Chelsea's Club World Cup Opener Draws Sparse Crowd in Atlanta

Chelsea launched their FIFA Club World Cup journey with a 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC on Monday, but the triumph was overshadowed by a glaring lack of spectators at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The venue, capable of seating 71,000, saw just 22,137 fans in attendance, with the entire top tier closed and large sections of the lower tiers left vacant.

The match kicked off at 3 p.m. local time on a weekday, a scheduling decision that likely contributed to the sparse turnout. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the unusual atmosphere, stating, "The stadium was almost empty, not full. As professionals, we have to adapt to the environment, whether the stadium is full or not."

FIFA had anticipated a crowd of approximately 26,000, but even that modest expectation fell short. Ticket prices, ranging from £26 to over £37, may have also played a role in deterring fans. Despite the low attendance, Los Angeles FC's small but vocal group of ultras managed to create some energy, while Chelsea supporters cheered primarily for goals and key moments.

This year's Club World Cup, expanded to include more teams, is seen as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. However, the lack of interest in this tournament raises questions about fan engagement and FIFA's marketing strategies.

American journalists weighed in on the situation. Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution attributed the low turnout to the weekday timing and the tournament's novelty, stating, "People are trying to save money for the World Cup next year." Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer criticized FIFA's lack of local marketing, noting, "You can't just expect people to turn up."

BBC Sport's chief football writer, Phil McNulty, called the sight of nearly 50,000 empty seats "an early embarrassment for FIFA," highlighting concerns about the tournament's appeal and ticket pricing. As the Club World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on whether attendance improves during the knockout stages or if this apathy foreshadows challenges for the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo remained diplomatic, suggesting that attendance varies by location and context, but the broader question of fan interest in this revamped tournament lingers.