Over 1 Million Empty Seats at Club World Cup: What’s Next for the Knockout Rounds?

After an empty stadium group stage, the Club World Cup is entering its knockout rounds. The atmosphere might soon feel like a Champions League event.

In the round of 16, we have nine European teams, alongside four from Brazil, plus representatives from Major League Soccer, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.

Attendance during the group matches was disappointing, with only 56.7% of the seats filled. This included games with barely over 3,000 fans in Orlando and slightly more in Cincinnati. FIFA hasn’t disclosed specific capacity numbers, which has led to questions about the event’s popularity. Overall, 1.67 million tickets were sold out of a possible 2.95 million, averaging about 34,746 fans per match.

In East Rutherford, New Jersey, just over 44% of seats were filled for some matches, while the Rose Bowl in California reached 50%. In Miami, the figure was better at 81.8%. This uneven turnout raises questions about the hype surrounding the tournament, especially as FIFA claims there’s strong global interest.

In terms of viewership, 12 games aired on TNT, TBS, and truTV, drawing an average of 360,000 viewers.

As the quarterfinals approach, seven of the eight spots could go to European clubs. This weekend’s matchups include a notable clash between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain, featuring Lionel Messi. The European teams have historically dominated this tournament, winning 16 out of the 17 editions since it began.

Next year’s World Cup will be larger, with 104 matches instead of the usual 64. This increase could strain stadium resources, highlighted by five weather delays during the group stage and high temperatures. Luckily, several venues have climate control systems in place.

Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid, considered one of the best players today, has been sidelined due to health issues. His absence has been noticeable, especially given his impact on matches. Real Madrid’s coach expressed the team’s need for him back on the field.

In contrast, Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s success, scoring critical goals and showcasing his skills. Their upcoming match against PSG will be a highlight, as he faces his former team.

Brazilian clubs have made a solid showing, with all four advancing to the knockout rounds. Botafogo’s recent victory over PSG adds excitement, as Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense also progress.

As this tournament unfolds, it represents the ongoing rivalry between clubs from different continents and highlights the evolution of global football. You can stay updated on the latest soccer news through reliable sources like AP Sports.

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