MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Tobin Heath, a prominent figure in the world of soccer, brings extensive expertise and insight into the game’s impact within the U.S. Having secured NCAA titles at North Carolina, two Olympic gold medals, and two World Cup victories with the U.S. women’s national team, Heath draws inspiration from the influential 1999 Women’s World Cup. Now, she sees the potential for the Club World Cup to have a similar transformative effect on soccer in the United States.
Heath is actively involved with FIFA’s technical study group for the Club World Cup, joining renowned individuals such as former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger and ex-coach of the U.S. men’s national team, Jurgen Klinsmann. Reflecting on a recent match between Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors attended in South Florida, Heath exudes enthusiasm about the vibrant atmosphere created by the packed stadium. “As an American, it was a thrilling experience to witness such passion and energy,” Heath expressed during a FIFA briefing. “The fans were incredible, and I never thought I would see something like this in my own country. The stadium was literally shaking.”
Throughout the tournament, attendance has varied, with some stadiums filled to capacity while others remain sparse. However, as the competition progresses into the knockout rounds, strong matchups lie ahead, promising lively crowds. A notable game features Lionel Messi and Inter Miami facing his former team, Paris Saint-Germain, in Atlanta on Sunday. These pivotal moments contribute to building momentum as the World Cup approaches North America next year, marking a significant milestone for soccer in the region.
Heath sees the tournament as an invaluable opportunity: “This is a fantastic dress rehearsal for us,” she stated. Only one U.S.-based team, Messi’s Inter Miami, advanced to the knockout stage. Despite speculation about the club’s long-term impact on U.S. soccer, Messi’s global influence endures. Renowned Arsenal manager Wenger noted, “Messi may not have the best data of this tournament, but he’s undeniably the most influential player, as Inter Miami wouldn’t have qualified without him.”
The technical study group, led by Heath and her collaborators, evaluates every match, utilizing both live and televised coverage to analyze gameplay and identify the elements of successful teams. Their comprehensive data collection encompasses detailed reports, exceeding 50 pages, examining various metrics from possession recovery to player sprinting intensity during key moments.
Heath expressed her excitement, saying, “This tournament has exceeded my expectations and has heightened my excitement for the upcoming summer. It demonstrates that soccer holds a deeply personal connection in our country, and I can’t wait to witness its continued growth.”
Regarding field conditions, FIFA has committed to improving pitch quality for next year’s World Cup, addressing concerns raised during the current tournament. European clubs have particularly noted issues with fields in Charlotte and Orlando. Wenger assured that adjustments would be made, stating, “I’ve personally inspected the Orlando pitch. It doesn’t meet the standards of European clubs, but improvements will be made for the World Cup next year.” Even MetLife Stadium, set to host the Club World Cup final in two weeks, has drawn attention. Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac commented after a scoreless draw against Fluminense, “The pitch had different turf and grass than we are accustomed to in Europe. It felt softer and not as dry, impacting the ball’s travel speed.”
As anticipation builds for upcoming events, the dedication to preparing for the World Cup is clearly significant.