FIFA's newly launched Club World Cup is nearing its conclusion amid mixed reviews, with organizers grappling with underwhelming turnout during preliminary matches in the United States. While the tournament has showcased high-level football talent, sparse crowds at early games have sparked debates about marketing strategies and fan engagement in a market where soccer competes with entrenched sports like American football and basketball.
Analysts note that scheduling conflicts and limited local team participation may have contributed to the lukewarm response. CGTN's Dan Williams highlighted concerns over promotional efforts, reporting that some matches attracted fewer than 15,000 spectators in stadiums built for 60,000. "The energy improves as we reach the semifinals, but the initial turnout raises valid questions," Williams observed during a broadcast analysis.
The event's success in later stages – particularly with European and South American clubs advancing – suggests untapped potential for global football in the U.S. market. However, sports economists emphasize the need for FIFA to adapt its outreach to American audiences, potentially through partnerships with Major League Soccer and digital platforms popular among younger demographics.
