FIFA Club World Cup Faces U.S. Attendance Woes

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, described as a historic moment by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has struggled with low attendance across major U.S. venues despite significant promotion and reduced ticket prices. Large stadiums like MetLife and the Rose Bowl have seen thousands of empty seats, with some matches attracting fewer than 5,300 fans. Factors such as midday kickoffs, summer heat, and unfamiliarity with the tournament have dampened enthusiasm. Critics, including La Liga President Javier Tebas, have questioned the tournament's necessity and sustainability, citing scheduling and player fatigue concerns. While the event offers branding opportunities for global clubs in the U.S., its impact has been muted by competition from other major international sporting events, including the ECS Finland 2025 cricket tournament. The Club World Cup's challenges highlight FIFA's ongoing struggle to establish the event's significance in the American sports market.