SEATTLE — One of Seattle's most notable sports stars said that soccer fans already committed to the sport are taking their passion to the next level during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Steve Zakuani, the first overall pick in the 2009 SuperDraft and the Sounders’ first draftee of the MLS era, said these matches could be considered the "dress rehearsal" for what fans will experience during the FIFA World Cup 2026 play next summer. Seattle is one of the proud host cities.
"It will be Club World Cup times 10," Zakuani said.
While Zakuani said Seattle has a great soccer fan base, the turnout to matches and events in the Emerald City so far has surprised him in a way he didn't expect.
The Seattle Sounders fell 2-1 to Brazil's Botafogo at Lumen Field on Sunday, June 15, in the opening matchday of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus scored for Botafogo in the first half, while Cristian Roldán reduced the deficit for Seattle in the second.
Then, the Sounders fell to Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid 3-1 on Thursday afternoon. Pablo Barrios and Axel Witzel scored for Atlético, while Albert Rusnák scored the only goal for the Sounders.
The team will conclude the CWC group stage on Monday, June 23, when they face the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, Paris Saint-Germain, at noon at Lumen Field.
"We've done well, but we're facing some really good teams," Zakuani said. "Some of the very best in the world. [Players] got to enjoy it. It's once in a lifetime to play these teams. You have nothing to lose. Hopefully they play a bit more free."
Zakuani said no matter the outcome for the Sounders after this week, playing at this high level is a valuable experience for the squad.
"Hopefully it supercharges you and gives you momentum for the rest of the season," Zakuani said.
Just a week ago, Zakuani was also a part of a world record-breaking moment for Seattle.
Seattle made history on June 15 when Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC, RAVE Foundation, the Seattle 26 FIFA World Cup Local Organizing Committee, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians gathered an unprecedented crowd at Pier 62 to break the Guinness World Record for the largest soccer lesson with 1,038 participants, surpassing the previous record of 956 participants held by the San Jose Earthquakes.
"That's why they call soccer 'the beautiful game,'" Zakuani said. "It brings different cultures and people together to celebrate one thing."