AFC Toronto concluded their participation in the World Sevens Football tournament with a victory over the Kansas City Current, winning 3-2 in Davie, Florida. Despite this win, two previous defeats meant that the Northern Super League team would not advance to the semifinals of the $5 million US tournament, which marked the inaugural North American edition of the seven-a-side event.
The Bayern Munich women emerged as champions of the tournament, securing a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the final held in Estoril, Portugal, with the winners claiming a share of $2.5 million, including $1 million going to the players.
Each match in the tournament lasts for 30 minutes on a pitch approximately half the size of a standard field, with no offside rule in effect. Teams are allowed to field 16 players per game and make unlimited substitutions during play.
In a standout performance, teenage striker Kaylee Hunter scored two goals and set up Esther Okoronkwo’s decisive goal against the NWSL’s Current. Despite coming close to victory in their previous matches, Toronto suffered defeats against Tigres Femenil and Flamengo.
The tournament also featured teams such as the NWSL’s San Diego Wave, Uruguay’s Nacional, Colombia’s Deportivo Cali, and Mexico’s Club America. Toronto’s invitation to the event followed their success in the NSL regular season, where they finished at the top of the standings.
The competition was characterized by a festive atmosphere, with music playing during matches and players showcasing choreographed introductions and creative goal celebrations. The tournament took place at Beyond Bancard Field at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, the former training camp location of the Miami Dolphins.
The event in Europe earlier in May included prominent clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Ajax, AS Roma, Benfica, and Rosengård. Canadian international Simi Awujo, representing Manchester United, was recognized as the breakout player of the tournament.
The tournament’s co-founder, Jennifer Mackesy, a U.S.-based philanthropist and co-owner of NWSL champion Gotham FC, emphasized the importance of clubs sharing a portion of their prize money with staff and players. The World Sevens Football tournament coincided with the MLS Cup final between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami held nearby at Chase Stadium.