Club World Cup: Don Garber celebrates milestone for soccer in the U.S.

The Club World Cup Closes with a Historic Moment for North America

Los Ángeles – With the Club World Cup coming to an end this Sunday, the North American soccer community celebrates what Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber calls a pivotal moment for the region. With more than three million fans attending the matches during the last month, Garber stated that the event has firmly positioned the United States and its neighbors on the international soccer map.

“There was a lot of anticipation before it started,” Garber commented.

Don Garber

According to Garber, the inaugural edition of the expanded tournament with 32 teams has proven to be an “incredible success” and a “proud moment” for everyone involved in North American soccer. The event, which featured dozens of matches in new stadiums for competitions of such high profile, drew global attention to the American soccer market, a market that, according to Garber, has been eager to prove its worth.

“We always have a little bit of resentment in the U.S. soccer business,” Garber said.

Don Garber

«But the energy and knowledge of our hobbies, the diversity and the festive atmosphere demonstrated to the world what we are capable of». The Club World Cup also provided a critical test for several stadiums that will host matches during next year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“This was a herculean task,” said Garber, praising FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, for their role in making the event possible.

Don Garber

“I don’t think everyone understands how difficult it is to have dozens and dozens of matches, all playing several times a week, in stadiums that have never hosted this type of competition.”

A crowd of 77,542 people watched as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the Club World Cup semi-finals. North American teams left their mark, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami achieving a historic 2-1 victory over Porto in the group stage, the first time an MLS team has beaten a European club in an official match. MLS teams LAFC and Seattle Sounders also had outstanding performances against difficult rivals. “It surprised a lot of people,” Garber said. “For decades, we’ve been trying to show the world that we can be an influential and significant part of the global soccer conversation.” While he acknowledged that European clubs continue to dominate the world stage, Garber believes that the Club World Cup offered a platform for emerging clubs and leagues to demonstrate their progress.

“There are many positive things happening in Brazil, in the United States,” he said.

Don Garber

“Some of the leagues that don’t get as much exposure as the super clubs were able to stand out.” Despite the challenges, including rapid stadium conversions, new ticketing procedures, and hot weather in some matches, the event went off without a hitch.

“Everything wasn’t perfect, but nothing in life is perfect,” Garber said.

Don Garber

“If you strive to progress every day, to innovate both on and off the field, you can achieve something special. I hope to see what this tournament can be in the future.” Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea in the final of the tournament in New Jersey on Sunday.