The 49-year-old, who has been building an MLS club in St. Louis for more than two years, told the German press agency, the tournament could be “almost like in Germany”. «According to the motto: Welcome friends. And there’s something for everyone.”

The 1994 World Cup was already well organized in the United States, “but since then football has gained a lot more importance here”. He feels great gaiety all around him. “ST. St. Louis is an absolutely football-crazy town. Our home games will be sold out by 2025,” says Pfannenstiel. “But you can also see in many other areas of the states that the sport is booming endlessly. Whether it’s infrastructure, stadiums or academies – a lot is happening everywhere. Also, but not only in relation to the World Cup. American Football is changing its whole face right now.”

There is still some catching up to do in the league (MLS). “But soccer is the fastest growing sport in America,” says the former goalkeeper, who played in several countries during his career: “And MLS is the fastest growing professional league. It is no longer just aging professionals who Come for a final contract like Bastian Schweinsteiger or Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

Can USA also be title contenders in three and a half years? “If they put the squad together and train three or four good guys, especially in defence, they will definitely be more than just competitive,” Pfannenstiel says. “But at least no one is openly talking about the title. And it’s not realistic either. Not now.” The 2026 World Cup should only be an intermediate goal. “If the American sets his mind to something, he will do it. Sure, always optimistic-critical and positively aggressive.”