimming with confidence after reclaiming their Bundesliga title from Leverkusen.

Their high-pressing style imposed by head coach Vincent Kompany, subsidised by the goals of Harry Kane, make Bayern an intimidating prospect for any opponent. Expect dominant performances and plenty of goals as the German giants aim to assert their superiority early.

Auckland City FC (NZL)

The Oceania champions have become regulars at the Club World Cup, but the step up in class here will be immense.

While the Navy Blues are a disciplined and well-coached team, Paul Posa’s outfit lacks the sort of quality and technical sharpness to match their group rivals. Earning even a point would be a big achievement in such a competitive pool.

CA Boca Juniors (ARG)

Boca Juniors have had a troubled season that resulted in Fernando Gago leaving the club in April. After an interim period with Mariano Herrón in charge, Miguel Ángel Russo was appointed as the new manager at the beginning of June.

The Argentine outfit will be hoping the veteran manager will be able to stabilise performances in his third spell at the club.

SL Benfica (POR)

Benfica are an exciting, attack-minded team capable of playing fluid football and disrupting more established sides.

They will see the Club World Cup as an opportunity to get something out of a disappointing season that saw them narrowly miss out on both the Primeira Liga title and Taça de Portugal to bitter rivals Sporting.

Position	Team
1.	FC Bayern München
2.	CA Boca Juniors
3.	SL Benfica
4.	Auckland City FC

Group C betting tip

The Germans quality and tournament experience make them clear front-runners in this group.

Expect Bayern Munich to comfortably top Group C at 1/2 with Betfred

Group C fixtures: 

• Bayern Munich vs Auckland City, Sunday, 15 June, 17:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
• Boca Juniors vs Benfica, Monday, 16 June, 23:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Benfica vs Auckland City, Friday, 20 June, 17:00 BST, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
• Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors, Saturday, 21 June, 02:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Auckland City vs Boca Juniors, Tuesday, 24 June, 20:00 BST, GEODIS Park, Nashville
• Benfica vs Bayern Munich, Tuesday, 24 June, 20:00 BST, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

Group C must-see match

Boca Juniors vs Benfica – Can Boca Juniors put their troubles behind them and see off the legendary Benfica? This match looks set to decide who qualifies from the group, along with Bayern.

Group D

CR Flamengo (BRA)

After a fast start to the current Campeonato Brasileiro season, Flamengo will come into the tournament with serious ambitions. Filipe Luís is in his first full season in charge of the team, and with a technically gifted squad at his disposal, the inexperienced head coach will hope his free-scoring outfit can replicate their league form on the world stage.

Don’t be fooled into believing that Flamengo are one-dimensional. As well as being the highest scorers in the Brazilian top flight, they also boast the tightest defence, having only conceded four times in their eleven matches.

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN)

Espérance has a proud history and a reputation as one of Africa’s top clubs. Although they’ll be underdogs here, their physical style and strong team cohesion could make them a tough matchup for more fancied sides.

Head coach Maher Kanzari has just led them to the Tunisian league title. Despite this success, it’s hard to see the Tunsians getting out of their group.

Chelsea FC (ENG)

After a poor start to 2025, Chelsea have finished their domestic season strongly with a fourth place Premier League finish and a win in the Europa Conference League final.

Although the Blues have struggled on the road, they will come into the competition full of confidence and certainly can’t be taken lightly by any of the more established clubs.

Los Angeles FC (USA)

Los Angeles FC only qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Club América 2-1 in extra time during a special playoff at the end of May. The playoff was arranged after Club León, the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League winners, were disqualified due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

As runners-up in that tournament, LAFC were given another chance to qualify, facing Club América. Denis Bouanga scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing LAFC’s spot in the expanded 32-team competition.

Position	Team
1.	Chelsea
2.	CR Flamengo
3.	Los Angeles FC
4.	Espérance de Tunis

Group D betting tip

Back the in-form Londoners to edge out the Brazilian champions in a tight group.

Chelsea to be the Group D winner at 4/9 with SBK

Group D fixtures: 

• Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC, Monday, 16 June, 20:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Flamengo vs Espérance de Tunis, Tuesday, 17 June, 02:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Flamengo vs Chelsea,  Friday, 20 June, 19:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Los Angeles FC vs Espérance de Tunis, Friday, 20 June, 22:00 BST, GEODIS Park, Nashville
• Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea, Wednesday, 25 June, 02:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Los Angeles FC vs Flamengo, Wednesday, 25 June, 02:00 BST, Camping World Stadium, Orlando
  

Group D must-see match

CR Flamengo vs Chelsea FC – A blockbuster clash featuring top talent from South America and Europe. Likely to determine who finishes top of the group and an early guide on how the tournament might play out.

Group E

CA River Plate (ARG)

River Plate brings tradition, tactical discipline, and passionate support into the tournament.

Their recent form in CONMEBOL competitions shows they can compete with the best, with Marcelo Gallardo’s team clinching their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare after a 6-2 win over Independiente del Valle on Matchday 5.

The Argentines are among the favourites to win this group.

Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)

Urawa Red Diamonds are one of Asia’s most consistent continental performers, but they’ll face a serious step up in quality here.

Quick transitions and defensive discipline will be their strengths, but whether they can break down elite defences or contain River and Inter is another question. Along with Monterrey, the J1 League outfit are huge outsiders to progress.

CF Monterrey (MEX)

Monterrey has a strong track record in international competitions. There is a good mix of physicality and technicality within their ranks, but it isn’t likely to be enough to compete with both River Plate and Inter.

Domènec Torrent has just been appointed the team’s new head coach ahead of the competition, but the reality is that the Club World Cup is more likely a chance for Torrent to get to know his players ahead of the new Liga MX season. 

Inter Milan (ITA)

Inter are a well-oiled machine, and their European pedigree makes them a major threat. Defensively resolute, tactically mature, and boasting attacking depth, they’ll be one of the most complete sides in the competition.

Whether they will have sufficiently recovered from the dual shock of their Champions League final mauling and exit of head coach Simone Inzaghi remains to be seen. Despite this, we still expect the Italians to win the group.

Position	Team
1.	FC Internazionale Milano
2.	CA River Plate
3.	CF Monterrey
4.	Urawa Red Diamonds

Group E betting tip

Inter Milan should win the group, but after the battering and upheaval of the recent weeks, it might be worth having a sneaky wager on River Plate at 9/4, if you feel the 2/5 on Inter topping the table is too short.

Bet on River Plate at 9/4 to top the table with BetVictor

Group E fixtures: 

• River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds, Tuesday, 17 June , 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Monterrey vs Inter Milan, Wednesday, 18 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
• Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds, Saturday, 21 June, 20:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• River Plate vs Monterrey, Sunday, 22 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
• Inter Milan vs River Plate, Thursday, 26 June, 02:00 BST, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey, Thursday, 26 June, 02:00 BST, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles

Group E must-see match

Inter Milan vs River Plate – A massive fixture between the Champions League runners-up and the legendary Argentines is likely to decide the group winners.

Group F

Fluminense FC (BRA)

The 2023 Copa Libertadores champions are attempting to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 that saw them finish down in 14th position in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Fluminense come into the competition on a three match unbeaten run if they can build on that momentum, they are a good bet to win one of the less competitive groups.

Borussia Dortmund (GER)

For the most part, the Germans had a very disappointing season in the Bundesliga. But, a strong finish to the campaign saw the 2024 Champions League beaten finalists sneak into the top four and next season’s elite UEFA competition.

A bit like Fluminense, BVB seem to have perfectly timed their run back into top form.

Ulsan HD (KOR)

Ulsan are a disciplined and well-drilled side, but they’ll be major underdogs against the firepower of Fluminense and Dortmund. Their defensive structure will be tested heavily, and their best chance at points may come against Sundowns.

They could be a frustrating opponent, but at 12/1 to win the group, progression to the Round of 16 would be a huge surprise.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA)

The South African champions have just completed an eighth successive PSL win. They were comfortably the best team in the division, winning 24 out of 28 of their league matches.

However, against the tactical sharpness and speed of their group rivals, the Sundowns will struggle and will likely be competing for third place with Ulsan.

Position	Team
1.	Fluminense FC
2.	Borussia Dortmund
3.	Mamelodi Sundowns
4.	Ulsan HD

Group F betting tip

Fluminense FC to be the Group F winner at 2/1 looks a great bet. The bookies seem to have decided it’s Dortmund’s to lose by making the Germans the 8/15 favourites, but we prefer the look of Fluminense to top the table at 2/1 with talkSPORT BET.

Bet on Fluminense to top the table at 2/1 with talkSPORT BET

Group F fixtures: 

• Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund, Tuesday, 17 June, 17:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
• Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Tuesday, 17 June, 23:00 BST, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, 21 June, 17:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
• Fluminense vs Ulsan HD, Saturday, 21 June, 23:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
• Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD, Wednesday, 25 June, 20:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense, Wednesday, 25 June, 20:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Group F must-see match

Fluminense FC vs Borussia Dortmund – This is the match that will decide the group, and it will be interesting to see which of the two in-form teams comes out on top.

Group G

Manchester City (ENG)

Manchester City were the kings of European football in 2023, but they have been in decline ever since. This culminated with their third place in the 2024/25 Premier League season, their worst league finish under Pep Guardiola since 2017.

City did finish the season strongly, and can’t be taken lightly by anyone in this competition. But with a rebuild currently taking place, expectations will be lower than normal for the Cityzens.

Wydad AC (MAR)

Wydad are a physical, compact side that thrives on discipline and set-piece threats. While they’ve had success in African competitions, the quality gap against teams like City and

Juventus will be stark. A spirited performance could see them steal a result, but the reality is, the Moroccans are playing for third.

Al Ain FC (UAE)

Al Ain were runners-up in a smaller Club World Cup edition held in 2018. The 14-times UAE Pro-League winners lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the final after a shock penalty shoot out win over River Plate at the semi-finals stage.

With a larger format in place for the 2025 edition, there is little to no chance of a repeat of 2018. Getting out of the group would be regarded as a huge success this time around.

Juventus FC (ITA)

Like Manchester City, Juventus have also had a poor 2024/25 season. The Old Lady of Italian football finished fourth in Serie A, 12 points behind champions Napoli.

Nevertheless, Juventus are still a huge name and they did record a Champions League win over City in the group stages of the competition. It’s hard to see them winning this event, but they should comfortably get out of the group, albeit probably in second place.

Position	Team
1.	Manchester City
2.	Juventus
3.	Wydad AC
4.	Al Ain FC

Group G betting tip

Manchester City to be the Group G winner at 2/5 with BetMGM has to be the bet. Despite City’s recent struggles, Juventus are in no better shape. 

Bet on Manchester City to be the Group G winner at 2/5 with BetMGM

Group G fixtures: 

• Manchester City vs Wydad AC, Wednesday, 18 June, 17:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Al Ain vs Juventus, Thursday, 19 June, 02:00 BST, Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
• Juventus vs Wydad AC, Sunday, 22 June, 17:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Manchester City vs Al Ain, Monday, 23 June, 02:00 BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Juventus vs Manchester City, Thursday, 26 June, 20:00 BST, Camping World Stadium, Orlando
• Wydad AC vs Al Ain, Thursday, 26 June, 20:00 BST, Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

Group G must-see match

They may both be underperforming, but Manchester City vs Juventus is still the stand out fixture of this group. The loser is likely to play Real Madrid in the next round, so plenty is at stake.

Group H

Real Madrid C.F. (ESP)

Real Madrid are synonymous with success on the global stage, but by their high standards, the 2024/25 season was a huge setback. Los Blancos finished runners-up to Barcelona in all three of their domestic competitions.

But despite this, Madrid did win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, so the season wasn’t a complete disaster. Xabi Alonso will be in the dugout for the Club World Cup, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see his Madrid team lift the trophy.

Al Hilal (KSA)

The Saudi giants have made major waves in recent years, none more so than the recent signing of Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach.

The Champions League runner-up boss will inherit a squad packed with talent, with big names like Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who all boast recent Premier League experience. 

CF Pachuca (MEX)

Pachuca haven’t had a great time domestically, but they did make it to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they lost 3-0 to Real Madrid in the final.

The December 2024 defeat to Los Blancos was more comprehensive than perhaps the scoreline suggests, and highlights the gulf in class the Mexicans are going to have to overcome to make a mark on this competition.

FC Salzburg (AUT)

Salzburg are a well-drilled, youthful side with a strong track record of developing future stars. Under the guidance of Thomas Letsch, the Red Bull-backed club finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga and successfully navigated two qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage.

However, that proved to be their limit. The Austrians suffered seven defeats in eight matches and finished third from bottom in the 36-team group. It’s hard to see Salzburg making much of an impact in this competition.

Position	Team
1.	Real Madrid
2.	Al Hilal
3.	FC Salzburg
4.	CF Pachuca

Group H betting tip

Real Madrid are just 1/6 to win Group H. A better value bet looks to be the even money available with Betfred on Al Hilal to qualify for the Round of 16.

Bet on Al Hilal to qualify for the Round of 16 at 1/1 with Betfred

Group H fixtures: 

• Real Madrid vs Al Hilal,  Wednesday, 18 June, 20:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Pachuca vs FC Salzburg, Wednesday, 18 June, 23:00 BST, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
• Real Madrid vs Pachuca, Sunday, 22 June, 20:00 BST, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
• FC Salzburg vs Al Hilal, Sunday, 22 June, 23:00 BST, Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
• Al Hilal vs Pachuca, Friday, 27 June, 02:00 BST, GEODIS Park, Nashville
• FC Salzburg vs Real Madrid, Friday, 27 June, 02:00 BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Group H must-see match

Although it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid lines up under new head coach Xabi Alonso, the standout match has to be the second-place decider between Al Hilal and FC Salzburg.

Best free bets for the Club World Cup

Predictions for Round of 16 

With the top two teams from each group advancing, the Round of 16 is set to deliver thrilling knockout action. Based on our group predictions, we expect European and South American giants to dominate, with Al Hilal the only team from outside the two football-powerhouse continents to progress.

Here’s how the Round of 16 is likely to shape up, along with our predicted winners:

Round of 16 fixtures	Winner
SE Palmeiras vs Atlético de Madrid	Atlético de Madrid
FC Bayern München vs CR Flamengo	FC Bayern München
Inter Milan vs Borussia Dortmund	Inter Milan
Manchester City vs Al Hilal	Man City
Paris Saint-Germain vs Porto	Paris Saint-Germain
Chelsea vs Boca Juniors	Boca Juniors
Fluminense FC vs River Plate	River Plate
Real Madrid vs Juventus	Real Madrid

Round of 16 betting tip

Real Madrid to beat Juventus – The tie of the Round of 16 looks set to be between the winners of Group H, likely to be Real Madrid, against the runners up of Group G, likely to be one of Manchester City or Juventus. 

At the moment we are favouring Man City to win the group, meaning Los Blancos would face Juventus of Italy. In the knockout stages of such a prestigious competition, we will have to go for Real Madrid to get the win.

Predictions for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals 

As we enter the quarter-finals, the elite clubs begin to clash. Expect tense tactical duels and world-class performances. European powerhouses like Bayern and Real Madrid look set to dominate this phase, though upsets are still possible with single-match knockouts.

Predictions for quarter-finals	Winner
Atlético de Madrid vs FC Bayern München	FC Bayern München
Inter Milan vs Man City	Man City
Paris Saint-Germain vs Boca Juniors	Paris Saint-Germain
River Plate vs Real Madrid	Real Madrid

Quarter-Final betting tip

Bayern Munich to beat Atlético de Madrid – The Spaniards are notoriously hard to beat, but we would expect Bayern to come out on top if the two teams clash in the quarter-finals.

Predictions for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-finals 

We expect four European heavyweights to make it to the final four. If all goes to plan, Bayern Munich will meet Manchester City, and Champions League winners PSG will clash with the 2024 champions, Real Madrid, in what would probably be the most highly anticipated match of the competition.

Predictions for semi-finals	Winner
FC Bayern München vs Manchester City	FC Bayern München
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid	Real Madrid

Semi-Final betting tip

Real Madrid to beat Paris Saint-Germain – As good as PSG have been in recent weeks, we can see a showdown with Los Blancos being a bridge too far for the European champions.

The Parisians would have likely swept Madrid aside in the latter stages of the Champions League. But, by this stage of their season, we can see Luis Enrique’s team finally running out of gas against a fresher Madrid.

Who will be the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 finalists? 

It would be fitting for the first expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup to be contested by two of the most famous club names in world football. Fans of South American football might dispute this, but a Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid showdown would be a final to grace any competition. 

Predictions for finals	Winner
FC Bayern München vs Real Madrid	Real Madrid

Final betting tip

Real Madrid to beat Bayern Munich – If the final is to be between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, an Englishman will get his hands on the trophy. We feel it will be Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold who will be in the winning team, as Madrid just have more big-game experience in finals.

Bet on Real Madrid to win the 2025 Club World Cup at 4/1 with BetMGM

Q&A for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The expanded format of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is creating plenty of buzz. Given the new format, there are plenty of questions that punters and fans want answered. Here are the most common ahead of this historic event:

1. Who is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

The United States is hosting the 2025 Club World Cup. This marks the first time the tournament will be held on American soil, serving as a key test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA.

2. When will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 be played?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025. It spans four weeks, featuring 32 clubs from six confederations in a World Cup-style format.

3. Which venues will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

Matches will be played across 12 venues, they are the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Audi Field in Washington, Lumen Field in Seattle, the Rose Bowl in California, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Geodis Park in Nashville, Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

4. How many teams take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This is a major expansion from previous editions and follows the same structure as the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four.

5. How did teams qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup? 

Teams qualified by winning or placing highly in their continental competitions between 2021 and 2024. This includes UEFA Champions League winners, Copa Libertadores champions, and top-performing clubs from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and OFC.

6. Why are Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal not in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

FIFA rules state that only two teams from any country can qualify, and the qualifying period for the 2025 Club World Cup was between 2021 and 2024. As Chelsea and Manchester City won the Champions League in that period, they were awarded the two English places ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

7. Which team is the favourite to win the 2025 Club World Cup?

Real Madrid are the betting favourites to win the 2025 Club World Cup. Despite their poor 2024/25 season, Los Blancos have competition winning pedigree and will be keen to make history by winning the first edition of the competition in its newly expanded format. 

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