Tom Penn, CEO of San Diego FC, has hailed the 2026 World Cup as a game-changer for American soccer, exceeding every expectation.
The tournament's impact on the sport in the United States has been significant, with Penn citing the excitement generated as a major opportunity for MLS clubs to convert World Cup fans into lifelong supporters.
Penn, who has previously been involved in building LAFC from scratch, believes that live sports are immune to the impact of AI, which has significant implications for broadcast rights.
In an interview with Front Office Sports, Penn discussed the importance of youth soccer in developing the sport in the US. He highlighted San Diego FC's cross-border youth academy and its partnership with Right to Dream as key initiatives in this area.
The academy, which operates on both sides of the US-Mexico border, aims to identify and develop young talent, providing a pathway for players to progress to the first team.
Penn's experience in building two MLS clubs from scratch, LAFC and now San Diego FC, has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sport in the US.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Penn's focus will be on harnessing the excitement generated by the tournament to drive growth and engagement for San Diego FC and the wider MLS.
With the World Cup set to kick off in 2026, Penn's comments will be closely watched by fans and observers alike, eager to see how the tournament will impact the sport in the US.
The success of the World Cup in the US will depend on the ability of MLS clubs to convert the excitement generated into lasting support, and Penn's initiatives at San Diego FC will be an important part of this effort.
As the sport continues to grow in the US, Penn's experience and expertise will be invaluable in shaping its future.
Source: Yahoo Sports