Chelsea Defeats LAFC in Club World Cup with Sparse Atlanta Crowd

The FIFA Club World Cup match between Chelsea and LAFC on June 16, 2025, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium drew a disappointing crowd of just over 22,000 in a venue that can hold 71,000, highlighting ongoing challenges for the tournament's popularity in the U.S. The low attendance was attributed to factors such as the 3 p.m. Monday kickoff time catering to UK viewers, ticket prices, and general lack of awareness or interest, despite the presence of passionate LAFC ultras who provided vocal support. Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, and new signing Liam Delap made a notable debut. The sparse crowd contrasted sharply with the stronger turnouts seen in other matches, such as Inter Miami's 60,000+ fans and PSG's 80,000+ at the Rose Bowl, underscoring the uneven appeal of the tournament. Critics and media outlets described the low turnout as an embarrassing setback for FIFA, especially given the organization's significant marketing investment exceeding $50 million, including social media campaigns. The match's lackluster atmosphere and empty seats raised questions about scheduling decisions and the Club World Cup's ability to engage North American fans effectively.