FIFA billed the 2025 Club World Cup as football’s most extraordinary club event: 32 teams, a $2.5 billion prize pool, and global giants clashing in a US summer spectacle. It promised blockbuster action, but reality disappoints like a hyped film flopping on opening weekend. Reports show that 40% of opening match tickets are unsold, starkly contrasting with FIFA’s sold-out vision. Even Inter Miami’s star power fails to draw, with their key match against Al Ahly plagued by empty seats. The anticipated excitement hasn’t materialized, fans wanted an event to cheer about and maybe put a little fun money for casual bets using things like shangri la bonuses, but they were left shrugging.
Five Reasons Fans Are Saying “No”
Why aren’t fans attending? Five hurdles for the 2025 Club World Cup:
- Schedule Overload. Sandwiched between Euro 2024, 2026 WC qualifiers, Nations League, and Gold Cup, it’s simply too much football too fast.
- Absurd Pricing. $140+ tickets for group games ($50 for MLS) feel like a wallet punch, especially with rising costs.
- Meaningless Format. Mismatches feel like pre-season friendlies, not high-stakes games.
- Star Fatigue. There’s a rumor that some stars may limit their participation due to fatigue, dimming the tournament’s appeal.
- No Stakes. Even Champions League winners seem indifferent. If top clubs don’t care, why should fans?
These issues stack up like a losing streak. Fans want value and meaning, not a forced, bloated event.
The American Misfire
Hosting in the U.S. seemed a slam dunk, but FIFA fumbled badly. Choosing tourist hubs like New York and Los Angeles over soccer-passionate cities like Portland or Kansas City ignored the true fanbase, making it feel like hosting the Super Bowl without a local team: all flash and no soul.
Further alienating local fans were awkward kickoff times, like 12 p.m. ET for games featuring Asian or African teams, rather than prime-time slots. This corporate focus and scheduling misstep created a Grand Canyon-wide disconnect between FIFA’s plan and what U.S. fans actually want.
FIFA’s Tone-Deaf Response
FIFA’s response to poor ticket sales has baffled. Instead of addressing issues, they’ve said that fans don’t yet understand the vision. Their solution? Desperate discount codes, cutting prices by up to 84%, resemble a clearance sale for unwanted goods.
The core problem is the lack of an emotional hook. Unlike the history-rich Champions League or the pride-filled World Cup, this event feels like an unasked-for “Super League Lite” corporate experiment. FIFA is banking on prestige, but without a resonant story, they’re shouting into the void.
How to Fix It
Can this ship be turned around? Maybe, but it’ll take more than quick fixes. Here’s what could spark some life into the 2025 Club World Cup:
- Cut Prices. Cap group-stage tickets at $50. Affordable seats worked for baseball’s resurgence in the ‘90s, pulling fans back to struggling teams. Football could use the same playbook.
- Engage Locals. Partner with grassroots clubs, not just hotel chains or big sponsors. Think small league tailgates or watch parties with local teams. Build a community, not a tourist trap.
- Simplify the Calendar. Shift the tournament to odd years, away from the Euros and World Cup cycles. Give it breathing room, like a classic TV rerun that finds new fans in a quiet season.
These ideas aren’t rocket science, but they demand that FIFA listen, not dictate. Think of a struggling sports franchise rebuilding its fan base, block by block, through outreach and heart. That’s the vibe this tournament needs.
Wrapping Up
The 2025 Club World Cup, intended as a global football celebration, falters with empty seats signaling broken promises. Fans reject the hype, alienated by excessive games, steep prices, and a soulless event. Hosting in the U.S. was a missed opportunity, undermined by poor city choices and corporate focus. FIFA’s response has been ineffective.
While time remains for bold changes, current signs are worrying: lagging ticket sales and frustrated fan chatter online show little buzz exists. The tournament isn’t doomed but faces a steep climb to win back supporters.
