Clint Dempsey recognized something that many have noticed.
Sales for tickets to the FIFA Club World Cup have plummeted, likely due to hesitance among fans. In response, the football governing body has slashed ticket prices for numerous games.
The result? A much more vibrant atmosphere.
“You can’t set prices for working-class folks just because you attend the game,” Dempsey shared recently on his podcast, “Men on the Blazers.” “Being around passionate fans is infectious.”
While Dempsey often comments on the low attendance at Concacaf Gold Cup matches, his point resonates for the Club World Cup, too.
What some are labeling as a mere cash grab by FIFA has, in fact, highlighted that the love for football extends far beyond the brands that dominate the landscape in the U.S., such as the English Premier League and La Liga.
Matches featuring teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid have attracted lively crowds at clubs like Flamengo and Boca Juniors, as well as others like Wydad AC in Morocco.
“Would you rather mingle with Boca Juniors fans or Japanese supporters in Urawa, bouncing along with them?” asked Roger Bennett, co-host of the podcast. “Or sit in the almost-empty AT&T Stadium?”
By the tournament’s second week, FIFA announced that over a million tickets had been sold for various group stage matches across the country, and projections indicated that sales would rise as the knockout stage approached. Interestingly, much of the buzz came from tickets that were priced roughly at half their original listing.
“They’re thrilled to cheer for their team,” remarked Mark Marin, whose team won against Ulsan at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The newly expanded Club World Cup format has also offered American fans a clearer view of global soccer. European matches often overshadow the passion of clubs from South America, Asia, and Africa, but the value of the dollar here in the U.S. provides insight, especially with next year’s bigger FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Is FIFA facing financial losses from this tournament? Only time will reveal that, particularly given the $1 billion budget for the tournament and the $11 million commitment for sustainability in host cities. Still, regardless of profits, the event portrays football in a markedly different way compared to its usual representation in the U.S.
No matter how much money exchanges hands, the Club World Cup sparks genuine dialogue.
“You want to connect with others who share your passion,” Dempsey observed. “It’s an unforgettable experience—it’s like reminiscing about that pivotal game during family gatherings at Thanksgiving or Christmas. We need more of those cherished moments.”
