As the Club World Cup progresses into the knockout stages, the competition is starting to bear a striking resemblance to the Champions League. The knockout rounds feature a significant European presence with nine teams, complemented by four Brazilian clubs and representatives from Major League Soccer, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
During the group stage, over 1 million seats remained unoccupied across various venues. Despite the sparse attendance, the total reported attendance figure was 1.67 million out of an available 2.95 million seats, averaging 34,746 spectators per match. Some venues, such as Orlando and Cincinnati, saw notably lower turnouts with attendances ranging between 3,412 and 8,239 fans. Larger stadiums like MetLife in New Jersey and the Rose Bowl in California filled only 44.9% and 50% of their respective capacities.
In other crucial World Cup sites for 2026, such as Miami Gardens, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Atlanta, the filled capacities varied, with Miami experiencing the highest at 81.8%. FIFA commented on the tournament’s global appeal, noting that fans from 168 countries have purchased tickets, reflecting widespread anticipation. As for television viewership, the tournament attracted an average of 360,000 viewers on channels like TNT, TBS, and truTV.
As the competition heads into its latter stages, the spotlight will be on Brazilian teams Palmeiras and Botafogo during their all-Brazilian clash. Meanwhile, European clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City continue to dominate, potentially claiming seven of the eight quarterfinal spots. Historically, European clubs have won 16 of the last 17 Club World Cups, with Brazil’s Corinthians being the sole exception in 2012.
Weather conditions during the tournament have been challenging, with five weather delays and temperatures soaring past 90 degrees Fahrenheit at times. With next year’s World Cup expanding to 104 matches, there is concern that climate change could further affect conditions, though several stadiums are equipped with roofs and climate control.
In team news, Real Madrid’s star Kylian Mbappe missed the group stage due to acute gastroenteritis. Though sidelined, he made headlines by filing a moral harassment case against his former club, PSG. On the other hand, Lionel Messi, at 38, has been instrumental for Miami, guiding the team into the knockouts with stunning performances, including a remarkable free-kick goal.
Brazilian clubs are showcasing their prowess, with all four entrants, including Botafogo, advancing. This highlights the strength of Brazilian soccer on the world stage. Botafogo notably defeated PSG 1-0, marking a significant victory in the matchup of champions from Europe and South America.