Chelsea commenced their FIFA Club World Cup journey with a match against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, but the event was marked by a notably low turnout. The game, scheduled for 3 PM on a Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw the top tier completely closed and the lower tiers far from full.

Stadium Capacity and Attendance: The stadium, capable of hosting 75,000 spectators, was expected to draw around 26,000 fans, as per FIFA's estimates. However, the actual attendance at kick-off appeared significantly lower. The middle tier was mostly occupied, but the larger bottom tier was more than half empty.

Ticket Pricing and Fan Engagement: The cheapest ticket was priced at approximately £37, which might have contributed to the low turnout. Additionally, the match was held on a weekday, potentially affecting attendance. This scenario contrasts sharply with Chelsea's previous visit to the stadium two years ago, where they nearly sold out for a friendly tournament against Newcastle, attracting over 70,000 fans.

Geographical and Fan Dynamics: Los Angeles FC, based over 2,000 miles away from Atlanta, brought a contingent of 1,500 ultras who significantly influenced the match's atmosphere. This geographical distance might have also played a role in the sparse attendance.

Tournament Appeal: The low turnout raises questions about the appeal of FIFA's expanded 32-team Club World Cup. With ticket sales reportedly slow, this match underscores the challenges FIFA faces in engaging fans and making the tournament a must-watch event.

Conclusion: As Chelsea progresses in the tournament, the focus will not only be on their performance but also on how FIFA addresses the issues of fan engagement and tournament appeal to ensure the Club World Cup's success and sustainability.