"A tad muted, aren't we?" Kimmich ponders Club World Cup excitement
Kimmich voices doubts about the widespread excitement surrounding the Club World Cup
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Just moments before FC Bayern took the field for the Club World Cup, Joshua Kimmich appeared somewhat disillusioned. The German international captain is well-accustomed to the thrill of international tournaments. However, enthusiasm seems to be lacking around the tournament.
German national player, Joshua Kimmich, questioned the buzz for the Club World Cup in the United States before its commencement. "Not quite the euphoria, is there?", mused the Bayern Munich powerhouse before the Munich team's first matchup against Auckland City in Cincinnati (6:00 PM ET, DAZN, Sat.1 and in the ntv.de live ticker): "Folks here are certainly sports-oriented, but of course, there's other sports too."
Tickets for the tournament, which features a groundbreaking 32 teams, had been slow to sell. In some cases, FIFA slashed ticket prices drastically just days before kickoff and even handed out free entries to pack the stadiums. By the day before the Munich clash in Cincinnati, there were still numerous ticket categories available via the FIFA ticket portal.
Potential Reasons for Subdued Interest
- Fixture Congestion and Player health: The expanded format and increased number of matches have faced criticism from player unions and league organizations for the additional strain on players, potentially leading to burnout and injury, which could dampen interest from both players and fans alike.
- Tournament Novelty and Format Change: While the Club World Cup holds historical significance, its new 32-team format and month-long schedule in the USA represent uncharted waters. Some traditional fans and stakeholders may be hesitant until memorable moments from the tournament help generate excitement.
- Cultural Diversity and Timing: Club football, particularly a tournament of this magnitude, has yet to establish the same cultural footing in the United States as it has in Europe and South America. Although hosting the tournament is meant to foster growth in the sport, initial unfamiliarity may lead to a more restrained response from American fans compared to more traditional footballing nations.
- Media and Marketing: While the tournament boasts star players and prominent clubs, the saturation of sports events in the U.S., and limited mainstream media coverage compared to American sports leagues, may contribute to a reduced level of enthusiasm in the broader public.
Perspectives from Kimmich and Kompany
Despite these factors, Kimmich expressed a sense of anticipation for the tournament. Kimmich acknowledged that there's "a bit more media hype," but the event nevertheless "feels a bit different." He warned against underrating Auckland, the lone amateur squad in the tournament. "It's our duty to take them seriously," said the 30-year-old: "We've squandered too many games against lesser opponents, so we should be wary."
Team coach Vincent Kompany also expressed "respect" for the New Zealanders. He noted that "it's tough" to compare the league levels, but emphasized that "just because they're an amateur team doesn't mean they can't have clever strategies and well-crafted tactics. We've prepared the team for this contest just as we would for any other."
Sources: ntv.de, ara/sid
- Joshua Kimmich
- FC Bayern Munich
- Club World Cup 2025
- Football
The Commission could discuss and provide feedback on potential strategies to increase interest in the Club World Cup, such as addressing fixture congestion, enhancing media coverage, or focusing on promoting the tournament's historical significance and new format.
Despite the subdued interest in the Club World Cup, football enthusiasts can look forward to sports-analysis of Kimmich's performance during the tournament, offering insights into his leadership and on-field tactics as captain of FC Bayern Munich.
