FIFA’s move to expand the 2025 edition to 32 teams hasn’t gone well with fans. The stands are half-empty, and the buzz is missing.
Ticket prices shot up to $734 for the final before crashing. That’s not match-fit pricing for local fans, especially in the host nation, the United States.
The players are also running on tired legs. With a crammed calendar, adding a month-long summer event feels like playing extra time every week.
FIFPro raised the red flag: over 4,000 injuries hit Europe’s top leagues in 2023–24. Players are cracking under pressure.
La Liga’s boss, Javier Tebas, called out FIFA’s plan, saying it’s just cashing in and overloading players with more games they didn’t ask for.
The tournament also lacks bite. Just eight of the 32 clubs are actually reigning league champions. Some continental champs didn’t even make the cut.
Most of the spotlight stays on Europe. Clubs from other continents often look like they’re just there to fill up the group.
And don’t forget the summer heat. Playing in June across the U.S. means roasting conditions for both fans and players.
Many American fans feel like wallets in the stands. That vibe kills the spirit of the beautiful game.
What needs to change
To bring back the fire, FIFA need a new plan to balance fairness, excitement, and fan love.
Boosting the buzz
FIFA needs to step up its game. The Club World Cup should get the same hype as the Champions League.
Get the ball rolling with global media deals, better social content, and regional shoutouts: especially where football’s still chasing popularity.
This will help grow loyal fanbases, fill seats, and give the trophy some real weight. Here are some comments:
Giving players a breather
No player wants to keep sprinting with no break. FIFA must work with clubs and medical teams to space out games better.
ALSO READ:
- Jobe Bellingham follows brother Jude’s Bundesliga footsteps in blockbuster move to Borussia Dortmund
- Kylian Mbappe hospitalised with acute illness
- Inter Milan snatch dramatic late victory over Urawa in thrilling Club World Cup clash
- Cardoso hails brave Mamelodi Sundowns performance despite Club World Cup defeat to Dortmund
Shorten travel, add rest days, and set limits for players who’ve had packed seasons. Burnout kills performance.
It’s better to have stars at 100% than a squad full of limping legends. Look at what the fans are talking about here.
Redrawing the format
They must rethink who gets called up. Clubs that didn’t win recent titles shouldn’t make the squad sheet.
CWC must feature true champions, not seat-fillers. Raise the bar and spread slots fairly across continents.
Help clubs outside Europe and South America close the gap. Level the field so every team has a fair shot. Here’s a comment:
Fixing the calendar congestion
A global schedule messes up the flow. FIFA should link up with leagues and federations to find a cleaner fixture window.
Play during off-seasons or mid-year breaks. Don’t force games into already-tight timelines.
With smarter scheduling, fans can follow matches easier and players get time to recharge.
Making the stands come alive
Fans deserve more than just a seat—they want a full matchday vibe. Start by slashing overpriced tickets.
Pick cooler cities or indoor stadiums for comfort. That way, the match isn’t ruined by the heat.
Add fan zones, cultural events, and activities that bring families out. Make it more than 90 minutes—make it a festival.
Opening the playbook
CWC’s planners must stop playing behind closed doors. Talk to players, clubs, fans, and federations when planning the tourney.
Run polls, gather feedback, and listen to those on the pitch and in the stands.
That kind of teamwork earns trust and helps tackle issues before they blow up.
Balancing the money game
A $1 billion prize pot is huge, but if it overshadows the sport, fans will call it out.
This competition needs to keep commercial wins from sidelining fair play. Spread the cash, keep deals transparent, and protect the game’s spirit.
Put some of that money into grassroots football worldwide. Grow the game from the ground up.
Glimpses of glory
There’ve been sparks of magic. Harry Kane called the event “fantastic.” Boca fans rocked Miami. Botafogo shocked PSG. That’s the drama fans live for.
These moments show what the Club World Cup can be. Market it right, and it’ll capture hearts around the globe.
It isn’t just a match to win, it’s a legacy to build. If FIFA gets it right, the world will watch, cheer, and believe again.
