The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has been a spectacle of top-tier soccer, but it has also highlighted significant disparities in fan attendance across matches. While some games have drawn massive crowds, others have struggled to fill stadiums, raising questions about fan engagement and scheduling.

Highs and Lows in Attendance

• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid: This match saw an impressive turnout of 80,619 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, showcasing the global appeal of these clubs.
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Ulsan HD: In stark contrast, only 3,412 fans attended this game at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, making it the lowest-attended match of the tournament so far.

Factors Influencing Turnout

Several factors have contributed to the varying attendance figures:

1. Time Zones and Scheduling: Matches held at inconvenient times, such as Chelsea's 3:00 p.m. local kickoff against LAFC, resulted in a turnout of only 22,137 fans in a stadium that can hold 71,000.
2. Weather Conditions: The Sundowns vs. Ulsan HD match was delayed by over an hour due to adverse weather, which likely affected attendance.
3. Fan Base and Travel: Clubs with strong traveling fan bases, like Boca Juniors, managed to draw 55,574 spectators for their match against Benfica.

Future Expectations

With powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus still set to play in the group stage, attendance figures are expected to rise. However, the current disparity underscores the challenges of maintaining consistent fan interest across all matches in an expanded tournament format.

Conclusion

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling soccer action, but the fluctuating attendance figures highlight the need for strategic scheduling and enhanced fan engagement initiatives to ensure the tournament's success.