The Lesson MLS Desperately Needs To Learn From The FIFA Club World Cup

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 at 6:50 GMT by Forbes
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The FIFA Club World Cup reminded us money grabs can be successful and even lead to sporting progress if they also satisfy a competive need.

The Lesson MLS Desperately Needs to Learn from the FIFA Club World Cup

In the ever-evolving landscape of global soccer, the FIFA Club World Cup stands as a beacon of ambition and international prestige. As the tournament gears up for its expanded format, set to feature 32 teams from around the world in a month-long spectacle, it offers a stark contrast to the insular world of Major League Soccer (MLS). For years, MLS has positioned itself as North America's premier soccer league, boasting star-studded rosters, flashy marketing campaigns, and a growing fanbase. Yet, beneath the surface, there's a glaring deficiency that the Club World Cup exposes: the urgent need for MLS to embrace true global competition if it wants to elevate its status beyond a regional powerhouse. This isn't just about winning trophies; it's about learning from the best, fostering innovation, and avoiding the pitfalls of complacency that have plagued other leagues in the past.

To understand the lesson at hand, one must first appreciate the transformation of the FIFA Club World Cup. Traditionally a modest affair pitting continental champions against each other in a short tournament, the event has often been criticized for its lack of depth and excitement. However, FIFA's bold overhaul aims to change that narrative. The new iteration, slated to kick off in the United States, will include representatives from every confederation, with slots allocated based on performance over a four-year cycle. European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich will rub shoulders with clubs from Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. This isn't merely an exhibition; it's a high-stakes battleground where reputations are made and broken, and where the global pecking order of club soccer is redefined.

For MLS, which has secured two berths in this expanded tournament—one for the host nation's champion and another potentially through performance metrics—this represents both an opportunity and a wake-up call. The league has made strides in recent years, attracting marquee talents like Lionel Messi, whose arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 sparked a surge in attendance and media attention. Teams like LAFC and the Seattle Sounders have shown they can compete in regional tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup, even toppling Mexican powerhouses on occasion. But when it comes to the global stage, MLS clubs have historically faltered. Remember the 2022 Club World Cup, where the Seattle Sounders, as CONCACAF representatives, were dismantled by Al Hilal and then Real Madrid? That wasn't an anomaly; it was a symptom of a deeper issue: MLS's structure and priorities are not geared toward sustained international excellence.

The core lesson MLS must learn from the Club World Cup is the importance of competitive depth and adaptability. In the expanded tournament, success won't come from isolated star power or domestic dominance alone. It will require squads built for endurance, tactical versatility, and the ability to thrive under pressure from diverse playing styles. European clubs, for instance, benefit from the relentless grind of the UEFA Champions League, where they face top-tier opposition week in and week out. This hones their skills, refines strategies, and builds mental resilience. South American teams like Flamengo or Palmeiras bring a flair and intensity forged in the Copa Libertadores, while Asian sides such as Al Hilal demonstrate the value of strategic investment in talent from multiple continents.

Contrast this with MLS, where the regular season often feels like a prolonged warm-up, punctuated by playoffs that prioritize drama over consistent quality. The league's salary cap, while promoting parity, can stifle the ability to assemble world-class depth. Moreover, the schedule—sandwiched between international breaks and lacking the midweek intensity of European leagues—leaves teams underprepared for the rigors of a tournament like the Club World Cup. Imagine an MLS side facing a gauntlet of matches against, say, Chelsea, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds in quick succession. Without the foundational experience of regular high-level competition, the physical and tactical demands could prove overwhelming.

This isn't to say MLS hasn't taken steps forward. The introduction of Leagues Cup, a joint venture with Liga MX, has injected some cross-border rivalry and exposed teams to different styles. Initiatives like the MLS Next Pro development league aim to nurture homegrown talent, potentially creating a pipeline of players ready for global challenges. Yet, these efforts feel piecemeal compared to the holistic approach needed. The Club World Cup's format underscores the value of meritocracy; teams earn their spots through consistent performance, not just by virtue of geography or marketing muscle. MLS could learn from this by pushing for more integration with international calendars, perhaps advocating for expanded slots in global events or even exploring interleague competitions with European or South American counterparts.

Financially, the stakes are enormous. The Club World Cup promises lucrative prize money, broadcasting deals, and sponsorship opportunities that dwarf those in MLS. Participating clubs could see revenues skyrocket, allowing reinvestment in infrastructure, academies, and player acquisitions. For MLS, which has long grappled with perceptions of being a "retirement league" for aging stars, success here could shatter that narrative. Picture Inter Miami, bolstered by Messi and a cadre of young talents, holding their own against Manchester City. It would not only boost the league's credibility but also attract a new wave of investment and viewership from global audiences hungry for underdog stories.

However, the risks of ignoring this lesson are equally profound. If MLS clubs underperform in the Club World Cup, it could reinforce stereotypes of North American soccer as second-rate, deterring top talents from choosing the league over more established options in Europe. We've seen this dynamic play out in other sports; the NBA, for example, has thrived by embracing globalization through international drafts and exhibition games, turning itself into a worldwide phenomenon. Soccer's global nature demands a similar mindset. MLS executives, from Commissioner Don Garber to club owners, must recognize that isolation breeds stagnation. The league's growth strategy, which has focused on expansion to 30 teams and building soccer-specific stadiums, is commendable but insufficient without a commitment to competitive evolution.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Club World Cup could be a pivotal moment for MLS. Hosted on American soil, it offers a home-field advantage and a chance to showcase the league's potential to a captive audience. But preparation is key. Clubs should prioritize scouting international talent that complements their rosters, invest in sports science to handle grueling schedules, and foster coaching philosophies that emphasize adaptability. Moreover, the league could advocate for rule changes, such as relaxing roster restrictions during international windows, to better align with global standards.

Critics might argue that MLS's unique model—emphasizing entertainment, accessibility, and community engagement—sets it apart and shouldn't be sacrificed for elusive global glory. Fair point, but the Club World Cup teaches that true excellence requires balance. It's possible to maintain the league's vibrant, fan-friendly identity while aspiring to compete at the highest level. European leagues like the Premier League have mastered this, blending commercial appeal with on-pitch prowess.

In essence, the FIFA Club World Cup isn't just a tournament; it's a mirror reflecting what MLS could become with the right lessons applied. By learning to prioritize depth, embrace merit-based competition, and integrate more fully into the global soccer ecosystem, MLS can transcend its current limitations. Failure to do so risks relegating the league to the periphery of world soccer, a fate that would undermine decades of progress. As the world tunes in to watch the best clubs clash, MLS has a choice: adapt and thrive, or watch from the sidelines as the game passes it by. The ball is in their court—let's hope they make the most of it.

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The Lesson MLS Desperately Needs To Learn From The FIFA Club World Cup

The Lesson MLS Desperately Needs to Learn from the FIFA Club World Cup