Garber: CWC a milestone moment for U.S. soccer

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber is celebrating the recently concluded Club World Cup as a "breakthrough moment" for North American soccer. He highlighted that the event, attended by over three million fans, successfully placed the United States and its neighbors firmly on the international football map, exceeding expectations about its impact.

Garber declared the inaugural 32-team tournament an "incredible success" and a "proud moment" for the region's soccer community. He emphasized that hosting dozens of matches in new venues drew global attention to the eager American soccer market, showcasing the "energy and knowledge" of the diverse crowds and proving North America's capabilities.

The tournament also served as a crucial test run for several stadiums slated to host games during next year's FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Garber commended FIFA and President Gianni Infantino for enabling this "Herculean task" of organizing so many frequent matches in unfamiliar venues.

North American teams performed notably well. Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, secured a historic 2-1 group stage victory over Porto, marking the first competitive win for an MLS team against a European club. Other MLS teams, LAFC and Seattle Sounders, also delivered strong performances against tough opponents.

While acknowledging Europe's continued dominance, Garber believes the Club World Cup provided a vital platform for emerging clubs and leagues, like those in Brazil and the United States, to demonstrate their progress and finally prove they can be an "influential, meaningful part of the global soccer conversation" after decades of effort.