The Seattle Sounders are on the precipice of competing on the global stage as one of the 32 teams participating in the inaugural edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. The Rave Green will kick off Group B play on Sunday against Brazilian powerhouse Botafogo at Lumen Field (7 p.m. PT; Watch FREE on DAZN.com | TICKETS)
While many players will be experiencing a tournament of this stature for the first time, Seattle Sounders standouts Jesús Ferreira, Cristian Roldan, Nouhou, and Jordan Morris are no strangers to this level of competition.
Three years ago, Ferreira, Roldan and Morris earned roster spots on the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar while Nouhou represented Cameroon.
Now, they’ve been given the chance to take on a similar challenge, but this time, at the club level.
“It’s exciting,” said Ferreira. “It's a brand-new tournament [and] it's a new opportunity for us to show what we can do as a team, as individuals, and demonstrate our talent on the biggest stage.”
Surreal is the best way to describe how it feels for these players to extend their international resume even further. And with each of the team’s group stage matches taking place in Seattle, competing against the biggest clubs in the world in front of friends, family and local supporters makes the experience that much more special.
FIFA Club World Cup Hub
The biggest tournament in the history of global club soccer is just around the corner. This month, Sounders FC will compete in the the FIFA Club World Cup right here in Seattle. Placed in Group B, the Rave Green will face UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid, and reigning South American champions Botafogo at Lumen Field during the group stage.
“At the club level, we talk about FIFA Club World Cup being the highest of levels, and then at the World Cup international stage, we talk about that,” said Roldan. “It's every kid's dream to play at the highest of levels, and now we have the opportunity to do that at home, against some of the very best in the world.
“What a dream, and we have to take advantage of it.”
Whether it be the World Cup tournament-style layout that includes a group stage before heading to single-elimination, or the intensity that comes with competing against the best of the best, the four players’ familiarity of what's to come will be beneficial for both themselves and the overall team as they look ahead to their first CWC matchup against the reigning champions of South America on Sunday at Lumen Field.
Upon reflection of his experience in Qatar, Roldan emphasized the significance of hitting the ground running in group play.
“When you're playing against really good competition, it's really important to have a good first game,” said Roldan. “It kind of sets you up for the entire tournament, and it doesn't feel like you're trying to catch up with the rest of the group.”
The physical side of the game will be crucial against these global giants, but it will be the mental fortitude of each player that will give the team their best shot at advancing into the knockout rounds.
“People are nervous to be at this stage, and that's okay, because I think that the people care,” said Roldan. “But one thing I will say is we belong on that field. And, there's nothing like matching up against a top team and bringing that intensity that is required of us to compete at that level.”
Along with the four players’ experience in the World Cup, the Sounders’ exposure to facing international opponents is extensive. From going up against Liga MX teams in Leagues Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup, to participating in the previous version of the Club World Cup in 2023 where they faced Egyptian side Al Ahly, the team is more than ready for what lies ahead.
“It's a veteran team in a lot of ways,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “And all those experiences [allows] players to understand the magnitude, the pressure, the fans, you know, the millions of eyeballs on TV...It helps them.”
