FIFA President Gianni Infantino has visited the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, one of the 12 host stadiums for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
There, he underscored the global significance of the tournament and FIFA’s emphasis on inclusivity within the sport.
It’s a huge honour for me to be here before you, but also in front of this incredible, mythical stadium,” Infantino added.
A legendary stadium, actually a work of art in itself, which has penned over the last 100 and a few years some of the most unbelievable tales of our sports legends; naturally, our sport, soccer, but also football, or ‘American football’ to call it by its other name, and numerous other events, which were hosted here in this historic arena, in this historic venue.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Infantino recalled watching the 1994 FIFA World Cup final from Switzerland, never imagining that he would one day stand at the very same stadium to announce a historic new competition.
“That’s why I’m very happy that we’re here today because FIFA has created a new event, a new FIFA World Cup,” he said.
“When we [have] known [for] almost 100 years now which country is the world’s best for soccer, since 1930, it was time now that we unleash a competition where we will determine which team, which club, is the world’s best team.”.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ from June 14 through July 13 will feature 32 of the world’s best clubs from all six FIFA confederations, competing to be the world champion in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities.
In addition to discussing the upcoming tournament, Infantino also took the time to honour first responders and victims of the devastating January wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Altadena communities.
“I would like to, of course, say our and my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the individuals who have worked, all the individuals, all you and all your team members who worked to save lives, to help people to fight one of the worst tragedies of the last decades.”.
“Lives were lost, and naturally, our thoughts go to the families of those who have lost their lives. Several lost everything they had, but you were there. You were there to give hope and relief to people,” Infantino said.
As a token of appreciation, FIFA has committed to donating 30,000 tickets to FIFA Club World Cup™ matches held at the Rose Bowl Stadium to first responders.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo seconded Infantino’s sentiments, recalling Pasadena’s experience of hosting world-class sporting events.
“You know, Pasadena, Mr. President has a long history of welcoming the world.”
“We were on the field, you and I, and your team, recalling some of those games, and maybe some of those games did not go exactly as we would have wanted, but we will get an opportunity to ensure that the world will have an opportunity to see the greatest and best of soccer, and what I believe is the best city in the world,” Gordo said.
He also expressed his appreciation of the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy:
“Your trophy is magnificent, and I’m looking forward to the best clubs, the best players, to have an opportunity right here in our city, to compete for this trophy.”.
“I know that you added a personal interest and touch to creating this beautiful work of art, and I know that there is going to be some team that will take it back and proudly put it on their wall in their country, and it’s a part of their team history.”.
With millions of supporters set to watch the matches live and billions joining in remotely, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ will be a milestone in the history of club football, reaffirming the sport’s power to unite people and celebrate excellence on a global scale.
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