Palmeiras fans light up Times Square — but you still can’t watch them easily in the U.S.

I’m honestly fed up with how complicated and limiting it is to watch soccer in the U.S. Every match feels like a scavenger hunt. One game’s on Paramount+, the next is on Peacock, then ESPN+, TNT, and now—DAZN? Seriously?

Today I was excited to watch Palmeiras vs Porto—two elite clubs from different continents, meeting in a rare, meaningful matchup. It’s the kind of game that should be marketed heavily, especially during a tournament like the Club World Cup that’s trying to gain relevance.

But nope. No major broadcast. Instead, it’s tucked behind a $14/month DAZN paywall—or a glitchy ad-supported stream that looks like it was coded in a rush.

Meanwhile, PSG vs Atlético Madrid—a match that felt like a preseason jog with zero urgency—got prime coverage. Because big brands = visibility, even when the games are duds.

🗣️
It’s not just annoying—it’s telling. We say soccer is the global game, but in the U.S., “global” seems to mean “Premier League, Champions, failing MLS, or Messi.” Everyone else? Good luck.

These Are Not “Small Teams”

Let’s be clear:

  • Palmeiras is a South American giant with millions of fans, and just went viral for taking over Times Square.
  • Porto produces European talent like it’s a factory and plays in the Champions League nearly every year.

And then there’s Botafogo—the reigning Libertadores champions, a historic club full of chaos and storylines.

Their match against Seattle Sounders should’ve been a prime-time feature. The drama was excellent.

  • Botafogo dominated early, pressing hard, confident, sharp.
  • You could see the difference in quality, even though the stadium looked half-empty.
  • But Seattle, a mid-table MLS side, fought back with grit. They got a goal, gained confidence, and the match flipped.
  • The last stretch had legit intensity, with Seattle pushing hard and Botafogo hanging on.

It was raw, dramatic, and fun. But again—almost no one saw it. Why?

This isn’t some obscure third-tier matchup. This is exactly the kind of clash that grows the sport—different styles, different cultures, real stakes.

I can’t even find an English tweet celebrating the game. Many people stayed up late to watch this game but most Americans won’t even know about it

The Real Problem: Coverage by Convenience

Commentary is often mailed in. Promotion is shallow. And when teams outside the usual European orbit get attention, it’s because they signed someone famous—not because they’re good.

This Club World Cup should be a global showcase. Instead, it’s being covered like a preseason tournament unless you’re an English club or a Messi affiliate.

The message is clear: if your club isn’t “famous” in Europe, you’re not worth airtime.

Let’s Hope That Changes

The tournament just started, there’s still time for someone—anyone—to step up and give these teams the spotlight they deserve. Not just Palmeiras and Porto, but Flamengo, Al Ahly, Monterrey, Urawa, and the rest.

Let’s see if the American and European media finally wake up and cover these teams properly—during this tournament, and well after it’s over.