FIFA President Gianni Infantino yesterday wrapped up his “first trip to Seattle” as the city prepares to host matches for the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 men’s World Cup, and Infantino said he is “extremely, extremely confident” in the city’s ability to host both events, according to Tim Booth of the SEATTLE TIMES. Infantino spoke briefly and “praised the soccer culture of the Pacific Northwest.” Seattle will host six matches during the Club World Cup, including all three of the Sounders’ group stage matches in the event. That is in addition to hosting six matches at the 2026 World Cup. Booth noted the two major events 12 months apart “could feature some of the biggest names, countries and brands in the sport playing in Seattle.” Infantino “lauded what he expects to be a special atmosphere” for the games being played at Lumen Field over the next two years after visiting the stadium on Monday. Booth: “Word of additional matches being played during the Club World Cup is the kind of news that could delight soccer fans in the region.” Infantino was in Seattle for a “brief two days of meetings, introductions and site visits,” and he also spent time “taking in a portion of Sounders training” yesterday morning. He will next head to Vancouver, B.C., for “additional meetings.” (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/15).
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