FIFA Club World Cup Faces Challenges in US

The FIFA Club World Cup is struggling to generate excitement in the US, with low ticket demand and price drops. Will it be a successful dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup is just a week away, but excitement is lacking in the United States. A recent visit to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the final and eight other matches, revealed a lack of preparation and activity related to the competition. In contrast, The Weeknd's concert at the same venue sold out, drawing more attention than the FIFA event.

Lack of Preparation and Interest

MetLife Stadium seems unprepared for the tournament, with no visible structures or teams working on preparations. The stark contrast between the FIFA Club World Cup's lackluster presence and The Weeknd's sold-out concert highlights the tournament's struggle to generate buzz.

Ticket Sales and Demand

Low demand for the opening match between Inter Miami and Al-Ahly of Egypt has led to a significant drop in ticket prices, with some reports suggesting a nearly 50% decrease. This lack of interest is concerning for the tournament's success.

Tickets for the Palmeiras vs Porto match, scheduled for MetLife Stadium, initially started at around $350. However, prices have significantly dropped, with tickets now available for under $60. This drastic reduction highlights the lack of interest in the match.

Eyes on the prize. 🏆 #TakeItToTheWorld | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/qqqhMrvbES

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 1, 2025

The match coincides with Father's Day in the United States, which might further affect attendance. The combination of low demand and the holiday could make it a challenging day for the tournament to attract a large audience.

The opening match between Inter Miami and Al-Ahly has seen a significant drop in ticket prices, with reports suggesting a nearly 50% decrease due to low demand. Despite initial interest, ticket sales seem to have slowed down, with around 20,000 tickets reportedly sold for the match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

Final Match Tickets Also Affected

Even the final match isn't immune to the lack of interest. Tickets initially priced at $890 are now available for $300, a substantial reduction. This price drop highlights the challenges the tournament is facing in generating excitement among fans.

Refund Initiative by FIFA

Due to the significant drop in ticket prices, FIFA has taken steps to address the issue. The organization recently sent an email to fans who purchased high-priced tickets, providing instructions on how to request refunds. This move aims to compensate those who may feel affected by the price reduction.

Preparations for the 2026 World Cup

MetLife Stadium employees know about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup but are more focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is expected to undergo significant preparations starting in January, including a potential closure for a few months to meet FIFA's requirements, particularly for the pitch. This suggests the Club World Cup is seen as a precursor to the bigger event.

2026 World Cup Fever Already Building

The FIFA Club World Cup may be a precursor to the 2026 World Cup, but local businesses are already shifting their focus to next year's big event. Communities are planning ahead to capitalize on the opportunities the World Cup will bring. MetLife Stadium's surroundings are expected to transform into vibrant fan zones with multiple activations, creating a Super Bowl-like experience. “Our structure will be like a Super Bowl per game,” a MetLife employee reveals, highlighting the ambitious plans for the 2026 tournament.

Why MLS Stadiums Aren't Hosting

Despite sluggish demand, many wonder why FIFA didn't choose MLS stadiums for the Club World Cup. However, scheduling conflicts arise as the MLS season won't be paused, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup will be held simultaneously in the US, with most matches taking place on the West Coast and in Vancouver, Canada.

Testing the Waters for 2026

The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup poses significant challenges for FIFA. One key test is gauging US interest in football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, the tournament serves as a crucial dress rehearsal, with stadiums featuring regulation-sized pitches and natural grass, a departure from last year's Copa America.

The future of the Club World Cup remains uncertain, with critics arguing it adds unnecessary strain to an already packed football calendar, potentially harming athletes with increased risk of serious injuries. Its sustainability and format may be reevaluated based on this year's outcomes.