FIFA has drastically reduced ticket prices for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, sparking concerns over a lack of fan enthusiasm for the expanded tournament. The cost of attending key matches has been slashed by as much as $385 (₹33,495), with FIFA introducing a new ‘value tier’ to make tickets more affordable.
The governing body insists this is not a discount but a move to reward the loyalty of traveling supporters. However, the sluggish pace of ticket sales, with large sections of seats still available, raises doubts about the tournament’s appeal.
Huge Reductions in Ticket Costs
Initially, the cheapest semi-final tickets for fans of participating clubs were set at an astonishing $526 (₹45,862). These have now been reduced to $140 (₹12,180), making them significantly more affordable.
Similarly, final match tickets, which were originally priced at a staggering $892 (₹77,604), have now been lowered to $300 (₹26,100). This price cut represents a substantial drop, making the event more accessible to football fans worldwide.
Struggles to Fill Stadiums
Despite FIFA’s attempt to encourage attendance, ticket sales remain sluggish. The opening match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al-Ahly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium still has at least 17 sections with more than 100 unsold seats.
The situation is similar for Chelsea’s fixture against Mexico’s Club Leon in Atlanta, where the upper tier remains largely available. Manchester City’s clash with Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia also has widespread ticket availability, highlighting the lack of immediate demand for the tournament.
For the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, 27 sections still have over 100 unsold seats, and both semi-finals at the same venue are seeing similar struggles in filling stands.
Expanded Format Raises Questions
The 2025 Club World Cup has undergone a controversial expansion, growing from seven teams to 32. Traditionally, the tournament only featured the Champions League winner, but now, 12 European clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, will participate.
While the expansion brings more elite teams into the fold, critics argue it increases player workload and disrupts domestic seasons. The Premier League has already made it clear that Chelsea and Manchester City will not be granted a delayed start to the 2025/26 season despite their participation.
Prize Money and TV Deals Keep Clubs Interested
Despite the scheduling concerns, the tournament’s lucrative financial incentives have kept clubs engaged. FIFA has secured a $1 billion (₹87 billion) broadcast deal with DAZN, and as previously reported, English clubs could earn up to £60 million (₹5.22 billion) from the competition.
Additionally, there are talks of Saudi Arabia investing in the streaming platform, potentially increasing the tournament’s financial appeal.
While FIFA’s drastic price cuts may make tickets more affordable, the lack of fan interest remains a significant concern. The expanded format, scheduling conflicts, and overall enthusiasm for the competition will be under scrutiny as the Club World Cup approaches. Whether these reductions will translate into packed stadiums remains to be seen.
