When the FIFA Club’s World Cup began in the United States, the world of soccer was promised a sight. Lionel Messi led InterMiami to the field. Legends like Ronaldo, Beckham and Kaka were watching. FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it “the beginning of something historic.” But three days later, the tournament struggles with empty seats, incongruous teams, nasty scheduling and the weight of growing concern from both fans and players.
Messi can’t hide the problem
In the opening match between Inter Miami and Al-Arie in Egypt, there was a decent crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Messi’s presence guaranteed that. However, the match ended with a monotonous 0-0 draw, setting a tone that has not been picked up since.
The tournament began with talent and celebrities, but the cracks in FIFA’s vision quickly became clear. Infantino’s claims against summer schedules, expanded formats and US venues are beginning to backfire.
Players under pressure
The mid-June kickoff has proven cruel under intense heat as early as midday. Many players concluded their long season in Europe, while others had to suspend domestic campaigns. This is a recipe for fatigue.
Global Players Union Fifpro has denounced the tournament for ignoring workload concerns. “This schedule shows a lack of respect for the welfare of players,” they warned. The hot breaks take place during the match, but the physical sacrifice is clear.
A biased match
The actions on the field were no use either. Auckland, a semi-pro team from New Zealand, suffered 10-0 thrashing at Bayern Munich’s hands. For fans who wanted a competitive drama, the results felt more like a training session than a real contest.
Bayern coach Vincent Company even admitted his next match against Boca Junior was a real challenge. For Auckland, facing Benfica and Boca in the same group looks like a punishment, not an opportunity.
Empty seating and strange atmosphere
Perhaps the greatest embarrassment occurred during the Chelsea vs. LAFC clash in Atlanta. The match was held at the massive Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but fewer than 23,000 fans appeared. Two-thirds of the stadium are empty.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca calls the atmosphere “strange.” The fans online weren’t particularly kind, calling it a “hellpaper” and the “embarrassing expressions” of soccer. It’s a harsh word, but there’s no basis for it.
Strict security protocols, including passport checks and police presence, can keep fans apart. Combined with weekday afternoon kickoffs for club supporters and long travel distances, attendance issues were inevitable.
Fun Frustration and World Cup worries
The repulsion has already begun. Football fans are calling for FIFA to pursue profits and PR in place of the soul of the game. The Club World Cup was supposed to preview the success of the 2026 World Cup, but it has become a warning story.
Some fans fear that the same mistake could be carried over to the World Cup. In particular, we fear that matches and logistical challenges will accumulate in the three countries.
What’s next?
Big fixtures are still ahead, like Chelsea vs. Flamengo in Philadelphia. Brazilian fans are known for traveling by numbers, and FIFA hopes they will bring life to the stadium.
However, the problem runs deeper than in one match day. From player welfare to balance and fan experience, the 2025 Club World Cup has struggled to meet the bill.
And unless FIFA can change the tide quickly, this historic event may go down as a historic failure.
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