A flurry of goals puts Monterrey in the next round; they beat Urawa 4-0.

▲ The Monterrey team is celebrating its qualification, becoming the only tricolor club remaining in the competition after Pachuca's elimination. Los Rayados will face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Photo AFP

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a10

With the noose around their necks and a slim chance, Monterrey found salvation at the end of the group stage in Group E to qualify for the round of 16 of the Club World Cup and become the only Mexican team remaining in the tournament. With a 4-0 thrashing of Japan's Urawa Reds, Los Rayados snatched a place from River Plate, who were simultaneously defeated 2-0 by Inter Milan.

With a double from Nelson Deossa and goals from Germán Berterame and Jesús Tecatito Corona, Rayados won to finish second in the group with five points, two less than Inter and just one more than River Plate, while Urawa remained at zero. The qualification allows the Mexican club to fight for honor in the Mundialito after Pachuca was eliminated from Group H.

Now, Monterrey will face Borussia Dortmund, the group F leaders, in the round of 16, while Inter, the European Champions League runners-up, will face Fluminense of Brazil.

With the label of one of the most expensive teams in Liga MX—valued at $83.5 million—and with international stars like Sergio Ramos, world champion with Spain in 2010, as well as Sergio Canales, the Rayados had to avoid an embarrassing early elimination from the tournament.

Everything and nothing was in their hands. After two draws, Monterrey had two points to the four held by Inter Milan—who were leading the league—and River Plate. The only way to stay alive was to defeat Urawa and hope for a win or a draw with fewer than two goals between the Argentines and Italians.

The match hadn't even started yet, and the pressure was already on. At a Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, which was underserved (14,000), Domenec Torrent's team deployed a precise, focused offensive game that secured the victory before halftime.

With a powerful left-footed shot from outside the area, Deossa gave Monterrey its first goal in the 30th minute, setting the tone for the game: attack without hesitation.

Just four minutes later, Berterame easily extended his lead after receiving a pass inside the box and finishing from point-blank range. Tecatito Corona, who had been key in Monterrey's attacks, also celebrated in the 38th minute after scoring a stunning goal with a shot from near midfield.

As the second half began, Monterrey knew it had done its part; now it just had to wait for what would happen at the same time at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle.

It was then that the Italians' determination and a vital error by the Argentinians proved crucial in Monterrey's qualification. River Plate gradually saw their efforts vanish when Lucas Martínez was sent off in the 65th minute for a vicious tackle.

Already with the numerical advantage, Inter Milan only took seven minutes for Franscesco Esposito to score the first goal and then Alessandro Bastoni (90+3) sealed the victory for the Italians and the salvation of the Rayados.

Both matches ended in controversy. In Pasadena, Urawa had a goal disallowed, while Deossa scored the fourth (90+7), while in Seattle, River's full-back Gonzalo Montiel was sent off. It didn't matter anymore; the passes were sealed.

Earlier, Fluminense reiterated the potential of Brazilian football by becoming the fourth Rio de Janeiro team to reach the round of 16 after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in Group F, while Borussia Dortmund qualified first in the group with a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan.

Thus, Brazil is the only country that can boast all four teams in the second round of the Club World Cup, after Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Botafogo also secured their places.

Erendira Palma Hernández

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a10

With the task of making soccer the number one sport in the United States and the 2026 World Cup looming in that country, FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces the close of the Club World Cup group stage with controversial attendance figures, as some games have attracted large crowds, while others have seen nearly empty stands.

Although FIFA confirmed that the tournament welcomed 556,000 people in its first week, an average of 34,700 per match, the game with the largest attendance so far was PSG-Atlético de Madrid, with 80,600 fans at the Rose Bowl, a venue with a capacity of 89,000.

However, this figure contrasts sharply with the 3,400 fans who watched the Ulsan-Mamelodi match at the Inter&Co stadium, which can accommodate 25,500 people; the tournament's lowest attendance so far. The atmosphere at the Pachuca-Salzburg match was also icy, with 5,000 fans at the TQL Stadium; a minimal number compared to the venue's 26,000 seats.

Even several media outlets, such as ESPN, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times , and The Athletic, are highlighting the low ticket sales for the tournament. Only eight of the 44 matches played through Wednesday—the penultimate matchday of the group stage—could boast attendance above 75 percent of their capacity, according to an analysis conducted by La Jornada .

Among the best-attended matches were the opening game between Inter Miami, featuring Argentine star Lionel Messi, and Al Ahly, with 60,900 fans at the 65,300-seat Hard Rock Stadium, as well as the Real Madrid-Al Hilal match, which was attended by 62,000 fans at the same venue.

Boca Juniors was one of the teams that also drew a large crowd when they faced Bayern Munich in front of 63,000 people, also at the Miami stadium. However, the numbers are far from the rest of the matches.

River Plate-Urawa barely drew 11,000 fans at Lumen Field, which has a capacity of 67,500, while Fluminense-Mamelodi yesterday welcomed 14,000 fans to Hard Rock Stadium. The match between Borussia Dortmund, runners-up in the 2024 European Champions League, and Ulsan faced a worse scenario with only 8,000 people, less than a quarter of the TQL Stadium.

Even before the tournament began, there was uncertainty regarding ticket sales, particularly due to President Donald Trump's tougher immigration policies, which included raids in several states, including Los Angeles, a city with a large population of Latinos and Mexicans. Ticket prices for the opening match even dropped dramatically, dropping to $61, compared to the lowest starting price of $250.

Despite a seemingly discouraging scenario, Infantino has backed the tournament he himself championed by changing the traditional format from six to 32 teams, which offers $1 billion in prize money.

"Some may criticize it a little, but it's something new and special. It's a true World Cup with the best teams and players. The tournament and the 2026 World Cup are about showing young Americans that if you're good and have talent, you don't need to go to another sport, because through soccer there's a path to glory and also to money ," Infantino told Fox Sports.

Juan Manuel Vázquez

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a11

Without any modesty, Auckland City player Christian Gray has become a global sensation. Barely finished his performance at the FIFA Club World Cup with the New Zealand team, he, like the entire squad, will return to his regular job—in the best sense of the word—after a month of unpaid leave.

Auckland City is an amateur team whose players are real estate agents, sales representatives, merchants, students, a tool factory manager, a tinsmith, a hairdresser of Colombian origin and a teacher, Gray, who scored the goal that tied the game (1-1) and eliminated the famous Boca Juniors.

Once their participation was over, which many pointed a flaming finger at, shocked that a team of amateurs was rubbing shoulders with the world's elite, they considered their performance to be an obvious disaster: Bayern Munich thrashed them 10-0 and Benfica 6-0. The only thing missing was the final blow from Boca Juniors, whose fans expressed outrage at having to face an opponent they considered so insignificant.

But the duel was unexpected for everyone. Gray, the teacher at Mount Roskill High School in Auckland, stood up to receive the service of Jerson Lagos, the Colombian-born hairdresser. A draw eliminated Boca Juniors, the most global team in Latin America, from the tournament.

Now the boys will return to their daily jobs, that is our reality , said the teacher who saved the dignity of his team and of football as a recreational event.

I'm a teacher, I work at a school, I study and work full-time, and I'm also a beginner's coach. When I get home, I have some work to do; that's what I'll be getting back to, just like all the kids on the team , he added.

▲ Christian Gray (center), a high school teacher who is congratulated by his classmates, became the star of the New Zealand team after scoring the equalizing goal against Boca Juniors, which ultimately meant the elimination of the South Americans from the World Cup . Photo Ap

Lagos is also a symbol of this team. He was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and arrived in New Zealand with his mother and siblings as refugees.

We loved New Zealand, they've always treated us very well; I played for the Melbourne club (in Australia), I was there for several years before this opportunity ," the player told ESPN.

I've been a barber since January, but it's been complicated with the schedule. I live far from where we train, and I finish late, so I have to hurry , he told the sports network.

Now their lives will be rewarded with the FIFA prize for scoring and participating: $3.5 million will be shared among all. But that won't take away their status as footballers for nothing.

What for many was a quaint episode, for others is a rarity that restores the spontaneity of a sport that has become an industry whose profits are paramount. An anomaly that restores football's joy and passion, uniting it with the spirit bestowed by figures like Garrincha. "For Garrincha, football was a celebration, not a job or a business. He liked to play for the simple pleasure of it, not to win or for contracts ," wrote the unforgettable Eduardo Galeano, and that reminds us of Auckland, lifted by a goal from a high school teacher.

▲ Clara Brugada, Mayor of Mexico City, presented the commemorative T-shirts and medals for the Half Marathon and Marathon. She was accompanied by ultramarathoner Lorena Ramírez (left) and Javier Peralta, head of the Mexico City Sports Institute. Photo courtesy of Indeporte CDMX

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a12

Honoring the founding peoples of Mexico City and the pre-Hispanic roots of our country is the goal of the Mexico City Half Marathon and Marathon.

During the presentation of the 2025 edition's jerseys and medals, Mayor Clara Brugada explained that this time, the more than 30,000 participants will be running in the context of the 700th anniversary of the founding of Tenochtitlan.

These will be very significant races. The Quetzal on the Half Marathon medal represents freedom, resilience, and beauty in motion; Cihuacóatl, on the Marathon medal, speaks of a serpent woman, a mother and warrior characterized by courage and protection of those who refuse to give up. The deities depicted are a good way to honor our traditions , Brugada explained at the Xochipilli fountain.

The competitions are certified and approved by the Mexican Federation of Athletics Associations (FMAA) and the Association of Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Every marathon has its own history, and this year is special because it commemorates one of the oldest cities on the continent and the greatness of its roots , Brugada added.

Running is nothing new in the city, explained the president, who referred to the painanis, ancient runners of the Mexica empire who traveled long distances to keep the territories united.

Today, those who run these routes follow that same spirit: they overcome altitude, distance, and fatigue with their heads held high and their hearts firm.

The presentation was attended by Javier Peralta, head of the Buenos Aires Sports Institute; Antonio Lozano, president of the FMAA; Natasha Uren, executive director of Chapultepec Forest; and ultramarathoner Lorena Ramírez.

The 18th edition of the Half Marathon (54 percent men, 46 percent women) will take place on July 13. The course will start at the Torre del Caballito and finish at the Angel of Independence.

The 42nd Marathon (69 percent men, 31 percent women) will be held on August 31. Runners from more than 30 countries are expected to participate, including representatives from Guatemala, the United States, and Spain.

Brugada referred to the construction of 100 Utopias (Transformation and Organization Units for Inclusion and Social Harmony) in the city, which will feature sports infrastructure such as athletics tracks, courts, and swimming pools.

What we're aiming for is for everyone to have one within 15 minutes of their home. Sports and culture transform people's lives and educate children , emphasized Brugada, who announced 500 new registrations for the Half Marathon.

Runners who cross the finish line in both races will receive the Painani Award, and all participants will also be given the honorary distinction of ambassadors of sport and peace.

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, June 26, 2025, p. a12

The appointment of a woman as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened the door for more women to aspire to decision-making positions in sports.

Marijose Alcalá, who became the first female leader of the Mexican Olympic Committee in 2021, celebrated the election of Kirsty Coventry, as this represented a vote of confidence for the female gender.

By taking on such a distinguished and important position, she will have the opportunity to demonstrate that women possess the ability, leadership, and discipline. A former athlete and Olympic medalist like her can do a lot for the Olympic movement , Alcalá commented.

Coventry, the youngest IOC official ever and the first African, will face many challenges in the coming years. According to Marijose, the Zimbabwean native will need to strengthen the trust and credibility within the organization.

He now has a great responsibility. In his speech, he mentioned that he will harness the power of sport to maximize collaboration and engagement within the Olympic family. He will also strengthen partnerships to grow economically and lead sustainable development.

According to the former diver, Coventry will have to reinforce the work done by her predecessor, Thomas Bach.

She will represent us well, not only women, but the entire Olympic movement. She must continue the firm leadership left by Bach and continue the themes of gender equity, cross-cutting issues, and autonomy .

Paola Longoria, president of the Chamber of Deputies' Sports Commission, believes it's a good idea for a former athlete to take the reins of the IOC. The racquetball player shared that no one who hasn't experienced high performance can understand the needs of athletes.

▲ The president of the International Olympic Committee arrives with the mission of strengthening the organization's confidence and credibility. Photo AFP

There's new leadership. I'm sure she understands and knows what a national team needs and what needs to be improved. I'm very happy that a woman is leading the IOC; it's a step forward in the struggle we face to demonstrate that we also have the ability to manage such important organizations , she commented.

The racquetball player hopes that Coventry's election will promote equality in issues such as salary payments.

I've always said it: men still excel more in some sports, and the wage bill in terms of prize money is still not the same in both branches. We continue to fight for that equality; together, we're breaking these glass ceilings, opening up opportunities for women in positions that were previously reserved for men.

Women have only one job in sports: to crown champions with wreaths , said Pierre de Coubertin about female participation in the Olympics, an idea Longoria disagrees with.

Today, we have the opportunity to showcase our skills and abilities to compete for decision-making positions. Several women have served on the Sports Commission, such as Marijose Alcalá, Jackie Nava, and Ana Guevara; in recent years, we've grown beyond our wildest dreams. I'm proud to see so many secretaries and representatives supporting sports, and we will continue in the pursuit of equality , the multi-medalist asserted.