FIFA Club World Cup Sells 1.5 Million Tickets Amid Sparse US Attendance

The FIFA Club World Cup in the United States has experienced mixed attendance figures, with some matches drawing huge crowds, such as over 80,000 for Paris Saint-Germain's game and around 60,000 for Inter Miami, while others suffered from notably low turnouts, including just 3,412 fans for a match in Orlando. FIFA has defended the ticket sales, reporting nearly 1.5 million tickets sold and emphasizing the tournament's global appeal despite many stadiums being far from full, particularly during weekday games. Critics, including former players and league officials, have called the competition "absurd" or "pointless," questioning its prestige and value to top clubs and players, while concerns persist over player fatigue and scheduling conflicts. Additionally, the tournament has faced challenges with public perception in the U.S., exacerbated by law enforcement agencies' visible security presence, which reportedly dampened ticket sales after Customs and Border Protection announced their deployment at matches. FIFA officials remain optimistic about upcoming high-profile games, expecting increased attendance, especially for marquee teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Overall, the tournament seeks to build momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite legal opposition and fan skepticism.