EAST RUTHERFORD — Nearly 1.5 million tickets have been sold for the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which kicked off last weekend across the United States, the global football body confirmed on June 17.
According to FIFA, fans from more than 130 countries have purchased tickets for the tournament, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
The opening match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 14 drew over 60,000 spectators. The game featured Inter Miami and its star forward, Argentinian legend Lionel Messi. The following day, about 80,000 fans packed the Rose Bowl to see Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain crush Atletico Madrid 4-0.
However, not all matches have seen such high attendance. A goalless draw between Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense on June 17 was played in front of a half-empty MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kickoff scheduled around midday.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, also noted the low turnout at their match against Los Angeles FC on June 16. The game, held at the 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, attracted just over 22,000 fans.
“The stadium was almost empty,” said the Italian coach. “We prepared for this game knowing the atmosphere would be different. But we’re confident the next one against Flamengo will be special. Brazilian teams always bring many fans.”
Despite some uneven crowd sizes, FIFA has emphasized the overall success of ticket sales and the broader vision of the tournament.
“This is exactly what the FIFA Club World Cup was created for—a world-class stage where new stories unfold, new heroes emerge, and club football fans feel part of something bigger,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
The revamped Club World Cup is intended to generate excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA hopes the tournament will capture the attention of American audiences, many of whom are still warming up to the global game.
Still, concerns linger following a disappointing Copa America earlier in 2024. That tournament suffered from poor pitch conditions, low attendance, and ended in controversy with security issues at the final in Miami.
