Author name: Pablo Martínez

With Botafogo crowned Copa Libertadores champions, the 32 teams participating in the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States are now confirmed. This edition will feature a new group-stage format, bringing together clubs from all football associations worldwide. Following Botafogo’s victory in the Libertadores final, the lineup for the 2025 Club World Cup is complete. This tournament, set to debut a revamped structure, will take place in the United States. For the first time, 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Round of 16, which will then adopt a knockout format.     These Are the Teams Competing in the Club World Cup UEFA The European teams securing spots via Champions League titles are: Chelsea (2020/21), Real Madrid (2021/22 and 2023/24), and Manchester City (2022/23). Additional qualifiers based on UEFA rankings include Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg.     CONMEBOL South America’s representatives are the Copa Libertadores champions since 2021: Palmeiras (2021), Flamengo (2022), Fluminense (2023), and Botafogo (2024). Ranking-based qualifiers are River Plate and Boca Juniors. You may be interested in: https://titansports.mx/the-copa-libertadores/     CONCACAF The representatives from Central, North America, and the Caribbean are the last four winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup: Monterrey (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), Club León (2023), and Pachuca (2024). AFC Asia’s four representatives include three winners of the AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal (2021), Urawa Red Diamonds (2022), and Al-Ain (2023). The final spot went to Ulsan Hyundai, based on AFC rankings. CAF From Africa, Al-Ahly secured qualification with their multiple CAF Champions League titles (2020/21, 2022/23, 2023/24), along with Wydad Casablanca (2021/22). Ranking-based qualifiers include Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance.     The Final Two Invitees Finally, Auckland City will represent Oceania, having won the region’s championship and holding the highest ranking. The last invite goes to Inter Miami, representing the host nation. Cover photo: X (@fifaworldcup_es)  

Rayados secured their spot in the Apertura 2024 semifinals after defeating Pumas 6-3 on aggregate. The match began with a goal from Germán Berterame in the 32nd minute, but Guillermo Martínez quickly equalized. In the second half, Lucas Ocampos scored a stunning goal to give Rayados a 2-1 lead, but Ignacio Pussetto responded with a volley for Pumas. However, Berterame completed his brace, and Gerardo Arteaga sealed the win with a goal in the 79th minute. Although Martínez scored in the 87th minute, Oliver Torres capitalized on a mistake by Julio González to make it 5-3. Now, Rayados will face San Luis in the next stage of the tournament. Also, you may be interested in: Incredible! Atlético de San Luis eliminated Tigres from the playoffs after drawing in the second leg Foto de portada: X(@WeAreRayados)

Despite dominating the game and controlling possession, Tigres failed to score against Atlético de San Luis, being eliminated after a 0-0 draw at home (3-0 on aggregate). The outstanding performance of San Luis goalkeeper, Andrés Sánchez, was crucial in keeping the score level, saving several dangerous plays, including a miraculous stop after a shot by Juan Brunetta. Although Tigres had the chance to take the lead with a penalty, André-Pierre Gignac was unable to beat Sánchez, who saved the shot. With this draw, San Luis advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Rayados. Also, you may be interested in: América advanced to the Apertura 2024 semifinals after beating Toluca on aggregate

The Cruz Azul team, led by Martín Anselmi, achieved an impressive comeback by defeating Xolos de Tijuana 3-0 at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, tying the aggregate score 3-3 and advancing to the semifinals thanks to their position on the table. During the first half, Cruz Azul generated several goal-scoring opportunities, but it wasn’t until the 44th minute when Ignacio Rivero managed to open the scoring. In the second half, Ángel Sepúlveda assisted Giorgos Giakoumakis for the second goal, and shortly after, Sepúlveda himself scored the third to seal the match. Now, the “Celestes” will seek revenge against América in the semifinals, in a match that promises excitement after last season’s final.  Also of interest: Surprise in the playoffs! Atlético de San Luis thrashed Tigres and is closing in on the semifinals

América reached the Apertura 2024 semifinals by eliminating Toluca with a 4-0 aggregate score, keeping their dream of becoming the first three-time champions in Liga MX short tournament history alive. In the first half, the “Águilas” gave up possession to Toluca, but the home team failed to capitalize on their chances. In the second half, an own goal by Marcel Ruiz in the 49th minute and a strike by Henry Martín in the 62nd sealed América’s victory. With this result, América will face Cruz Azul in the semifinals, setting up a new edition of the “Clásico Joven.”  Also of interest: Rayados edged Pumas in the first leg of the Liga MX quarterfinals Foto de portada: X(@ClubAmerica)