FIFA legend Luis Hernández says Latinos will support the 2025 Club World Cup

Luis Hernández, former LA Galaxy team player and México's all-time leading FIFA World Cup goal scorer, gives us some thoughts and insights about the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

This summer, sports fans in 11 cities, including Los Angeles and Pasadena and across the United States, can experience 32 of the world's best soccer clubs, including Monterrey, Pachuca, Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, in action during the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.

From June 14 to July 13, the world’s top club teams will battle it out in 63 action-packed matches for a shot at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup trophy. Making it the ultimate showdown—like the FIFA World Cup, but this time it’s clubs going head-to-head for global glory.

Hernández, who is also known as “El Matador,” spoke about the sentiment behind the tournament being hosted in the United States for the very first time, adding that even though it's only been a few years since soccer has been evolving, he believes it's going to be a wonderful tournament, as the conditions feel right. 

“Great teams from all over the world are going to participate. The fans are going to fill every stadium, I'm sure of that, and well, all that's left for us to do is enjoy it,” he said.

Hernández also shared that if it were up to him to play in the upcoming Club World Cup under the current format, he would have played with anyone given the opportunity, but ultimately he would lean toward playing with a Mexican team that represents him and his culture. Hernández played for Mexico in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

The FIFA legend told CALÓ News that being in Los Angeles feels great—and even more so because the city’s strong Mexican and Latino community makes him feel right at home. He also expressed that a common denominator shared with U.S. soccer and the tournament that is approaching is the support that all soccer teams will receive from Latinos and people who are truly passionate about soccer.

Hernández also said that support will be provided to both Major League Soccer teams and Mexican teams. “All Latinos are going to support or are always supporting our national team when they play, in this case, important players like Messi, incredible and very powerful teams,” he said. “I have no doubt that the Latin American fans will be hooked and will respond because it's like a great menu of movies or food or wonderful things that fans can't miss.”

Just as the tournament is around the corner, Hernández wants everyone to enjoy themselves as they keep up with the matches and support their teams. “It's an opportunity for all the teams in the world to showcase what they have in their leagues, to show that, and to set an example of great football, and we're privileged to be able to share it in the upcoming months of June and July,” he said.

To learn more about the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, including schedules and ticket information, visit FIFA.com. Fans can also apply to be in the FIFA Volunteer program, which provides opportunities for people to volunteer and contribute to hosting a successful inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, at FIFA.com/Volunteer.