Football: FIFA Club World Cup Takes Centre-stage As PSG Rules Europe

Football: FIFA Club World Cup takes centre-stage as PSG rules Europe (Image Source: IANS)

FIFA Club World Cup: In a year without a major men's international tournament, club football dominated the headlines, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerging as one of the standout winners in Europe.

PSG capped the season by winning the UEFA Champions League in late May with a 5-0 rout of Inter Milan, as coach Luis Enrique underlined the value of cohesion over a collection of star names. The former Spain coach has built a side that blends technical quality with pace and aggression, and after years of domestic dominance, PSG fully justified their first European crown.

Ousmane Dembele set the tone and was later named Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA Best Men's Player. Despite a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, PSG look well-placed to maintain their grip on French football and mount another Champions League challenge.

In England, Liverpool stormed to the Premier League title in Arne Slot's first season after replacing Jurgen Klopp. However, after heavy summer spending, expectations of further dominance have given way to a difficult campaign, with new signings struggling to gel and Slot facing growing pressure.

Barcelona enjoyed a successful first season under Hansi Flick, winning La Liga despite strict financial limits and playing home matches at the former Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou undergoes renovation. Lamine Yamal drew the biggest headlines, but Flick also earned credit for elevating players such as Raphinha, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres. Barcelona end 2025 top of La Liga again and are hoping to contend in Europe, with a return to Camp Nou expected to ease financial strain.

Real Madrid endured a more turbulent year. Carlo Ancelotti's side missed out on the league title and exited the Champions League in the quarterfinals last season, before Xabi Alonso took over ahead of the Club World Cup. Madrid were then outclassed by PSG in the semifinals, and the year ends amid reports of dressing-room unrest and renewed questions over Alonso after poor results.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga title, while Napoli sealed Serie A with a 2-0 win over Cagliari in the final round.

The expanded Club World Cup reinforced European strength in the global game -- and the prize money distribution that sustains it. Five European clubs reached the quarterfinals, along with Brazil's Fluminense and Palmeiras, and Saudi side Al-Hilal. Fluminense beat Al-Hilal before losing to Chelsea in the semifinals, while Chelsea produced a strong final to defeat a fatigued PSG.

The tournament also raised concerns about player workload, with many heading into a long season without a proper summer break ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Extreme heat and storms that forced temporary stoppages also offered a warning for next summer.

Looking ahead, Spain go into 2026 World Cup preparations as one of the leading contenders after an impressive qualifying campaign, while Thomas Tuchel appears to be gradually stamping his authority on England. Argentina are also expected to challenge, although there are doubts over whether Lionel Messi would be involved.

Messi continued to make headlines in the United States as Inter Miami won the MLS title, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also playing key roles. In South America, Flamengo lifted the Copa Libertadores, with Filipe Luis enhancing his reputation as one of the continent's most promising young coaches.

Looking ahead, Spain go into 2026 World Cup preparations as one of the leading contenders after an impressive qualifying campaign, while Thomas Tuchel appears to be gradually stamping his authority on England. Argentina are also expected to challenge, although there are doubts over whether Lionel Messi would be involved.

England rose to the top of the women's game after defeating world champions Spain in the European Championship final, before Spain gained some consolation under new coach Sonia Bermudez by beating Germany to win the UEFA Nations League in December.

Article Source: IANS