Bayern Munich booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a 4–2 win over Brazil’s Flamengo in an action-packed encounter at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, June 29, 2025.

The German champions came out flying, scoring twice in the opening ten minutes. Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar turned a Joshua Kimmich corner into his own net in the 6th minute, giving Bayern an early lead. Just three minutes later, Harry Kane struck a thunderous long-range effort that crashed off the post and in, doubling the advantage.

Flamengo, backed by a passionate crowd, responded through Gerson in the 33rd minute. The midfielder found space at the edge of the box and drilled home a fine finish to reduce the deficit. However, Bayern responded swiftly. Leon Goretzka smashed in a volley in the 42nd minute, restoring the two-goal cushion and sending the Bavarians into the break with a 3–1 lead.

The second half saw Flamengo push hard. They were rewarded when Michael Olise was penalized for a handball, and Jorginho calmly converted from the spot in the 55th minute to bring the score to 3–2. The Brazilian side continued to press, but Bayern’s discipline and composure kept them in control.

Harry Kane put the game beyond doubt in the 73rd minute with his second goal of the night. After a Flamengo defensive error, Kane pounced to finish clinically, securing the 4–2 victory. The England captain’s brace took his season tally to 41 goals and tied him for the most goals scored by an Englishman in Club World Cup history.

Bayern’s win sets up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Flamengo exit the tournament with pride after a spirited performance, but defensive lapses proved costly on the day.

Match Stats:

Goals: Flamengo 2 – 4 Bayern Munich

Possession: Flamengo 51% – 49% Bayern

Shots on Target: Flamengo 3 – 4 Bayern

Yellow Cards: Flamengo 4 – Bayern 5

With Harry Kane in top form and Bayern’s attack firing on all cylinders, the German side looks poised for a deep run in the tournament. Their next test against PSG promises to be another high-stakes thriller.

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.