FIFA’s updated Club World Cup was supposed to be a big draw, with global teams and star-studded lineups. But if you’ve been watching the games, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: a lot of empty seats. From Atlanta to Seattle, stadiums are showing off way too much concrete, raising real concerns about whether this tournament is actually catching on.

Crowd Sizes: Some Hits, Some Misses

Let’s look at the turnout so far. Some matches pulled strong crowds:

• Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium had 60,927 fans (93% full).
• PSG vs. Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl brought in 80,619 (90% capacity).

Not bad at all. It proves that big teams with well-known players still bring people in—especially when ticket prices are fair and fans are willing to travel.

But then there were some real letdowns:

• Chelsea vs. LAFC in Atlanta drew just 22,137 to Mercedes-Benz Stadium—only 32% full.
• Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders didn’t do much better at Lumen Field, hitting just 44% capacity.
• Flamengo vs. ES Tunis brought in 25,797 fans in Philadelphia, which is only 38% full.

Why Aren’t Fans Showing Up?

A few things are working against this tournament:

1. Ticket Prices Are Too High

For some early games, tickets started at over $50—even in cities where the local interest in the teams was low. That’s a tough sell for what many see as glorified friendlies.

2. Lack of Local Promotion

FIFA spent more than $50 million on marketing, mostly online and through influencers. But in the host cities, the tournament didn’t feel like a big deal. Hardly any posters or billboards. Most of the noise came from international fans, not locals.

3. Bad Timing

Games scheduled on Monday nights or during weekday rush hour didn’t help. Kickoff times often favored fans overseas—an 8 p.m. BST start might work for folks in London, but it’s not great for people in Atlanta dealing with traffic after work.

4. Weather and Transit Issues

Hot summer nights, limited public transportation, and tough traffic made getting to the stadium a hassle. That’s a real problem in cities like Atlanta and Philly.

By the Numbers: A Closer Look at Attendance

Some games filled most of the stadium, while others were less than half full. That kind of inconsistency is what’s bothering FIFA.

Loud Fans, Quiet Stands

Even with low turnout, a few fanbases brought serious energy. Palmeiras fans in New Jersey made it feel like a packed house. Flamengo supporters in Philly did the same. The sound was there, but those wide TV shots showing rows of empty seats killed the vibe.

What Needs to Change Before the 2026 World Cup

This tournament is kind of a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Five of the stadiums being used now will also host World Cup games. That means these attendance issues are more than just a PR problem, they’re a warning sign.

Here’s what FIFA needs to think about:

• Lower ticket prices for early round games or smaller matchups.
• Focus more on local advertising, not just global online campaigns.
• Set game times that make sense for local fans.
• Help cities with better transit options and easier stadium access.

Can the Club World Cup Still Succeed?

The concept has potential. Seeing top clubs from every continent face off is exciting. But if FIFA wants this to work in the U.S., they need more than just big names—they need local fans to care.

The matches themselves have been good, and the broadcast quality is top-notch. But if the stands are empty, it starts to feel like the tournament is more for TV than for actual supporters.