FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Passion, Protests, and a Pricing Pivot Signal Shifts for North American Soccer
The FIFA Club World Cup, concluding recently, offered a preview of the fervor set to engulf North America next year with the expanded World Cup, while also revealing key lessons in fan engagement and financial strategy. Beyond the on-field action, the tournament provided a microcosm of challenges and opportunities facing the sport as it continues its global expansion. Here are three key takeaways from the monthlong spectacle.
European Clubs Voice Discontent
A recurring theme throughout the tournament was vocal dissatisfaction from European clubs. Complaints ranged from the temperatures and field conditions to the congested schedule, with many teams having already played upwards of 50-60 games during their domestic seasons prior to the competition. While some Brazilian clubs also expressed minor concerns about the heat, the bulk of the grievances originated from clubs based in UEFA.
Notable complaints included Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham expressing his dislike for the pitches, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes reporting feeling dizzy due to the heat. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also voiced concerns over the sheer number of matches. However, one observer questioned whether these complaints were simply “the cost of doing business,” especially considering the substantial financial rewards – tens of millions of dollars – distributed to participating clubs.
A Showcase of Global Fan Passion
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the tournament was the vibrant display of fan support, particularly from clubs outside of Europe. While European fanbases were present, the passion emanating from supporters of CONMEBOL and AFCON clubs was undeniable. Fans of teams like Morocco’s Wydad AC, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Brazilian powerhouses Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras brought a level of energy – complete with songs, smoke, and even flares at venues like Lincoln Financial Field – that overshadowed the more reserved displays from some European contingents.
[Image of Fans of Wydad AC cheering at Audi Field on June 26. Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images]
The atmosphere was described as “colorful, lively and loud,” with fans traveling from across the globe to support their teams for 90+ minutes. This fervent support made chants from more widely recognized European clubs seem almost muted in comparison.
Dynamic Pricing Proves a Winning Strategy
Initially, ticket prices for the Club World Cup were perceived as steep, with many matches starting well over $100 on FIFA’s marketplace. The dynamic pricing model drew criticism from fans who questioned the value proposition for games that weren’t considered high-profile. However, a significant shift occurred during the tournament.
Prices began to fall considerably as the competition progressed. For example, the cheapest club-level seat for a Chelsea vs. Flamengo group stage match in Philadelphia was $148 just an hour before kickoff. A week later, for Chelsea’s quarterfinal match against Palmeiras at the same venue, the same seat was available for just $37.50 plus taxes and fees.
[Image of a fan posing with a replica of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images]
This price reduction piqued public interest, leading to fuller stadiums in the later stages of the tournament. With FIFA distributing a share of $1 billion to participating clubs and promising an $11 million distribution to host cities, the tournament was initially projected to operate at a loss. The success of the dynamic pricing adjustment may offer a valuable lesson for the upcoming World Cup, though whether FIFA will adopt a similar strategy remains to be seen. The last month proved it would be a smart thing to at least consider.
