FIFA President Gianni Infantino Touts Upcoming Club World Cup as Start of Big Year for Soccer in US
Sarah Johnson
March 7, 2025
Brief
The FIFA Club World Cup comes to the U.S. for the first time, featuring global soccer stars and major teams, setting the stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA Club World Cup is gearing up to serve as the perfect appetizer for soccer fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with the tournament set to bring the best global teams to U.S. soil for the very first time. The action kicks off on June 14, promising a summer of soccer like no other.
Among the 32 teams competing for the coveted trophy are Major League Soccer’s own Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami. And in case you needed more star power, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" that some of the world's biggest names—Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodri—will be gracing the pitch.
Infantino, clearly brimming with excitement, declared, "Spectacle, pure and soccer will definitely conquer America in 100 days from now." Bold words, but hey, if anyone can pull it off, it's soccer royalty like Messi and Mbappe.
The tournament will showcase games across iconic U.S. venues, including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Lumen Field in Seattle, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, among others. With a lineup like that, fans are in for a coast-to-coast soccer extravaganza.
Adding to the excitement, FIFA has promised a whopping $1 billion in prize money for the competing teams, making this not just a spectacle but also a financial milestone for the sport.
The Club World Cup serves as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico sharing hosting duties. The championship match is set to be held at MetLife Stadium, a fitting finale for a historic event.
Infantino expressed high hopes for the impact of these tournaments, stating, "A quarter of the world will be there. We’ll have millions of people coming. And, honestly, between the Club World Cup this year and the World Cup next year, it’s definitely time to take over this country when it comes to soccer." Talk about ambition!
For American soccer fans, it seems the next two years will be nothing short of a dream come true. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, the stage is set for soccer to make its mark in the U.S. in a big way.
Topics
Editor's Comments
Infantino’s declaration that soccer will 'conquer America' in 100 days is bold, but you have to admire the sheer confidence. With stars like Messi and Mbappe headlining, they might just pull it off. Also, that $1 billion prize pool? It’s not just a game anymore—it’s a global spectacle with serious stakes.
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.
