Lessons from the Club World Cup for the upcoming World Cup: Strategies FIFA Should Consider
Football fiend, here for a wild spin! Let's dive into the messy waters of soccer economics, shall we?
After 10 days of Club World Cup chaos, it's safe to say the soccer gods have had a laugh. This tournament, Gianni Infantino's pet project, was intended to showcase soccer's US growth since the '94 World Cup. But between excessive ticket prices, absurd kickoff times, and the usual summer heat, it's hit a few bumps along the way.
Prices for the Club World Cup finals? Let's just say they're outrageous. The least expensive seat for the quarterfinals at MetLife will set you back $309. Want a front-row seat for the final? A cool thousand should do it. By comparison, the 1994 US World Cup tickets ranged from $25 to $475, with an average of $58. So, inflation's a real killer, baby.
Attendance's been subpar, much to FIFA's dismay. The Rose Bowl, supposed to be packed to the rafters, only managed to attract 90% attendance for Paris Saint-Germain's opening match. Chelsea's match against Los Angeles FC barely filled one-third of Mercedes-Benz Stadium -business as usual for these underappreciated teams.
But hey, there's always next year, right? The 2026 World Cup's ticket packages are available, but only for the premium experience. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! They start at $5,300 a person and go up to a cool $73,000. Individual ticket prices haven't been released yet, but it's safe to say they'll be steep.
Now, the Club World Cup ain't all bad. Bright spots include passionate South American fans who've added energy and flair to several games. Boca Juniors fans in particular have made their presence known, with raucous support for their team in Miami. Even the rain hasn't dampened their spirits.
But with the heat wave, thunderstorms, and potentially increased travel restrictions, the road to the Club World Cup hasn't been an easy one. And if you can't make it to the games, well, who needs live soccer when you've got DAZN streaming it for free?
So, here's to the Club World Cup – may it teach us a thing or two about what not to do for the 2026 World Cup. And maybe, just maybe, they'll lower those ticket prices for us common folk. Until then, here's to the beautiful game, baby!
Fun Fact: The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams requiring the combined forces of Canada, Mexico, and the United States to host it. Buckle up, soccer fans, it's gonna be a wild ride!
In the future, soccer enthusiasts might hope for more affordable prices at the 2026 World Cup, as the current Club World Cup finals tickets at MetLife Stadium range from $309 for a seat at the quarterfinals to a thousand dollars for a front-row seat at the final, significantly higher than the average ticket price of $58 at the 1994 World Cup. Moreover, speculation suggests that individual ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup could be steep, but premium ticket packages are already available, starting at $5,300 and going up to $73,000.
