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March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 IFMSPORTS

FIFA Unveils $125 Million Prize for 2025 Club World Cup Champion

FIFA announced on Wednesday that the champion of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, could earn up to $125 million in prize money. While the total prize pool of $1 billion for the 32-team tournament was previously disclosed, the global football body has now detailed how the funds will be allocated.

All participating teams will split a $525 million base pot simply for taking part, with an additional $475 million awarded based on tournament performance. The winning team, after competing in seven matches, stands to claim the maximum $125 million, factoring in performance bonuses.

European clubs will dominate the payout structure, with each guaranteed between $12.81 million and $38.19 million, depending on sporting and commercial factors. South American teams are slated to receive $15.21 million each in participation fees, while clubs from North and Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa will each pocket $9.55 million. Auckland City, representing Oceania, will earn $3.58 million for its involvement.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the payout as historic, stating in a press release, “The distribution model… marks the largest prize money ever awarded for a competition with a group stage and knockout format.” Beyond the club prizes, he highlighted a groundbreaking $250 million solidarity program aimed at redistributing funds to support global football development. “All proceeds from the event will flow back into club football,” Infantino added, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to the sport’s growth worldwide.

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 IFMSPORTS

Chelle Identifies Super Eagles’ Key Weakness Following 1-1 Draw with Zimbabwe in 2026 WCQ

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to close out matches, pointing to poor game management as a critical weakness. This came after Nigeria surrendered a late lead in their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe during a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Victor Osimhen had given Nigeria the advantage in the 74th minute, but the Super Eagles couldn’t hold on. Zimbabwe’s Chirewa struck in stoppage time, leveling the score in the 90th minute and leaving Chelle visibly frustrated. The Malian tactician believes his players struggled to maintain control when it mattered most.

Speaking after the match, Chelle highlighted the need for his team to develop the knack for sealing victories. “The players might have been fatigued, and that caused a dip in focus, which led to the goal,” he said, drawing from his experience as the former Mali national team coach. He noted that the intensity Nigeria displayed in the first half waned in the closing stages, allowing Zimbabwe to capitalize.

“It’s tough to break down the game fully right now because I genuinely believe we deserved the win,” Chelle admitted. “We created opportunities, showed aggression, and dominated the first half. But we have to get better at managing games when we’re in the lead.”

Chelle emphasized that at this competitive level, even brief lapses in concentration or signs of tiredness can prove costly. He stressed that learning to “kill off” matches will be key for the Super Eagles moving forward in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 IFMSPORTS

LINEUP: Chelle Sticks to Winning Strategy for Zimbabwe Match

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opted to field an unchanged starting lineup for Nigeria’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. In his second match at the helm, Chelle has chosen to rely on the same XI that secured a victory over Rwanda on Friday for this showdown with Zimbabwe.

Spearheading the attack is Victor Osimhen, who netted twice against Rwanda and will aim to maintain his scoring streak. The Napoli forward will be joined up top by Ademola Lookman, who also delivered a standout performance in the previous match. Stanley Nwabali holds his position in goal, backed by a defensive line of Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The midfield duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi remains intact, while Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon will stretch the field from the wings. Here’s the full Super Eagles starting XI against Zimbabwe:

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 IFMSPORTS

Raul Jimenez Brace Fires Mexico to Historic First CONCACAF Nations League Title

Mexico claimed their first CONCACAF Nations League trophy with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Panama in the final on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Raul Jimenez.

El Tri wasted no time asserting dominance, with Jimenez opening the scoring in the eighth minute. Panama, however, responded with resilience and found an equalizer just before halftime through Adalberto Carrasquilla. The second half saw Mexico pressing hard, but Panama’s defense stood strong against relentless attacks.

Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, a game-changing moment arrived—Jose Cordoba was penalized for a handball in the box. Jimenez stepped up and calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, securing the title for Mexico.

The victory marks Mexico’s first triumph in the tournament, breaking the U.S. Men’s National Team’s three-year dominance. The USMNT, who had defeated Mexico in two previous finals, finished fourth after losing to Canada in the third-place match.

Jimenez’s performance silenced any doubts about his role in the national team, proving he remains a vital force at 33. While there has been speculation about passing the torch to younger strikers like Santi Gimenez, his heroics in this tournament reaffirm his importance.

Panama, despite a valiant defensive effort, saw their hopes crushed by an unfortunate late penalty. Cordoba and his teammates had fought bravely, but one moment of misfortune proved costly.

With this triumph, Mexico reestablishes itself as a dominant force in the region, and with experienced players like Jimenez still delivering, they look set for continued success.

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Author: IFMSPORTS

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