Landon Donovan goes big on MLS teams to have a deeper run in the Club World Cup

According to former United States footballer and Major League Soccer coach Landon Donovan, MLS teams have an advantage in the FIFA Club World Cup. The most awaited tournament is all set to begin on June 14th, 2025. The former gaffer of San Diego FC opined that MLS teams have the best opportunity as they are familiar with the time zone and local conditions. 

Speaking to the media, Donovan mentioned that American clubs are already adjusted to the environment and are well aware of how the weather plays out during summer. He also stated that teams from different parts of the world will struggle to adapt to the climate, time zone, and the inevitable jet lag, especially those coming from Asia. He said:

I think MLS teams have an advantage because, clearly, environment,

And atmosphere and understanding what it's like to play here in the summer. It's not easy to play here in the summer. They don't have the travel factor that teams have coming here initially, so there's no adaptation period, time zones, jet lag, all that

Continuing the discussion, he also mentioned that the European teams have just ended their campaigns, and some are still playing. Donovan pointed out that these clubs will have to deal with tough conditions and fatigue, with very little time for training, which could affect their performances. He believed that these challenges were not a concern for the teams from the United States. Inter Miami and Seattle will be featuring in the 32-team tournament this summer. He said:

How teams manage that, giving players rest, not giving them rest, coming straight into the tournament while they've still trained, or they're gonna give them time off, there's gonna be some adaptation period for most teams, especially the European teams,

MLS teams don't have to deal with any of that.”

Where will the tournament be played? 

The FIFA Club World Cup will be played across 11 cities in the United States of America. The first game of the tournament will feature Inter Miami taking on Al Ahly in Miami, while the other hosts, Seattle Sounders, will face Botafogo on June 15th.