The inaugural match of the expanded Club World Cup is just days away, but the buzz in Miami is surprisingly flat.
FIFA had hoped that Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing Egypt’s Al Ahly would be enough to pack the stands at the Hard Rock Stadium. Yet, only around 25,000 tickets have reportedly been sold so far, well short of the venue’s 65,000 capacity.
The sluggish demand has forced organisers to slash ticket prices dramatically. What started at $349 has dropped to $55, and some university students can attend for as little as $4 through local promotions.
FIFA says it is not worried. According to The Athletic, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom insists this is not just a commercial event but a long-term investment to grow football in the United States. The broadcast rights, however, sold for one billion dollars, and the winning team stands to collect $125 million in prize money. So the commercial weight of the competition is hard to ignore.
Real Madrid and Boca Juniors appear to be drawing strong crowds, with matches involving both clubs among the most in-demand. But the rest of the Club World Cup is facing a steeper challenge. Fans from abroad are struggling with visa concerns, and strict US immigration policies have added to the uncertainty.
FIFA hopes the dynamic pricing model, which adjusts ticket costs based on demand, will help. For now, the governing body is holding firm, insisting that fans from over 130 countries have already secured their seats.
The first whistle blows on Saturday night in Florida. FIFA needs more than just Messi to make this launch feel like a global showpiece.
