Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, is not merely dreaming; he is adamantly stating that soccer will overtake all other sports in the US.  Infantino’s confidence is unwavering despite the current situation, which may provide a different impression due to the small attendance at Club World Cup games played in the US and those annoying unsold tickets.

Infantino put it all out during a lively event in New York, emphasizing FIFA’s ambition to elevate soccer to new heights.  “In three to four, and no more than five years, it will be at the top.  “One of the best leagues in the world, without a doubt,” he declared enthusiastically.

 Infantino believes soccer’s magnetic allure will captivate American fans, even in a landscape dominated by American football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey.  “I can tell you why — because I am here now,” he said with a smile, his conviction as firm as his wit.

Infantino sees the impending Club World Cup and the historic 2026 World Cup—which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico—as catalysts to ignite a soccer craze among young Americans.  He said, “We will show them the power of soccer in their own country,” enthusiastically pointing out that soccer is a path to American celebrity.

Infantino wants to replace the closed model of Major League Soccer (MLS) with promotion and relegation.  He referenced soccer’s unpredictable nature and underdog victories by drawing inspiration from the Welsh team Wrexham’s fairy story, in which Hollywood stars helped them rise from the fifth division to the English second division.  “That’s one of the beauties of soccer,” said Infantino.  “The little one can defeat the large one; surprises can occur.  There are these team-related fairy tales.

Even Wrexham’s miraculous climb, however, was made possible by a budget bigger than that of many third-division teams, proving that their rise wasn’t just a Cinderella tale.

 Infantino’s bold plan for US soccer depends on more than just success stories; it necessitates significant funding and unwavering progress.  However, with enough financial support, it is unlikely that money will be a hindrance on this exciting journey to the top.