USA’s World Cup Journey: A Rocky Start with Few Fans and No Kings

This past weekend was a notable one for soccer fans as two major events unfolded in the U.S. The Club World Cup kicked off in Miami while Donald Trump’s military parade rolled through Washington, D.C. The contrast was striking. Trump’s event had a disappointing turnout, while the soccer festivities promised to be grand, although they didn’t quite meet expectations.

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, had claimed that the opening match would be sold out. However, only about 60,000 fans attended the game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly in a stadium that can hold over 64,000. To put this into perspective, tickets once listed at $349 dropped to just $4 in a desperate bid to attract more fans.

Despite the high hopes, the atmosphere felt flat. Even with the media and analysts pushing excitement, the turnout didn’t match the hype. The vibe was more lackluster than vibrant.

On Sunday, the U.S. men’s national team crushed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in the Gold Cup opener. While the victory was sweet, the attendance wasn’t. Only about 12,610 fans showed up at the 18,000-seat PayPal Park in San Jose. This trend of low turnout continued, even in major markets. For instance, Mexico’s game against the Dominican Republic in Los Angeles attracted just over 54,000 people at the SoFi Stadium, which can hold more than 70,000.

Interestingly, attendance issues didn’t seem tied to competing events; many matches were held in different cities. Ticket prices have traditionally been high, and that may have played a role. When the U.S. submitted its World Cup bid eight years ago, they projected average ticket prices of $305. Such prices can deter casual fans, making stadiums feel empty.

Yet, there were moments of triumph. Messi showcased his talents, keeping fans engaged even if the scores didn’t always reflect excitement. Brief glimpses of brilliance, like Ustari’s saves and Messi’s near-goal, reminded fans why they love the game despite the circumstances.

In the end, this weekend served as a reminder: while major soccer events may be crafted for profit, the love for the game keeps fans coming back.

For further insights into the soccer landscape, check out the latest reports on FIFA and follow current events in the sport.

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