Lightning at the Club World Cup, U21 glory and the Women’s Euros – Football Weekly

In a recent episode of the Football Weekly podcast, the panel delved into the chaotic scenes that unfolded during Chelsea's Club World Cup match against Benfica in Charlotte. The game was significantly delayed due to lightning, pushing the kickoff to nearly two hours later than scheduled. Following the unusual delay, the match extended into extra time, concluding over four hours after it started. This led to notable reactions from figures like Enzo Maresca, who criticized the situation by stating, "it's not football," while Jürgen Klopp dismissed the competition as "pointless." The discussion also touched on the broader implications of such events for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, highlighting concerns over player safety and the organization of international tournaments under adverse weather conditions.

The episode further explored Chelsea's ongoing transfer activities, including their signings of João Pedro and Jamie Gittens, which adds to their already extensive roster of wingers. In other football news, Paris Saint-Germain showcased their prowess by overwhelming Messi's Inter Miami, while Bayern Munich, led by Harry Kane, triumphed over Flamengo. Manchester City also made headlines by scoring five goals against Juventus. The podcast also celebrated England's Under-21 team, who won the Euros again, leading to discussions about coach Lee Carsley's potential future in management. As the Women’s Euros prepare to kick off, the panel addressed listener questions and touched on lighter topics, including a heatwave impacting livestock in the area. Overall, the episode provided a blend of serious analysis and light-hearted commentary on current football events.