Florida emerges as key soccer hub leading up to FIFA World Cup
Writer: Pablo Marquez
May 2025 — Real Madrid’s extended stay in Palm Beach County leading up to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reflects a broader trend — the United States is embracing global soccer faster than ever before.
International soccer viewership in the U.S. has surged 60% over the last six years, with the number of Americans watching non-U.S. soccer matches growing from 31.4 million in 2018 to over 50.3 million in 2024, according to a report from Samford University.
“This is an exciting time for North America as it prepares to host two of the world’s biggest soccer events — the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said George Linley, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, as cited by Sports Travel magazine.
With its population of 22.6 million and more than 397,000 soccer-related searches each month, Florida ranks No. 3 among U.S. states most engaged with the sport, trailing only New Jersey and California.
In May, Palm Beach County was selected to host both Real Madrid and Manchester City, two of the world’s most renowned soccer clubs, as they prepare for a month-long training camp ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Officials from the City of Palm Beach Gardens project an estimated $15 million economic impact, with nearly $100,000 in facility upgrades funded through a partnership with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
“As global attention turns to the United States, Florida and The Palm Beaches will proudly serve as an unrivaled sports destination, and we’re thrilled to partner with FIFA and two of the game’s most iconic clubs, Real Madrid and Manchester City,” said Linley.
The arrival of global icon Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in 2023 has significantly fueled Florida’s growing passion for soccer. It’s no surprise, then, that Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium has been selected to host seven matches during the largest World Cup in history, including the prestigious bronze final.
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