Aksel Kryhlmand
Despite the promise of $1 billion in prize money (with the champion earning $125 million), stadiums have struggled to fill seats
A new chapter in global football history began this week as the United States played host to the most ambitious and revolutionary FIFA tournament of the 21st century.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, marking the first edition of a dramatically expanded 32-team format, mirroring the traditional men’s World Cup structure.
Running from June 14 to July 13, this month-long spectacle is poised to redefine how the club game is measured on the global stage.
A Bold New Format
The new format features:
- 32 teams, grouped into 8 pools of 4
- The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16
- A single-elimination knockout phase follows
Among the 12 European powerhouses are Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
South America contributes fan favorites like Flamengo, River Plate, Palmeiras, and Boca Juniors, while Messi’s Inter Miami leads a North American contingent.
Completing the lineup are:
- 4 Asian clubs
- 4 African clubs
- 1 team from Oceania, notably, an amateur side representing New Zealand
Financial Windfall vs. Fan Apathy?
While FIFA projects $21.1 billion in global economic impact, and up to $9.6 billion for the U.S., the launch has raised questions about fan turnout and ticket accessibility.
Despite the promise of $1 billion in prize money (with the champion earning $125 million), stadiums have struggled to fill seats. Days before kickoff, tickets were still widely available, at dramatically discounted prices:
- Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly: from $69
- PSG vs. Atlético Madrid: from $61
- Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal: from $265
- Boca Juniors vs. Benfica: as low as $41
The sparse crowd at Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC in Atlanta, in front of just 22,137 fans inside a 71,000-seat venue, highlighted the challenge.
South America’s Uphill Battle
Latin American clubs face a steeper climb than ever. The old Intercontinental Cup gave them a one-off shot at European giants. This format demands multiple victories over elite opposition to win the title.
Squad value disparities tell the story:
- Real Madrid: $1.5 billion
- PSG: $1.0 billion
- Palmeiras (most valuable South American club): $288 million
- Botafogo: $183 million
Still, the romance lives on. River Plate’s teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, playing his final matches before joining Madrid, symbolizes the region’s enduring talent, even as Europe increasingly drains it.
Player Fatigue & Scheduling Strain
Critics have also raised concerns over the burden placed on top players:
- Bradley Barcola (PSG): 3,643 minutes over 58 matches
- Elite players average 50–60 games per season plus national team duties
Former Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário quipped:
I would’ve loved to play in a tournament like this… though I’m sure it would’ve taken a few days off my vacation.
FIFA has made minor adjustments, including scrapping the third-place playoff, and insists it is prioritizing player welfare.
We want the players in the best condition to perform,” said President Gianni Infantino.
Are the Best Teams Even Here?
Not all clubs at the top of their game made the cut:
- Chelsea qualified by winning the 2021 Champions League despite inconsistent recent league finishes.
- Liverpool (2024/25 Premier League champions) and Barcelona (2024/25 La Liga champions) are absent due to the qualification window.
This has prompted questions about the fairness and relevance of the qualification system, and whether it truly reflects current form.
A Legacy in the Making?
Despite logistical teething issues and structural criticisms, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a seismic shift in club football.
FIFA hopes this becomes the definitive measure of global supremacy, a future where clubs boast World Cup stars on their jerseys, akin to national teams.
For now, the pitch is laid, the ball is rolling, and a new frontier in the global game begins.