FIFA’s recent Club World Cup has faced significant criticism after a notably poor turnout, with fewer than 600 spectators attending a match at a 25,500-seat stadium in Orlando on Tuesday.

The tournament’s expansion and recent relaunch have been overshadowed by doubts over fan interest and ticket sales. Despite heavy investments aimed at elevating the event, attendance figures have been disappointing, especially at the opening match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Al-Ahly, which took place on Sunday.

The Chelsea versus Los Angeles FC game held at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday was also poorly attended, with roughly 22,000 of 75,000 seats filled. Tickets were priced as low as £38, yet the top tier was closed due to lack of demand.

To boost attendance, ticket prices across the competition have been reduced. Fans from the local college community can now access seats for as little as $20, but overall interest remains low. Reports indicated that the weather-delayed match between Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns attracted only around 557 spectators, with an official count of just 3,412.

While FIFA reported selling approximately 1.5 million tickets and claimed over 340,000 fans attended the first eight matches, fans have expressed skepticism, suggesting the actual crowds are much smaller. Some social media users questioned whether the tournament’s positioning and low attendance would lead to repercussions for FIFA.

Despite these issues, FIFA maintains that the event is a global success, citing ticket sales from over 130 countries and high-profile matches attracting large crowds, such as the 80,619 attendance at the Rose Bowl for the PSG vs. Atletico Madrid game.

However, critics, including La Liga president Javier Tebas, have voiced disapproval, criticizing the tournament for feeling like a friendly exhibition and questioning its long-term relevance in the football calendar.

With a prize fund exceeding £775 million, FIFA remains committed to the tournament’s importance, but current attendance struggles highlight ongoing challenges in securing widespread fan engagement.