Chelsea booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 4–1 extra-time victory over Benfica on Saturday, June 28, in a match filled with late drama and an unusual weather delay.

The game at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte was halted for nearly two hours due to a lightning storm, with fans evacuated and players forced to wait in the dressing rooms during stoppage time.

When play resumed, Reece James gave Chelsea the lead in the 64th minute with a stunning free-kick. Just when it seemed the Blues had done enough, Ángel Di María converted a stoppage-time penalty for Benfica after a handball by Malo Gusto, sending the match into extra time.

Early in the added period, Benfica were reduced to 10 men when Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card—a moment that shifted the momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favor.

From there, the Premier League side took full control:

Christopher Nkunku restored the lead in the 108th minute, Pedro Neto added a third in the 114th, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the win in the 117th.

Chelsea’s quality in depth made the difference, as all three goal-scorers came off the bench to deliver a clinical extra-time performance.

The result sets up a quarter-final clash with Palmeiras on July 4 in Philadelphia, in a rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final. Benfica exit the competition after a spirited showing but were undone by fatigue and a costly red card.

French football legend Olivier Giroud is officially heading back to Europe, with Ligue 1 side Lille OSC confirming a deal to sign the veteran striker from Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC.

The 37-year-old has agreed to a one-year contract with Lille after spending a single season in the United States, where he impressed with his leadership and goal-scoring at LAFC. According to sources close to the deal, the paperwork is complete and his medical examination has been scheduled.

This move marks a return home for Giroud, who first made his name in Ligue 1 with Montpellier, famously leading them to the league title in the 2011/12 season. Now, more than a decade later, he is set to bring his wealth of experience back to French football.

Giroud, France’s all-time leading goal scorer, has enjoyed a decorated career across top European clubs. His time at Arsenal and Chelsea saw him win multiple FA Cups and European titles, while his stint at AC Milan added a Serie A crown to his impressive list of achievements.

Career Highlights

Montpellier (2009–2012) – Ligue 1 champion

Arsenal (2012–2018) – Three-time FA Cup winner

Chelsea (2018–2021) – UEFA Champions League and Europa League winner

AC Milan (2021–2023) – Serie A champion

Los Angeles FC (2024) – Short but productive MLS campaign

Lille OSC (2025–2026) – One-year deal confirmed

Giroud’s experience and professionalism are expected to play a key role for Lille as they aim to strengthen their squad for both domestic and continental competitions.

Manchester City produced a dazzling display to overpower Juventus 5–2 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, sealing top spot in Group G at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a perfect record.

Pep Guardiola’s side, brimming with confidence and flair, tore through Juventus with clinical precision, sending out a strong message to their rivals ahead of the knockout rounds.

First Half: Doku Strikes Early, Kalulu Own Goal Adds Pressure

City wasted no time asserting their dominance, as Jeremy Doku opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a trademark cut-in and finish from the left flank. Juventus responded swiftly through Teun Koopmeiners, who capitalized on a wayward pass from Ederson to level the score in the 11th minute.

But parity didn’t last long. In the 26th minute, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu turned a dangerous low cross from Savinho into his own net, restoring City’s lead in unfortunate fashion for the Italian side.

Second Half: Haaland Hits 300, Foden and Savinho Seal the Deal

The second half saw City shift into top gear. Erling Haaland, quiet by his own standards in the group stages, announced himself with a poacher’s finish in the 52nd minute—marking his 300th career goal in style after a Matheus Nunes assist.

City weren’t done yet. Phil Foden added a fourth in the 69th minute with a composed finish, before Savinho capped off a stunning performance with a thunderous strike off the bar in the 75th.

Juventus could only muster a late consolation in the 84th minute through Dusan Vlahovic, who slotted home from a clever Kenan Yildiz through-ball.

Match Summary

Final Score: Juventus 2–5 Manchester City

Goals:

Man City: Doku (9’), Kalulu (own goal, 26’), Haaland (52’), Foden (69’), Savinho (75’) Juventus: Koopmeiners (11’), Vlahovic (84’)

City enjoyed 65 percent possession and racked up 24 shots to Juventus’ 5, showcasing complete control throughout the match.

Tactical Breakdown

City’s aggressive wing play, especially through Doku and Nunes, dismantled Juventus’ backline. Their ability to press, recover, and transition rapidly left the Italian giants chasing shadows. Juventus, though dangerous in spurts, were ultimately undone by unforced errors and a relentless City attack.

What’s Next?

Manchester City advance to the one-sixteenth stage where they will face the Group H runners-up—either Real Madrid or RB Salzburg—on July 1 in Orlando. Juventus, finishing second in Group G, also progress but face a tougher path in the knockout stage.

With three wins from three, 11 goals scored, and only 3 conceded, Manchester City look every bit the favorites to lift the trophy. Guardiola’s men are firing on all cylinders—and the rest of the world has taken notice.