With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ set to kick off this week in the United States, attention has shifted from the pitch to the stands, as slow ticket sales have stirred concern—particularly for key matches including the tournament opener and Real Madrid’s debut.
Despite the sluggish demand, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains optimistic. Speaking at a recent event in Miami, Infantino dismissed worries over unsold tickets and instead pointed to the organization’s use of dynamic pricing as a strategic move rather than a signal of poor interest.
“One of the best things I’ve learned here in the United States is the concept of dynamic pricing. I knew nothing about it, but it means prices can go up or down,” Infantino said.
As an example, he noted how tickets for the opening match between Al Ahly and Inter Miami were originally priced at $349 in December but have since dropped to just $55. The price cut—up to 84% in some cases—is part of a flexible pricing model that adjusts based on demand, a strategy common in U.S. sports and entertainment markets.
FIFA has emphasized that this approach is not a reaction to weak sales but a way to increase accessibility. “You never really know what will happen with a new project, but the key is to make the experience accessible and enjoyable for the fans,” Infantino said. He added that dynamic pricing allows more people the opportunity to attend.
Still, ticket sales remain underwhelming. Thousands of seats are unsold for the opener featuring Inter Miami, which includes global stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Additionally, over 4,500 tickets are still available for the high-profile June 18 clash between Real Madrid and Al Hilal.
Even in Miami—one of the tournament’s main host cities—ticket demand has not met expectations. This has raised broader questions about the Club World Cup’s resonance with American soccer fans.
FIFA maintains that these early numbers are part of the growing pains of launching a major global event in a new format and market. The organization is confident that the accessibility of ticket prices and the presence of world-class talent will help attract fans as the tournament progresses.
