This weekend, the FIFA Club World Cup descends on Seattle.This isn’t the big tournament that pits national teams against each other that’s coming in 2026.

Instead, this tournament features club teams from around the world. Spectators in Seattle will be able to see storied squads take the pitch throughout June. 

For clubs, there is big money at stake but the majority of that money, at least when it comes to Major League Soccer, is set to go to the clubs’ owners. 

U.S. players, including ones with the Seattle Sounders, won’t see much of it. So players have been speaking out about, what they call, a cash grab. U.S. fans of the beautiful game are now following an ugly contract dispute. 

Guest:

Pablo Mauer, staff writer at the Athletic

Relevant Links:

The Athletic: Sounders protest MLS’ Club World Cup player payout cap, backed by MLSPA

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

This weekend, the FIFA&nbsp;Club World Cup descends on Seattle.This isn&rsquo;t the big tournament that pits national teams against each other that&rsquo;s coming in 2026.
Instead, this tournament features club teams from around the world. Spectators in Seattle will be able to see storied squads take the pitch throughout June.&nbsp;
For clubs, there is big money at stake but the majority of that money, at least when it comes to Major League Soccer, is set to go to the clubs&rsquo; owners.&nbsp; U.S. players, including ones with the Seattle Sounders, won&rsquo;t see much of it. So players have been speaking out about, what they call, a cash grab. U.S. fans of the beautiful game are now following an ugly contract dispute.&nbsp;
Guest:
Pablo Mauer, staff writer at the Athletic
Relevant Links:
The Athletic: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6396585/2025/06/01/seattle-sounders-players-protest-club-world-cup-bonus-money-mls-mlspa/">Sounders protest MLS&rsquo; Club World Cup player payout cap, backed by MLSPA</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

Soundside

U.S. fans of the beautiful game are now following an ugly contract dispute.

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