Chelsea’s underwhelming opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup has intensified concerns surrounding attendance at the expanded tournament. Played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the clash between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC drew just 22,137 spectators a disappointing figure for a venue that can hold over 71,000. While the upper tier was intentionally closed off, noticeable gaps in the lower bowl painted a stark picture.
Scheduled for a Monday afternoon, the match fell within regular working hours, limiting turnout from local fans. Despite FIFA’s pre-match expectations of around 26,000 attendees, the turnout was significantly below that threshold. The lack of energy in the stadium was evident, creating a subdued atmosphere for a fixture involving one of Europe’s most followed clubs.
Chelsea’s supporters managed to find their voice during key moments including goal celebrations, a debut appearance by striker Liam Delap, and several contentious officiating decisions. However, it was LAFC’s small group of 150 traveling fans that stood out, vocally backing their team throughout the contest.
This edition of the Club World Cup is being closely watched, not just for its sporting merits but as a barometer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With weekday games like this one drawing such modest crowds, questions are being raised about whether the format and scheduling are resonating with local fans.
Two years ago, Chelsea played a friendly match at the same venue against Newcastle United, nearly filling the stadium. In contrast, the recent Club World Cup turnout reflects a decline in interest or at least in how the tournament is being marketed and scheduled.
While some matches in the competition have posted strong numbers including over 60,000 fans at the opener and more than 80,000 for a highly anticipated friendly between PSG and Atletico Madrid others are struggling to sell tickets. Even the dynamic pricing model, where ticket prices adjust based on demand, has not managed to boost attendance across the board.
The stadium, home to MLS side Atlanta United, usually attracts healthy crowds, averaging over 44,000 per game. Its underuse during a major international competition has prompted criticism, with some pointing to poor local marketing and a general lack of awareness about the Club World Cup’s importance.
Whether this trend continues remains to be seen. What is clear is that FIFA must address these attendance issues promptly both to salvage this tournament’s image and to prepare for the much larger challenge of drawing consistent, passionate crowds across North America in 2026.
