Let’s Talk About the Club World Cup

When we first learned of the new format, the Sounders’ qualification, and that matches would be hosted here in Seattle it was exciting. This is the biggest club tournament in the world, and our team will be playing at home taking on the world’s best. For ECS it would be an opportunity to put our support on the world’s stage.

When tickets first went on sale in December, it was a shock. A ticket in the lower bowl “Fan Club Sections”, which would be in the Brougham End, would be $516 for the 3 games. This is comparable to an entire season ticket for the Sounders regular season. At this price, there are many supporters who can’t afford or have chosen not to attend. This has been clearly demonstrated by the huge amount of unsold tickets at all matches in the tournament, even with tens of thousands of unsold seats prices remain high. Unfortunately FIFA’s greed means we won’t be showing our best. We won’t have our usual numbers. FIFA won’t allow our capo stands or megaphones to organize our support. Our flags and banners will be limited. Those of us fortunate enough to be able to attend will do our best to represent the Emerald City Supporters and the city of Seattle.

Outside of the stadium and matchday, FIFA coming to town brings more concerns for our community. The Men’s Club World Cup 2025 and the Men’s World Cup 2026 are both going to impact the people and region in ways we do not yet fully know. Marginalized communities are always negatively impacted by mega sports events, from sweeps of our unhoused neighbors to criminalization of sex workers. There will be an inflation of police and “security” budgets, which will be a lasting legacy. FIFA’s greed means our city, county, state, and federal tax dollars are paying the expenses for these events; tens of millions are already guaranteed, with much more to come over the next year. These events are a spectacle for soccer lovers, but at what cost to the community we live in, that our club represents, that we sing about on matchday?

We have heard multiple rumors that ICE and CBP will be working security at CWC matches, and that they’ll be asking people to see their immigration papers. Our ECS familia from la Barra Fuerza Verde are feeling scared and hurting, and many are choosing to stay home to boycott these matches. How can a country attacking immigrants rights, where it is not safe to be a person of color, where you have to show immigration papers to attend a match host these world cup events? When these matches are played, it’s important that we as supporters look around and remember that WE ARE NOT ALL HERE.

Whether you’re attending the matches or not, stand with your community. Join us in the Brougham End and lend your voice to the crowd. March, even if you turn around at the gates to go watch the match at our partner bars. Meet up with your subgroup or other Sounders supporters at viewing parties wherever you may be. Find community, embrace it, and defend it. Because WHEN IT’S US VERSUS THEM, YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON ME.