The revamped and expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is well underway in the United States, while in North London, Tottenham Hotspur are embarking on a new era under recently appointed manager Thomas Frank.
The Club World Cup, in its new 32-team format, kicked off on June 14th, and has already provided plenty of drama and talking points. Over 340,000 spectators have attended the matches so far, witnessing clubs from across the globe battle for supremacy. The tournament has reached its business end, with teams vying for spots in the round of 16, which commences on June 28th and runs until July 1st. The quarter-finals are scheduled for July 4th and 5th, with the semi-finals following on July 8th and 9th. The final, where the champion will be crowned, will be held on July 13th in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Early matches have highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament, with some surprising results challenging the perceived dominance of European teams. Some teams aiming for their first wins are Internazionale and Borussia Dortmund, while River Plate and Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping to progress. Dortmund secured a 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling match, while Inter Milan came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1. Fluminense also secured a late win against Ulsan HD.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have officially welcomed Thomas Frank as their new Head Coach, with his contract running until 2028. Frank's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club, with high expectations for the seasons ahead. He replaced Ange Postecoglou, who despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League, was dismissed. Frank, formerly of Brentford, has already begun building relationships within the club, including a strong connection with Tottenham's technical director Johan Lange. The pair previously worked together at Lyngby and will now collaborate to shape the Spurs squad according to Frank's vision.
Frank has expressed his admiration for his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, acknowledging the foundation he built at the club and branding him a "legend". He aims to build upon that foundation and bring further success to Tottenham. He brings with him a reputation for "aggressive, front-footed football" and a desire to turn Spurs into "serial winners." Frank's backroom staff will include Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, Joe Newton, and Andreas Georgson.
As pre-season training approaches, Frank and the Tottenham leadership will be focused on transfer strategies to strengthen the squad and prepare for the upcoming campaign. Key decisions will need to be made regarding the future of players like Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero. With Frank at the helm, Tottenham fans will be hoping for an exciting brand of football and a return to silverware.
