Seattle Sounders ready to compete in formidable group at Club World Cup

The 2025 Club World Cup will be a blessing for football lovers. A novel competition that will feature 32 qualified teams and where there will be many unknown or less experienced teams that will be looking to give something to talk about in their different matches and try to cause a surprise.

This is the case of Seattle Sounders, who come to this tournament as champions of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022. The North Americans are ranked ninth in the confederation's FIFA rankings and have two MLS titles to their name (2016 and 2019).

Seattle will no doubt be looking to go beyond a token role and make life difficult for the two European powers, as well as Botafogo, the main rivals against whom they can expect to pick up a point or two. Anything less than getting out of the group stage will be a major surprise. So far in the league, they have a total of seven wins, five draws and five defeats to finish fifth in the Western Conference with 26 points.

Squad list

Players to watch

One of the most distinctive players in Seattle is Slovakian forward Albert Rusnak. He is the team's top scorer so far this season with a total of eight goals. In addition, his offensive contribution to the team is crucial. He has also provided three assists. He is the ace up the Rave Green's sleeve and could unblock his team in certain situations.

One of the positive surprises of this team this season is young Obed Vargas. His good ball handling is one of his strong points, being one of the most successful offensive duels (66) and an expert ball-winner (the second most successful in the opponent's half).

On the other hand, Cristian Roldan is one of the favourite players for his coach. He is the player with the most minutes in the team and stands out in defensive duties, especially in attack-defence transitions. The American is very reliable with the ball at his feet, being the player with the most successful passes (1060) and the most successful progressive passes (171).

Coach

Brian Schmetzer is an icon in Seattle. The American coach is now in his tenth season with the Rave Green and has adapted to his team's capabilities as needs have arisen. His Concachampions title in 2019 is his greatest achievement with the team, although he has won as many as 12 others.

The coach has managed a total of 362 games, with a record of 168 wins, 87 draws and 107 defeats. A 46.41% win rate. In keeping with the MLS style, Schmetzer proposes an eye-catching, fast-paced game, with plenty of chances to score. Speed with the ball at his feet is one of the hallmarks of his team, who have already scored 32 times in 21 games so far this season.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

The Seattle Sounders will make their Club World Cup debut against Botafogo on Monday 16 June at Lumen Field in Seattle. It is the first time these two teams will meet and almost the only chance for Brazilians and Americans to score in the group stage.

Matchday 2

The Seattle Sounders will play in the Club World Cup against Atletico Madrid on Friday 20 June at Lumen Field (Seattle). It is the first big test for Brian Schmetzer's side and they are underdogs.

Matchday 3

The Seattle Sounders will play PSG on Monday 23 June at Lumen Field (Seattle). The Americans welcome the reigning Champions League champions in an unprecedented duel against one of the best teams in the world.

Possible starting XI