Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener against LAFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta drew criticism for its sparse attendance.
Tens of thousands of seats remained empty during the 2-0 Chelsea victory.
The 3 PM Monday kickoff time likely contributed to the low turnout of 22,137, a significant portion of the stadium’s 71,000 capacity (the top tier was closed).
While FIFA anticipated approximately 26,000 attendees, the lower and middle tiers showed substantial vacancies, despite some sections appearing fuller.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the unusual atmosphere, stating the team had to adapt to the less-than-full stadium.
Ticket prices ranged from approximately £37 pre-match to £26 during the game, with numerous seats available across various sections.
The geographical distance between Atlanta and Los Angeles (over 2,000 miles), coupled with LAFC’s late entry as a replacement team, likely impacted attendance.
Despite the low overall numbers, LAFC’s 150 ultras created a noticeable presence, outpacing the comparatively subdued Chelsea fan support, whose enthusiasm largely centered on goals, player debuts, and refereeing decisions.
This expanded Club World Cup serves as a trial run for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, though the current tournament is exclusively played in the US.
The low attendance raises concerns about the tournament’s appeal, especially given the weekday scheduling of multiple games.
Club World Cup: Sparse Attendance Raises Questions
The underwhelming ticket sales and weekday scheduling have fueled debate about the tournament’s popularity, contrasting with Chelsea’s near sell-out in Atlanta two years prior during a friendly event.
The stadium’s usual high attendance for Atlanta United MLS matches and national team games highlights the contrast.
Experts offer varying perspectives on the low turnout. Doug Roberson points to the weekday timing and the tournament’s novelty, suggesting that the upcoming World Cup may divert fan interest and resources.
Jonathan Tannenwald criticizes FIFA’s marketing efforts and the lack of a dedicated local organizing committee, arguing that insufficient promotion hindered ticket sales.
Phil McNulty highlights the empty stadium as an early setback for FIFA, suggesting that pricing and scheduling need reassessment for future events.
LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo notes varying attendance levels across different matches, suggesting that specific factors unique to this game contributed.
Reports suggest promotional ticket deals, alongside dynamic pricing, affected sales. While some matches drew larger crowds, including the opener and PSG’s game, many games continue to have thousands of unsold tickets.
Despite the overall low attendance at some games, a significant number of tickets were sold internationally, with the UK ranking 11th overall.
Fan Comments: A range of opinions highlight the varied perspectives on the tournament, questioning the format’s appeal, its sustainability, and the motives driving its creation.
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