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The Thursday Murder Club review: Starry cast makes this the Avengers of ageing sleuths

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The Thursday Murder Club is a movie mystery that’s perfect for armchair detectives who like their crime cozy and their comedy broad.

Published in September 2020, The Thursday Murder Club was TV presenter Richard Osman’s debut novel, and it quickly became a sensation.

The book flew off shelves, sequels followed – as did an acclaimed radio adaptation – and now the movie version has arrived courtesy of Netflix.

Home Alone helmer Chris Columbus directs, while the cast is filled with the best pensioners money can buy; a cavalcade of stars clearly having a ball bringing Osman’s weird and wonderful characters to life.

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What’s The Thursday Murder Club about?

Netflix

The Thursday Murder Club is set in a beautiful retirement community called Cooper’s Chase, where the sun always shines, and there’s everything a retiree could want, from support llamas, archery classes, and a jigsaw room, to life drawing lessons that feature hot men with their tops off.

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It’s idyllic and quaint beyond belief, but every Thursday, a group of residents commandeer said jigsaw room, and investigate cold cases from the past.

They start with an unsolved 1973 mystery concerning “the woman in white who fell out of a window.” But then murder rears its head in the present, via a fresh mystery involving dodgy businessmen and even dodgier gangsters, as well as the ownership of Cooper’s Chase itself.

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So using age and experience to their advantage – plus a healthy dose of cunning, and less healthy slices of cake – the Thursday Murder Club set about solving the case and saving their home.

Who is in the club?

NetflixRichard Osman flanked his Thursday Murder Club cast.

Each member of the Thursday Murder Club possesses a different and very specific set of skills, making them a bit like the Avengers of elderly sleuths, or a geriatric Justice League.

Helen Mirren is Elizabeth, the group’s leader, who very possibly worked as a government spy. Ben Kingsley is Ibrahim, a former psychiatrist who is usually the smartest person in the room. While Pierce Brosnan is Ron, a retired trade union leader who’s as tough as nails.

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They’re an investigative trio at the start of the movie, and our way into the story is through Celia Imrie’s Joyce, a former nurse who is new to Cooper’s Chase, and whom the club brings onboard for her medical expertise.

Brosnan’s dodgy cockney accent aside – the second time he’s offended our ears following the MobLand debacle – the Thursday Murder Club is cast well, and make a winning team when working together.

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But it’s Mirren who delivers the standout performance, not when she’s barking orders at her crew or the local constabulary, but rather when Elizabeth is with husband Stephen (Jonathan Pryce), who suffers from dementia. Played to perfection by the pair, their touching scenes are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Mays bring the biggest laughs

NetflixNaomie Ackie and Daniel Mays play police officers.

But while there are sad moments spread throughout the movie, they’re outnumbered by some big laughs.

Accent notwithstanding, Brosnan gets some of the biggest, most notably when he’s glimpsed exercising with old dears in the pool, but also when scruffy Ron is fooling the coppers, or smart Ron is giving them a dressing down in his wedding suit.

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Other highlights including a cracking Queen Elizabeth II gag, a funny sequence involving the drinking of gin on a bus, and a shocker concerning the aforementioned life drawing that needs to be seen to be believed.

The movie also mines mirth from local coppers being outthought and outwitted by the TMC, with Daniel Mays hilarious as the increasingly confused and frustrated DCI Hughes.

Is The Thursday Murder Club good?

Netflix

The Thursday Murder Clubs is a solid murder-mystery that keeps you guessing until the final few reels, while Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcoate’s tight script ensures that the 118 minute run-time flies by.

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There’s the odd contrivance, involving a dictaphone, bunches of flowers, and an awkward boxing pose. While it gets a little heavy-handed at times, through literal blood on a character’s hands, and a sexism sub-plot that feels tacked on.

But the jokes come thick and fast, while the movie’s best scenes happen in the quieter periods, when touching on more serious themes of loneliness, ill health, and the indignities of old age.

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They’re fleeting moments, handled with sensitivity by Columbus and his cast, and they might just leave you with something in your eye when the credits roll.

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The Thursday Murder Club score: 4/5

The Thursday Murder Club is twee beyond belief, but it’s also a faithful adaptation of Richard Osman’s novel; one that delivers the requisite murder and mystery, as well as laughter and the odd tear.

The Thursday Murder Club hits Netflix on August 28, 2025, while you can head here for more of the best thrillers on the streamer.



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Club World Cup Daily: Sundowns fall short, Dortmund prevail

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Jun 25, 2025, 06:15 PM ET

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is off and running, and has produced plenty of talking points and storylines already. Let’s catch you up on what’s happening, what you’ve missed and what’s still to come.

We will update this file throughout each matchday with the latest reporting, analysis and fun from the competition.

The lead: Sun sets on Sundowns’ impressive CWC showing

Mamelodi Sundowns stunned spectators at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, managing a 0-0 draw against Brazilian giants Fluminense. Despite their best efforts and several moments of dominance on the field, however, the South African team fell just one point short of qualifying to the knockout round of the Club World Cup.

Though their Club World Cup journey came to a close on Wednesday, Mamelodi Sundowns left their mark. They entered the tournament as a mystery to many and overlooked by almost all as Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense dominated the Group F narrative. But once the tournament kicked off, the team immediately made headlines and stole the spotlight on and off the field.

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The South African side beat Ulsan HD 1-0 and shook up Borussia Dortmund with a narrow 4-3 defeat before entering the final group stage match of the competition with hopes of making the round of 16. They kicked off the match stronger than their Brazilian opponent and continued to control the ball as the game progressed. By the 55th minute, Sundowns had three shots on goal to the Brazilian team’s zero, while holding 71% possession. At the final whistle, the Sundowns had recorded seven total shots; 554 passes, compared with Fluminense’s 258; and 68% possession. The attack tested Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio, forcing him into game-changing saves in the first half.

In the stands, the team’s supporters were small in numbers but mighty in energy. Though outnumbered and often outsung by Fluminense fans at Hard Rock Stadium, the group of 50 or so Sundowns fans dressed in yellow and green continued to rejoice. The group chanted with accompanying choreography and drumbeat, creating a contagious atmosphere that inspired nearby neutral spectators to join in the signing and dancing. A couple Mamelodi Sundown fans wore decorative headdresses with sequins and feathers, eager to show their support for their team.

The Club World Cup is intended to give teams from around the globe a stage to shine, and Mamelodi Sundowns capitalized on the opportunity by showing international spectators their talent. Despite Sundowns’ early exit, each passing performance grew the team’s international reputation, and gained the club some fans along the way. — Lizzy Becherano

Mamelodi Sundowns massively boosted their international reputation with their formidable Club World Cup performance. Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Today’s top Club World Cup news

• Madrid star Mbappé back in training
• Connelly: Why every last-16 team will, won’t win
• Modric to join Milan after Club World Cup

Sights and sounds around FIFA Club World Cup

Dortmund get the job done

There’s a real sense that the top European teams are pacing themselves in this Club World Cup, and rightly so considering the oft-repeated lines about this being their offseason, how tired they are, the heat being ridiculous, and so on. None of the UEFA contingent might embody this more than Borussia Dortmund, who carefully played their way to a sedate 1-0 win over Ulsan HD at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium — a result that ensures they finish top of Group E. Their reward: extra rest, with their round-of-16 game the final one of the slate on July 1 in Atlanta (a stadium with a roof and air conditioning), and a likely date with River Plate or Monterrey.

Daniel Svensson notched the game’s only goal about 10 minutes before halftime after Ulsan tried (and failed) to play out from their penalty area. The loose ball spilled into Jobe Bellingham’s path inside the box, and he calmly squared it for the Swedish winger to casually fire beyond a wrong-footed Jo Hyeon-woo. Dortmund barely broke a sweat throughout but did pepper the Ulsan goal to the tune of 28 shots (11 on target), forcing a superb performance from Jo (10 saves, preventing 2.01 xG) under the sweltering midafternoon Midwestern heat.

Dortmund sealed their place atop Group E with a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

We also got a glimpse of oft-injured and oft-out of favor U.S. playmaker Giovanni Reyna, who enjoyed his first minutes of the Club World Cup in a 12-minute cameo that saw him complete just four passes. (Remember this for trivia purposes should it prove to be, as everyone suspects, his final appearance for the Bundesliga side before yet another summer restart elsewhere.)

Yan Couto, Bellingham and Julien Duranville all caused havoc but couldn’t double Dortmund’s lead, while Ulsan simply couldn’t get the ball in a bid for a face-saving comeback, having less than 30% of the ball in the final quarter-hour amid a raft of late substitutions for both sides. Dortmund will need to be much sharper from here if they’re to make a deep run and collect more of this competition’s prodigious prize purse, especially with a run to the final that could include Manchester City or Real Madrid in the quarterfinals and (perhaps) Paris Saint-Germain in the semis. That said, one will imagine manager Niko Kovac is pleased with the quiet crescendo of his team amid a difficult rebuild. There’s still plenty of work to be done if they’re to truly demonstrate they’re “back” as a force in Europe, but this isn’t a bad start. — James Tyler

Delap’s relief at scoring first Chelsea goal

PHILADELPHIA — Liam Delap needed only three appearances to score his first Chelsea goal but admitted his “relief” at getting off the mark with Benfica up next for the Blues on Saturday in the round of 16.

The £30 million summer signing from Ipswich Town found the net with a smart turn and finish as the Blues beat Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia on Tuesday to reach the round of 16. All eyes are on Delap, too, given Nicolas Jackson is suspended against Benfica after picking up a two-game ban for his red card against Flamengo.

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Maresca ‘proud’ of Chelsea making it to last 16 of CWC

Enzo Maresca speaks on Chelsea making it to the last 16 of the Club World Cup, as well as how Liam Delap has settled into the Chelsea squad.

Said Delap: “I came in to score goals, and to get the first one over and done with is a great feeling. There’s always a little bit of relief and then you feel more confidence, and coming to a club like this, you have to have confidence and belief.”

Benfica will represent a considerably tougher test, and although it comes early in Delap’s time at Chelsea, it is a task he is relishing.

“That’s why I came to this club, that’s why I started playing football to play on big stages like this, and I’m really excited,” he said. “This tournament has really helped me settle in, because if we were back at the training ground, everyone would be disappearing at 3 o’clock. Here, we’re all together all the time and it’s a great way to settle in. Everyone’s been really helpful.” — James Olley

No break for FC Salzburg

FC Salzburg are within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages and could even qualify from Group H with a defeat against Real Madrid on Friday if the game between Al Hilal and Pachuca fails to produce a winner. However, amid all the noise from the teams in the major European leagues about burnout and lack of rest, Salzburg’s workload would probably send most of the Premier League and LaLiga stars into meltdown.

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With the 2024-25 season officially over, it’s time to rank the top 100 players in the world of men’s soccer right now. Welcome to the FC 100. Read the full list here.

The Austrian team ended its domestic season with a 4-2 win against Rapid Vienna on May 24 and began its Club World Cup campaign against Pachuca a mere 25 days later. But while the English, Spanish, French, Italian and German teams at the Club World Cup are set to give their players a break after the tournament, in preparation for the new season in August, Salzburg start their Champions League qualification campaign against Norway’s SK Brann on July 23. And before Thomas Letsch’s team plays the second leg seven days later, they must face Union Procon Dietach in the Austrian Cup on July 26.

If Salzburg make it to the Club World Cup knockout stages — they’d need at least a draw against Real Madrid on Thursday night to have a chance — their prospects of a break seem nonexistent. — Mark Ogden

Star player of the day

To be named later…

Match previews, odds for Thursday

Juventus vs. Manchester City (Group G; Orlando, Fla., 3 p.m. ET)

Odds (via ESPN BET): Juventus (+350), Draw (+270), Man City (-130)

After two games against modest opposition, it’s hard to know where Manchester City are at. There are new players and new coaches. But is this truly a fresh start, or are the issues that dogged them last year last still there? The Group G decider against Juventus should tell us a lot.

Group G

GPWDLGDPTS1 – Juventus (Q)2200+862 – Manchester City (Q)2200+863 – Wydad AC (E)2002-504 – Al Ain (E)1001-110Top two clubs qualify for round of 16

Pep Guardiola played two different XIs against Wydad AC and Al Ain — the team he picks against Juventus should be a clear indication of how keen he is to win this tournament. Will Rúben Dias and Rodri get their first starts in a strong team, or will it be more rotation to manage minutes?

With an impressive performance and a win against Juventus, City would become one of the favorites. Lose or draw — thus setting up a potential last-16 tie against Real Madrid — and they could be facing an early flight home. Thursday’s game at Camping World Stadium should answer a lot of questions. — Rob Dawson

Wydad AC vs. Al Ain (Group G; Washington, D.C., 3 p.m. ET)

Odds: Wydad AC (+140), Draw (+250), Al-Ain (+175)

Wydad’s incredible, energetic traveling support has been one of the highlights of the Club World Cup, which makes it such a shame that neither they nor Thursday’s opponents, Al Ain, have any possible path to advance to the round of 16 given results to date.

In the end, Wydad’s energy and commitment to numbers in attack gave both Man City and Juventus a brief fright, but both teams had the quality and composure to pick through. Expect a similar gusto at Audi Field from them and, perhaps, a few goals: Only Auckland City FC (17) have conceded more than Al Ain (11) in this competition to date. — Tyler

Al Hilal vs. Pachuca (Group H; Nashville, Tenn., 9 p.m. ET)

Odds: Al Hilal (-160), Draw (+333), Pachuca (+380)

Group H

GPWDLGDPTS1 – Real Madrid2110+242 – RB Salzburg2110+143 – Al Hilal2020024 – Pachuca (E)2002-30Top two countries qualify for round of 16

Preview to follow…

FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid (Group H; Philadelphia, Penn., 9 p.m. ET)

Odds: FC Salzburg (+700), Draw (+500), Real Madrid (-380)

Kylian Mbappé returned to Real Madrid training on Wednesday after a week recovering from gastroenteritis, but he hasn’t traveled to make his tournament debut against Salzburg, staying behind in Palm Beach. In his absence, young forward Gonzalo García has done more than enough — with a goal and assist so far — to continue up front if Mbappé isn’t ready to start.

This game is another opportunity for new coach Xabi Alonso to get closer to the kind of Madrid team he wants to see, after defender Raúl Asencio’s early red card against Pachuca meant Alonso’s tactical gameplan had to be torn up after just seven minutes. New arrival Dean Huijsen has impressed so far, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has made steady progress. Antonio Rüdiger could start alongside them in defense, having come off the bench against Pachuca. And there’ll be eyes on Rodrygo — with speculation over his future this summer — after he didn’t play a single minute in that game in Charlotte.

As for low-profile Salzburg, they’ve put themselves in a decent position, with four points from two games so far. The result here, and in Al Hilal vs. Pachuca, will determine if they progress to the last 16. — Alex Kirkland



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Luka Modric agrees to sign for AC Milan after Club World Cup

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Jun 25, 2025, 04:45 AM ET

Luka Modric has verbally agreed to sign for AC Milan, the Serie A club’s sporting director, Igli Tare has said.

“I spoke to him in person and saw a guy who is really eager to be competitive. His arrival is crucial for a group that needs players like him, leadership,” Tare told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The first question Luka asked me was: ‘Will we be a team built to win the championship? He has won six Champions Leagues and wants to be a star player from the start.

“He is important for what he will convey in terms of mentality, leadership and professionalism. The fact that he is an AC Milan fan makes this story even more exciting, and it would be great for him to have a stellar season as at the end of the season is the World Cup,” he added.

Modric came on in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup win against Pachuca on Sunday. Alex Livesey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Personal terms have been agreed between Modric and Milan, sources have told ESPN. The two parties shook hands in early June, just before the Club World Cup began, and Modric will sign as soon once the tournament in the United States is over.

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Modric will sign a one-year contract, sources have told ESPN, with an option to extend for another year, at a net salary of around €3.5 million ($4m) per season, with bonuses.

Modric, who will turn 40 in September, is fully fit and wants to reach the World Cup in the U.S next summer with regular playing time behind him as he leaves Real Madrid after a glittering 13 years where he won 28 major trophies.

Milan have also agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, sources have told ESPN, although an agreement over a transfer fee is yet to be made.



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How to Watch ES Tunis vs. Chelsea From Anywhere for Free: Stream FIFA Club World Cup Soccer
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How to Watch ES Tunis vs. Chelsea From Anywhere for Free: Stream FIFA Club World Cup Soccer

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61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)


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It’s a must-not-lose match for Chelsea today in Philadelphia as they take on tournament surprise package ES Tunis in this decisive Group D clash. 

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch every match of the tournament as it happens, wherever you are in the world. We’ll also explain how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are, along with a full match list. 

The Blues collapsed in the second half of their last Club World Cup outing against Flamengo, conceding twice and losing striker Nicolas Jackson to a red card—all within a chaotic six-minute spell. The 3-1 defeat has left Enzo Maresca’s side in need of a positive result in this final group stage fixture to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Standing in their way is an ES Tunis side that entered the competition among the outsiders, but has exceeded expectations. Their shock 1-0 victory over LAFC last week means another surprise victory would see the Tunisians advance to the knockout stage at Chelsea’s expense.

ES Tunis take on Chelsea on Tuesday, June 24, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET or 6 p.m. PT. That makes it a 2 a.m. BST start in the UK and an 11 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Wednesday morning. 

Pedro Neto put Chelsea ahead against Flamengo before the Blues imploded against the Brazilians in a 3-1 defeat. 

Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Livestream the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free

The great news for footy fans is that sports streaming platform DAZN is set to broadcast all 63 matches of the FIFA Club World Cup free in almost every country, with coverage available in multiple languages.

DAZN

Existing DAZN subscribers or Freemium members can watch every game of the tournament as part of their current membership.

If you’re not a member, it’s easy to sign up for a free DAZN Freemium account using your email address to watch all the action at no cost through the DAZN app.

As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, DAZN offers a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.

How to watch ES Tunis vs. Chelsea online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the FIFA Club World Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. 

It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. It can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. 

However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance. 

If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN use is crucial.

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Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN that works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100, you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)

Livestream ES Tunis vs. Chelsea free in the UK

Footy fans in the UK have a second, free option for watching FIFA Club World Cup matches, in addition to DAZN.

Free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 is set to show 23 select matches live during the tournament, including this game. 

That also means this match can be live-streamed via the network’s My5 online service. Coverage begins at 1 a.m. BST in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

Channel 5 is available through Freeview, Freesat, Freely, Sky or Virgin Media. 

If you want to stream the network’s coverage from the tournament, you can head to channel5.com or download the dedicated My5 app for iOS, Android and smart TVs 

Livestream ES Tunis vs. Chelsea in Australia

Like the UK, Australia also has a second option for watching the tournament live. Alongside DAZN’s free coverage, pay TV broadcaster Foxtel and its sister streaming service Kayo will also be showing all 63 games. 

Kayo Sports

A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$40 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.

The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts. 

Better still, if you’re a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial.

Quick tips for streaming the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer using a VPN 

  • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming soccer may vary.
  • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
  • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
  • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, because both devices will appear to be in the correct location. 
  • And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.



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Barcelona to return to Spotify Camp Nou on Aug. 10, club confirms
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Barcelona to return to Spotify Camp Nou on Aug. 10, club confirms

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Jun 25, 2025, 03:53 AM ET

Barcelona have announced they will return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Aug. 10 for the Joan Gamper Trophy, the club’s annual preseason curtain-raiser.

Barça have spent the past two seasons playing at the Olympic Stadium in the city as extensive renovation work is carried out on their long-term home.

However, Barça are still expected to begin next season’s LaLiga with three away games. After that, the club’s plan is to hold games with a capped capacity of around 50,000 to 60,000 while work continues on the renovation in between fixtures.

The Catalan team last played in its iconic venue in May 2023.

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“This comeback represents a historic moment for the Club and its supporters,” the club said in a statement.

“After more than two years of major renovations and a temporary relocation to the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, Barça will once again feel the thrill of football in its legendary temple. With this return, FC Barcelona takes a symbolic and emotional step into the future, reclaiming its home in a new era that will culminate with the complete inauguration of the new stadium.

The club added: “Remaining works include the completion of the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, the roof installation, and the final touches to various interior spaces, as well as the urban development of the stadium’s surrounding area.”



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Wrexham legend Paul Mullin leaves club on season-long loan deal

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Jun 23, 2025, 02:44 PM ET

Paul Mullin, the poster boy of a Wrexham team soaring through England’s football leagues following their takeover by Hollywood celebrities, has left the club to join League One side Wigan on a season-long loan deal.

“I’m excited for the next part of my story,” Mullin told Wigan’s official website on Monday. “I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”

Wigan said the loan deal was subject to the approval of the English Football League and the Football Association, and international clearance.

Mullin helped Wrexham become the first team in the history of English football’s top five divisions to secure three successive promotions, and there is a giant mural of the 30-year-old striker in the center of the city.

Paul Mullin played a key role in Wrexham’s rise from the wilderness of English football. Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

He formed such a close bond with Ryan Reynolds, one of the club’s owners, that he even appeared in the last “Deadpool” movie.

But Mullin, who had been Wrexham’s player of the season in each of the three previous years, was only a bit-part performer when the team won promotion to the second tier last season.

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It was a sudden turn of events for a player who has had a leading role in the popular “Welcome to Wrexham” fly-on-the-wall documentary created by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to follow their progress as rookie soccer club owners.

McElhenney once hailed Mullin as “one of the greatest football players in the world.”

Mullin has scored 110 goals in 172 games for Wrexham.



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How to Watch Man City vs. Al Ain From Anywhere for Free: Stream FIFA Club World Cup Soccer
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How to Watch Man City vs. Al Ain From Anywhere for Free: Stream FIFA Club World Cup Soccer

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See at DAZN

Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free

DAZN

61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)


See more details

Manchester City will look to maintain a winning start to Group G as it takes on an Al Ain team looking to regroup after suffering a nightmare opening result. 

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch every match of the tournament as it happens, wherever you are in the world. We’ll also explain how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are, along with a full match list. 

Pep Guardiola’s men kicked off their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday, with goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku — and a late red card for young defender Rico Lewis. 

Al Ain, meanwhile, head into this fixture low on confidence after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Juventus at Audi Field — a result that exposed defensive vulnerabilities and left the Emirati side on the brink of an early exit from the tournament. 

Manchester City takes on Al Ain on Sunday, June 22, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET or 6 p.m. PT. That makes it a 2 a.m. BST start in the UK and an 11 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Monday morning. 

Left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who signed from Wolves in a in a $50 million deal early this month, is widely expected to make his Man City debut in today’s game. 

Carmen Mandato/FIFA/Getty Images

Livestream the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free

The great news for footy fans is that sports streaming platform DAZN is set to broadcast all 63 matches of the FIFA Club World Cup free in almost every country, with coverage available in multiple languages.

DAZN

Existing DAZN subscribers or Freemium members can watch every game of the tournament as part of their current membership.

If you’re not a member, it’s easy to sign up for a free DAZN Freemium account using your email address to watch all the action at no cost through the DAZN app.

As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, DAZN offers a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.

How to watch Man City vs. Al Ain online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the FIFA Club World Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. 

It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. It can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. 

However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance. 

If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN use is crucial.

James Martin/CNET

Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN that works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100, you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)

Livestream Man City vs. Al Ain free in the UK

Footy fans in the UK have a second, free option for watching FIFA Club World Cup matches, in addition to DAZN.

Free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 is set to show 23 select features live during the tournament, including today’s tournament opener. 

That also means this match can be live-streamed via the network’s My5 online service. Coverage begins at 1:15 a.m. BST in the early hours of Monday morning. 

Channel 5 is available through Freeview, Freesat, Freely, Sky or Virgin Media. 

If you want to stream the network’s coverage from the tournament, you can head to channel5.com or download the dedicated My5 app for iOS, Android and smart TVs 

Livestream Man City vs. Al Ain in Australia

Like the UK, Australia also has a second option for watching the tournament live. Alongside DAZN’s free coverage, pay TV broadcaster Foxtel and its sister streaming service Kayo will also be showing all 63 games. 

Kayo Sports

A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$40 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.

The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts. 

Better still, if you’re a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial.

Quick tips for streaming the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer using a VPN 

  • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming soccer may vary.
  • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
  • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
  • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, because both devices will appear to be in the correct location. 
  • And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.



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Harry Kane lauds Club World Cup: 'Loving this tournament'
Esports

Harry Kane lauds Club World Cup: ‘Loving this tournament’

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Harry Kane has said that Bayern Munich’s Club World Cup win over Boca Juniors was played amid “one of the best” atmospheres of his career and added that he is “loving this tournament so far.”

The England captain opened the scoring with an 18th-minute strike as the 2-1 victory, played in front of a full Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, saw Bayern become the first team to qualify for the knockout stages.

Argentine football fans are renowned for their passionate support and the atmosphere they can create is considered one of the most intense in world sport.

Boca supporters have made their presence known in Miami with fans gathering on the beach in their thousands and singing in local Walmarts.

Group C

GPWDLGDPTS2 – Bayern Munich (Q)2200+1161 – Benfica2110+643 – Boca Juniors2011-114 – Auckland City (E)2002-160Top two countries qualify for round of 16

Asked if he was surprised by the Boca fans, Kane said: “No, not surprised. I expected them to be loud like they were but it was an incredible atmosphere to be honest. One of the best [atmospheres] of my career. Credit to them but also credit to the Bayern fans. They tried to help us as much as possible but it was hard with all of the Boca fans there. They made it a special night, they won’t go home happy but it was a great game.”

Bayern’s win followed eye-catching victories for South American sides over more fancied European opponents. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain were shocked by Botafogo before Chelsea came unstuck against Flamengo on Friday.

FIFA’s revamped competition has faced heavy criticism but Kane said he has been enjoying the post-season tournament in the United States.

“I think it’s great to experience different teams and I think you’ve seen in this tournament already the South American teams especially have caused big problems for some of the European teams,” Kane said.

Harry Kane scored Bayern Munich’s first goal in their 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in Miami. Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images

“It shows how big football is worldwide and how good some of these players are. You have to be ready for the next game, the next opportunity. I’m loving this tournament so far and hopefully we can be here for a while.”

Soaring temperatures in the U.S. have been a talking point with Borussia Dortmund planning to rotate their team to cope with the hot conditions they expect on Saturday, with head coach Niko Kovac fearing the impact of the midday sun in Cincinnati.

But Kane insisted playing in the heat is to be expected in summer tournaments.

“I’m not concerned [about the heat]. I think it’s part of football. You have to be able to adapt,” he said. “This is a great experience for me and some of the other England guys who are going to be playing next year in the World Cup. So, you know, something special about these kinds of Club World Cup games and next year will be the same.

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“When you come off that pitch and you’re sweating and you’re dripping and you’re cramping and you’ve given everything from the pitch, there’s a special kind of feeling inside, especially when you win. That’s what we have to do.”

Asked for his thoughts on the tournament as a whole, Kane said: “I think, of course, it’s the first ones, so people are a little bit sceptical of what it’s going to be like, but if you’re playing the best teams in the world every four years, it’s going to be a really prestigious tournament in the future.”

Bayern face Benfica in their final group stage game on Tuesday.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.



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FIFA Club World Cup Soccer: Stream Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Live From Anywhere
Gaming Gear

FIFA Club World Cup Soccer: Stream Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City Live From Anywhere

by admin



See at DAZN

Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free

DAZN

61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)


See more details

The FIFA Club World Cup action shifts to Cincinnati on Sunday for a Group C clash that appears to be something of a mismatch, as German Bundesliga behemoth Bayern Munich takes on tournament underdog Auckland City. 

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every match of the tournament as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are, along with a full fixture list. 

Six-time UEFA Champions League winner Bayern comes into this tournament fresh from having clinched the German championship last month. With star man Harry Kane only just back from last week’s international duty with England, veteran striker Thomas Müller looks set to deputise up front for the Bavarians, while key defender Alphonso Davies is set to miss the tournament with a knee injury.

Auckland’s group of mainly part-time players, meanwhile, will be looking to pull off a major shock. The current OFC Champions League holder is seen as the weakest side in the tournament, but it comes into this game sitting in third in its domestic New Zealand National League and in reasonably good form, with three wins from its last four fixtures.

Bayern Munich take on Auckland City on Sunday, June 15, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET or 9 a.m. PT. That makes it a 5 p.m. BST start in the UK and a 2 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Monday. 

Thomas Muller is set to lead the line for Bayern Munich today in what is set to be the 35-year-old’s final tournament.

Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images

Livestream the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free

The great news for footy fans is that sports streaming platform DAZN is set to broadcast all 63 matches of the FIFA Club World Cup free in almost every country, with coverage available in multiple languages.

DAZN

Existing DAZN subscribers or Freemium members can watch every game of the tournament as part of their current membership.

If you’re not a member, it’s easy to sign up for a free DAZN Freemium account using your email address to watch all the action at no cost through the DAZN app.

As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, DAZN offers a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the FIFA Club World Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. 

It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. 

However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance. 

If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN use is crucial.

James Martin/CNET

Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)

Livestream Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City free in the UK

As well as DAZN, footy fans in the UK have a second option for watching FIFA Club World Cup matches that is also free.

Free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 will show 23 select features live during the tournament, including today’s tournament opener. 

That also means this match can be livestreamed via the network’s My5 online service. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. BST. 

Channel 5 is available through Freeview, Freesat, Freely, Sky or Virgin Media. 

If you want to stream the network’s coverage from the tournament, you can head to Channel5.com or download the dedicated My5 app for iOS, Android and smart TVs.

Livestream Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City in Australia

Like the UK, Australia also has a second option for watching the tournament live. Alongside DAZN’s free coverage, pay TV broadcaster Foxtel and its sister streaming service Kayo will also be showing all 63 games. 

Kayo Sports

A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$40 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.

The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts. 

Better still, if you’re a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial.

Quick tips for streaming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer using a VPN 

  • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming soccer may vary.
  • If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
  • If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
  • All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, because both devices will appear to be in the correct location. 
  • And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.



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Tatjana Maria crowned 1st Queen's Club women's champ since '73
Esports

Tatjana Maria crowned 1st Queen’s Club women’s champ since ’73

by admin



Jun 15, 2025, 12:59 PM ET

German qualifier Tatjana Maria capped an incredible week in London as she defeated American No. 8 seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to become the first woman to win a title at Queen’s Club in over half a century.

The victory marked the end of an extraordinary nine-day stretch for the world No. 86, having stunned second-seeded and Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the previous round.

The 37-year-old becomes the oldest player to claim a WTA title since Serena Williams in Auckland in 2020. Maria dropped only one set en route to the title, and her dream run included victories over Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina and Czech sixth seed Karolina Muchova.

The Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen’s welcomed back women competitors for the first time since 1973, when the Soviet Union’s Olga Morozova won the title.

Maria dominated Anisimova with big serves and earned an early break in the first set. She won 12 points in a row as she raced to a 4-1 lead and then held off a brief Anisimova comeback to close out the set.

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Maria carried her momentum into the second set as she again surged into a 4-1 lead. Her seventh ace of the match helped her take a 5-3 lead, and she served out the match two games later to clinch her first title in over two years.

“A dream come true. [When] I came here, I was never thinking I could hold the trophy at the end,” Maria said. “When we arrived, my little girl said, ‘Wow, that’s a nice trophy, so big,’ and I said, ‘OK, let’s go for it. I will try to win it.’

“In the end, I’ve won it, it’s incredible. So happy. Everything is possible if you believe in it. You go your way, doesn’t matter which it is, but you have to keep going. I want to show this to my kids and hopefully they are proud. It’s amazing.”

Maria threw her arms up as she watched Anisimova’s forehand sail wide on match point before both players embraced at the net.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see you in the Wimbledon final because you really had me running out there today,” Anisimova said.

Maria is projected to move up to No. 43 when the new rankings are released Monday. She previously won WTA titles on grass at Mallorca in 2018, triumphed twice on clay in Bogota in 2022 and 2023 and is a former Wimbledon semifinalist.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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