Don Garber: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup "an incredible success"

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams from six confederations playing 63 matches across 12 US stadiums with a $1 billion prize pool, achieved unprecedented success according to MLS Commissioner Don Garber. He described it as an "incredible success" and a "defining moment" for soccer in North America, praising FIFA's execution of Gianni Infantino's vision.

Three MLS teams participated: Inter Miami CF, LAFC, and Seattle Sounders FC. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, became the first MLS club to reach the knockout rounds after going undefeated in Group A. Their 2-1 victory over FC Porto also marked the first time a North American club defeated a European team in an official competition. While Seattle and LAFC did not advance, they impressed in matches against top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC.

Commissioner Garber highlighted the significance of MLS teams competing against global elite clubs, stating it allows fans to measure MLS progress and raises the league's profile internationally. He emphasized that these matches show MLS teams "belong in the global soccer conversation".

The tournament also served as a successful preview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US, Mexico, and Canada will co-host. Garber believes the Club World Cup proved North America can be the "global epicenter for soccer" and expressed confidence that the region will rise to the occasion for the expanded 48-team World Cup, calling it the "perfect lead-in".

Garber expressed a desire for the Club World Cup to return to the United States in the future, calling the 2025 event a "huge moment" for soccer in the country and specifically for MLS with three teams competing.