Club World Cup Reflections by Jurgen Klinsmann
Jurgen Klinsmann recently remarked on the Club World Cup, acknowledging its flaws during a media session in New York with the FIFA Technology Research Group. The tournament featured a notable match where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 at MetLife Stadium.
Over the past month, the tournament has faced criticism and various metrics for success, making it challenging to form a clear assessment of this revamped format. It showcased both the unique experiences and challenges inherent in an event of this nature, raising questions about the original intent and issues surrounding competition.
Despite the conclusion of most matches, uncertainties linger, prompting existential debates regarding Gianni Infantino’s inaugural major initiative as FIFA president and the organization’s ability to fulfill its ambitions.
Insights from the Field
FIFA presented the expanded Club World Cup as a platform that meets the sport’s merits, but skepticism arose about its bias toward European teams. This was highlighted in the finals where PSG, the UEFA Champions League winners, were expected to dominate. However, the tournament also produced numerous exciting moments and unexpected outcomes.
South American teams showcased resilience, remaining unbeaten in half of their matches against European clubs, suggesting that the gap between the continents might not be as significant as presumed. Brazilian teams, in particular, excelled, with Fluminense reaching the semifinals—a remarkable feat considering their financial constraints in comparison to wealthier clubs.
Fulminense manager Renato Gocho applauded his team’s performance, emphasizing their underdog status against wealthier rivals. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s unexpected exit against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal marked a significant surprise in the tournament’s narrative, showcasing the event’s competitive nature, which deviated from previous glorified displays often seen in American sports.
FIFA’s global football development chief, Arsene Wenger, expressed surprise at the motivation and dedication of the teams he visited, noting a general enthusiasm that transcended expectations.
“The billion-dollar prize certainly created strong incentives for teams, even those from Europe, who often claimed fatigue as a reason for underperformance,” one expert observed. Many players felt that participating in the tournament was akin to playing for their national teams, instilling a sense of pride and seriousness that translated into positive performances on the field.
While European teams exhibited a measure of calm during the tournament, others filled the gap with passionate displays from fans, particularly from South American and African teams. This contrasting energy highlighted how an Euro-centric viewpoint can limit the sport’s broader reach.
Attendance Issues on Hot Days
Despite FIFA’s intentions for a grand showcase, the tournament’s reception in the U.S. proved inconsistent, reflecting mixed outcomes that surprised some observers. Matches at NFL stadiums, including MetLife, averaged a dismal 44.9% attendance during group stages, with local officials suggesting that lesser-known teams contributed to the low turnout.
Some marquee teams, like Real Madrid and Boca Juniors, attracted dedicated fanbases, but the overall event struggled to draw significant crowds, fueling the argument that soccer-specific venues may have been a wiser choice for enhanced atmosphere. The suggestion that lowering ticket prices might be necessary to boost attendance further underscored the challenges faced.
The tournament highlights stark contrasts between the Club World Cup and next year’s World Cup, which remains a highly anticipated spectacle in the U.S. As Governor Murphy emphasized, the World Cup’s storied history and prestige surpasses that of the Club World Cup, promising stronger attendance.
Players battled through extreme heat and humidity, with many unfamiliar with such conditions finding it arduous to compete. While some attributed the weather to adjustment issues, others deemed the heat "dangerous." Wenger noted that high temperatures presented challenges that significantly impacted playing styles and performance, calling for potential innovations in tournament planning.
Predictions for 2026
The concluding preparations for the finals saw players visibly challenged by logistics and climate, indicating the growing complexity of hosting such events. Chelsea captain Reece James pointed out that the shared travel burdens and quality of pitches compounded difficulties, particularly during peak heat hours.
The variable conditions experienced during the Club World Cup were also cautionary tales for 2026, with FIFA using this event as a rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. Feedback on the pitch quality, particularly in NFL stadiums, highlighted issues from dryness to uneven surfaces, raising concerns for next year’s fixtures.
The pitch management for future World Cup events will need careful consideration, with plans underway to refine grass quality to enhance playing conditions. However, given the diverse venue selections, it remains to be seen whether those efforts will yield uniform results.
Though the Club World Cup provided valuable experience for participating nations, various organizational missteps and the focus on high-profile events overshadowed the inherent challenges, including logistics and collaboration among local authorities.
FIFA President Infantino’s presence during high-profile events reflected the intersection of sports and politics in America. His ties with prominent political figures served as a reminder of how the club tournament is leveraged for broader agendas.
The final was a microcosm of the tournament’s chaos, captivating audiences with performances and pre-match spectacles while ultimately underscoring the event’s imperfections. Chelsea’s unexpected victory over PSG highlighted the unpredictable nature of competition, leaving fans contemplating the tournament’s significance.
As the curtain fell on this year’s Club World Cup, lingering doubts about its overall impact contrasted sharply with Infantino’s claims of success. The complex narrative crafted over four weeks questions whether the tournament genuinely contributes to soccer’s competitive landscape or merely serves as a point of reference for future developments.
Fan Take
The mixed outcomes of the Club World Cup reflect evolving dynamics within global soccer, highlighting fierce competition beyond traditional powerhouses. This event not only signals the growing competitiveness of clubs worldwide but also raises essential questions about soccer’s future, especially as it gears up for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.
