As anticipation surrounds the upcoming Club World Cup, ticket sales are revealing a different story, suggesting that fans may not be as eager to attend the matches as expected. The tournament kicks off this Saturday with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami taking on Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. Comprising 32 participating teams, the newly enlarged competition will unfold in 11 cities across the United States, heralding its conclusion with the final match on July 13 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
FIFA’s ticketing partner, Ticketmaster, initially listed the cheapest tickets for the opening game at $349 in December. However, by Thursday, prices dropped significantly, with tickets available for just below $80. Some upper deck seating at stadiums such as Seattle’s Lumen Field and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field has been removed from availability, leaving fans with more restricted options. This has led to broken links for some resale tickets in these sections.
An individual familiar with the developments confirmed that portions of Lumen Field would be closed, though they refrained from providing additional details, citing anonymity as they were unauthorized to discuss the matter. In Philadelphia, some ticket holders were informed of changes in their seating arrangements. According to messages sent to fans, the adjustments are being made to enhance the overall experience for attendees, players, and television audiences globally. Fans moved are assured of receiving seats of equal or higher value than their original tickets.
Ticket prices have been dictated by dynamic pricing strategies employed by Ticketmaster, which are influenced by demand. Inquiries regarding the ticket sales were redirected to FIFA, which has not disclosed reasons behind any possible section closures, nor confirmed whether affected ticket holders were moved or reimbursed.
In a broad statement, FIFA expressed optimism for the tournament, anticipating robust attendance and vibrant match atmospheres. They highlighted the global appeal with fans from over 130 countries purchasing tickets, with the United States topping the sales, followed by Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, among others.
Given the inclusion of 32 international teams, many of which may be less familiar to American audiences, alongside a schedule jam-packed with 63 matches, the tournament poses challenges regarding ideal timing for fans. For instance, tickets for a match between Argentine team River Plate and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds at Seattle’s Lumen Field, held at noon, are selling at $24, while a similar time slot features Brazil’s Fluminense against Germany’s Borussia Dortmund for $23.
Despite some matches drawing lesser attention, others, such as Paris Saint-Germain facing Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl, have stirred interest, with the lowest tickets going for $100. Meanwhile, the final match of the tournament in July sees tickets starting at $769.
In the lead-up to the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino encouraged fans to purchase tickets, underscoring the importance and global reach of football and the significance of the Club World Cup. “Be part of history,” Infantino enthused, highlighting the widespread global viewership and enthusiasm surrounding the event.