Empty Seats and Billion-Dollar Dreams: FIFA’s Club World Cup Hits Turbulence in the U.S

The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup is well and truly underway in the United States however fears continue to mount with the constant delays and conditions for hosting the FIFA men’s World Cup next summer.

The FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been busy over the last few years rebranding a widely unfamiliar tournament and on the surface branding it as a global showpiece however, below the tip of the iceberg financial gains would have been a key contributor to the tournament’s adjustments.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 25: Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, reacts prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group F match between Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan HD FC at TQL Stadium on June 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Football is a global game, but the “Americanisation” of the sport throughout the tournament has become incredibly awkward to see: Players walking out individually, elaborate shows- all of this in stadiums that have empty seats and since the start of the tournament- over one million have been vacant.

On a football level, clubs have the opportunity to gain from a $1billion prize pool. Oceanic representative Auckland City FC have made headlines for the only semi-professional side competing in the tournament and despite this they gained a point on the final group stage affair against Argentinian side Boca Juniors- Both of whom headed home at the first round.

Despite the expensive seats and the cost of the United States, DZAN provides a free view to watch all the games from your own home, therefore providing exposure to clubs who get rarely seen in European eyes.

There is no doubt that this tournament so far has been interesting, you have world class players going head to head but it’s been spoiled by greed and without a blueprint of accommodating fans from the competing nations.

We have seen player and manager burnouts after busy seasons and with the Men’s World Cup next summer in the States the delays of matches must be taken into account as weather conditions have caused a stir so far.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 28: Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, reacts as he speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the team’s victory in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Justin Setterfield – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)