No fans at Club World Cup? Empty seats Trouble USA before the FIFA World Cup 2026

After a group phase was played for more than 1 million empty seats, the FIFA Club World Cup continues to Knock -Rondes that can soon look like a Champions League clone.

Nine teams that continue to the Tour of 16 come from Europe, together with four from Brazil and one from Major League Soccer, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

About 56.7 percent of the listed capacity was filled in for the 48 group phase matches, including a crowd of 3,412 and 6,730 in Orlando, Florida; 5,282 and 8,239 in Cincinnati. FIFA did not give specific capacities for the tournament despite repeated requests from the Associated Press.

The total announced presence was 1.67 million of 2.95 million capacity, on average 34,746.

Only 44.9 percent were filled for five games in Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the location of the World Cup Final of next year, and 50 percent in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where the 1994 champion match was played.

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Including 2026 locations, 81.8 percent of the capacity was filled in Miami Gardens, Florida, 61.6 percent in Philadelphia, 52 percent in Seattle and 44.3 percent in Atlanta.

FIFA spokesperson Bryan Swanson did not respond to a request to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the tournament and the presence. FIFA has issued a statement that said: «The hunger of the tournament speaks for itself: fans from 168 countries have already bought tickets … a clear sign of global anticipation and reach.»

The 12 games on television with English comments on TNT, TBS and TrutV on average 360,000 viewers up to and including Monday, including 409,000 for seven games on nights and weekends.

The second round opens on Saturday with an All-Brazilian matchup of Palmeiras and Botafogo, followed by Chelsea Benfica later in the day.