Exciting Times for Soccer in the U.S.
Big changes are coming to American soccer, with MetLife Stadium gearing up to host the upcoming matches. The United States is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant moment in the nation’s soccer journey.
Before that, though, the FIFA Club World Cup is making its appearance. The tournament kicks off this Saturday night with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami playing in South Florida.
This new format features 32 clubs from around the globe and boasts a staggering prize pool of nearly $1 billion. Over the next month, some of the largest names in soccer—like Real Madrid and Manchester City—will compete, alongside teams you might not have heard of, such as Mamelody Sundowns and Urawa Red Diamonds, across 11 U.S. cities.
MetLife will host nine matches, including the semi-finals and the championship final on July 13. You can catch all the action on Dazn.
To discuss this exciting tournament, we spoke with Cobi Jones, a legendary figure in American soccer with a wealth of experience to share. At 54, he holds an impressive record of 164 appearances with the USMNT, including every match in the iconic 1994 World Cup played on U.S. soil.
NYP: What excites you most about this Club World Cup?
Jones: There’s really no better place to host the Club World Cup, especially now. The U.S. is such a diverse place. Teams from all over come here to compete, so fans will show support for various clubs. It’s a fantastic chance for the average American, even someone who might not be a huge soccer fan, to see something remarkable. It’s true that something special tends to happen during tournaments.
NYP: Are there any standout players you’re looking forward to seeing?
Jones: Lionel Messi, for sure. It’s thrilling to see him match up with top competition. And there’s Erling Haaland from Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid. PSG is another team to watch, especially as they recently won the Champions League. Fans should do everything they can to grab tickets. Teams like Boca Juniors, Flamengo, and Bayern Munich are also significant. Not everyone knows them well, but they bring something special when they play here.
NYP: How do you think MLS teams will stack up against those that usually don’t play in such competitive environments?
Jones: It might be tougher for Inter Miami with all the focus on Messi. I’m curious about how teams like Seattle Sounders and LAFC will challenge these bigger clubs. Perhaps some might underestimate the MLS, but I believe this tournament will lead to greater respect and understanding of the league.
NYP: Why is MetLife a great venue for this marquee event?
Jones: The atmosphere is electric. It’s not just about the fans enjoying the match; it creates that thrilling energy which players really appreciate, too.
NYP: How do you think this Club World Cup will pave the way for the World Cup next summer?
Jones: We’ve had soccer friendships here for a while, but hosting such a meaningful tournament is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a chance to witness top-level games and talent. If fans love this, it’s a natural progression towards next year’s World Cup.
