FIFA’s Club World Cup Faces Hurdles

By: Gyang Dakwo

FIFA’s billion-dollar plan to reshape club football is set to begin on June 14, but the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in the United States is being met with low enthusiasm and many unanswered questions.

The tournament is to be hosted in 12 stadiums across the U.S. and is being promoted as a major build-up to the 2026 World Cup. However, concerns have been raised about poor ticket sales, unclear qualification rules, and the condition of players after a long European season.

The opening match will be played between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly in Miami. Tickets for the game can still be found easily, and many seats for the July 13 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey have also remained unsold.

Ticket sales figures have not been released by FIFA, which said that it is standard policy. It was claimed, however, that tickets have been purchased by fans in more than 130 countries, which was used as proof of the tournament’s worldwide appeal.

The qualification of Inter Miami has been questioned. The team finished first in the regular MLS season but was knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. Still, it was given a place as the host nation’s representative instead of the actual MLS Cup winners, the LA Galaxy. This decision has been seen by many as an attempt by FIFA to guarantee Lionel Messi’s involvement.

Two other U.S. teams, Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders, have been included based on their performances in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The new Club World Cup format has increased the number of teams from seven to 32. Top clubs from every continent have been invited, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Palmeiras, and Al Ahly. The event is being positioned by FIFA as a future rival to the UEFA Champions League.

Still, the risk of empty seats and fatigue among players has caused doubt. Whether FIFA’s bold gamble will be rewarded remains to be seen.