No more excuses! Gyokeres completes the Arsenal puzzle

Can Barcelona really afford Marcus Rashford?

Mead vital to Lionesses' Euros bid again - but as a super sub

Introducing the 2025 British & Irish Football Lions!

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Wenger defends Club World Cup despite Klopp's harsh criticism</li><li>Says clubs and fans fully support expanded global tournament</li><li>FIFA to improve conditions ahead of 2026 World Cup in the US</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Arsene Wenger dismisses Jurgen Klopp criticism and hails success of 'real Club World Cup' ahead of mouthwatering final between Chelsea and PSG

<p>Klopp recently described the expanded Club World Cup as “the worst idea ever invented.” In response, Wenger firmly disagreed, backing the competition and highlighting the positive reception it has received. The Frenchman made his comments at a FIFA Technical Study Group briefing in New York ahead of the Club World Cup final.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Wenger believes the tournament has been a success, both in terms of fan turnout and club participation. The Club World Cup also serves as a testing ground for conditions expected at the 2026 World Cup in North America. FIFA has already identified ways to improve staging and player performance under extreme weather.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking at a FIFA Technical Study Group briefing, Wenger said: “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I don't share Jurgen Klopp's view at all. I feel that a Club World Cup, a real Club World Cup, was needed. If you make an inquiry today with all the clubs that were here at this competition, I'm basically sure that we have 100% of answers of people who want to do this again. So that's basically the best answer.</p><p>“The decisive question is, do the fans like it? Attendance projections were low, but in reality, they were much higher. The answer is there.</p><p>“The heat in some games was a problem. We tried to combat that with cooling breaks and watering the pitches during breaks. We learned a lot on that front. Certainly, next year, there will be more roofed stadiums as we have to follow the TV schedule. We are learning to be better equipped to deal with these conditions.</p><p>“We had problems in Orlando, but the quality of natural grass pitches was generally good. The best surface was in Philadelphia — we want that as a benchmark.”</p>

WHAT WENGER SAID

<p>The Club World Cup final will take place between two European champions as the Champions League winners take on the Europa Conference League winners. Paris Saint-Germain take on Chelsea on July 13 at MetLife Stadium. FIFA will now review the feedback, including logistical and environmental factors, before the next iteration. Wenger’s comments suggest covered stadiums and improved infrastructure are on the horizon for the 2026 World Cup.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Arsene Wenger dismisses Jurgen Klopp criticism and hails success of 'real Club World Cup' ahead of mouthwatering final between Chelsea and PSG | Goal.com

 Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jurgen Klopp’s fierce criticism of FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, defending the expanded 32-team tournament as a resounding success. The former Arsenal boss, now FIFA’s global football development chief, hailed the competition’s positive reception ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster final between Chelsea and PSG in New Jersey.

Arsene Wenger dismisses Jurgen Klopp criticism and hails success of &apos;real Club World Cup&apos; ahead of mouthwatering final between Chelsea and PSG