The three MLS teams participating in this edition of the Club World Cup — Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, and LAFC — carry the responsibility of improving the league’s international image.
In the previous format of the tournament, MLS teams left more disappointment than success. Now, with three clubs representing the league in the revamped version, there is an opportunity to improve results and demonstrate how far U.S. soccer has come.
Seattle Sounders were the first MLS team to compete in the Club World Cup back in 2022, but their debut ended in disappointment. They were eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Egypt’s Al-Ahly, failing to generate any real offensive threat. The only goal came in the 87th minute after a shot by Mohamed Magdy was deflected by Salvadoran defender Alex Roldán, sealing Seattle’s early exit.
The U.S. media labeled the performance a “disaster” and a “flop.”
Despite being one of MLS’s most valuable franchises, with estimated revenues of $47 million in 2019 and a valuation over $49 million, Seattle failed to live up to expectations. After qualifying by defeating Pumas of Mexico, the team’s early elimination was a harsh reality check for American soccer.
