The new Club World Cup is already here. This weekend marks the start of the first edition of the ambitious tournament that FIFA wants to turn into the biggest club event on the planet.
However, the debut isn't as brilliant as they expected in Zürich. Gianni Infantino has had to take urgent measures, and FC Barcelona aren't hiding their satisfaction.
An ambitious project with problems
Infantino's idea was clear: create an elite competition, with 32 clubs from all over the world and billions in prizes. The tournament, which will be played in the United States, distributes $1 billion (1.000 million dollars) among the participants. But the problem is obvious: tickets aren't selling.
FIFA chose the U.S. seeking a global platform. However, the soccer culture in the country is still limited, and the social situation, marked by protests and political tensions, doesn't help either.
Empty stadiums, discounted prices
The opening match, which features Inter Miami with Leo Messi against Egyptian club Al Ahly, has set off the alarm. The Hard Rock Stadium, with a capacity of more than 65,000 people, still has tens of thousands of empty seats.
Since December, prices have plummeted. Tickets that cost more than €300 are now being offered for just €50. There've even been promotions for students in Miami: for only $4, they can watch Messi, Suárez, and Busquets live.
An emergency solution
Faced with this situation, Gianni Infantino has made a move. In a decision that surprises with its speed, FIFA has strengthened its commercial strategy with aggressive offers and local promotions. They're also working with the authorities to guarantee entry into the country for foreign fans.
Clubs like Barça see the tournament as an opportunity to strengthen its global projection. Barça, which isn't participating in this edition, applauds Infantino's commitment to internationalize club soccer. It trusts it will be in the next Club World Cup, with a more established format.
Social climate: An unexpected obstacle
Another major challenge for the tournament is the political climate in the U.S. Migration policies have caused fear among international fans. Many Latino supporters, key in this type of event, are unsure if they'll be able to enter the country without problems.
Recent unrest in cities like Los Ángeles has increased the sense of insecurity. FIFA, aware of the problem, is trying to calm the waters in collaboration with the U.S. government.
Dress rehearsal for 2026
This Club World Cup is more than a competition. It's a test for what's coming: the 2026 World Cup. With more than 5 million expected visitors, every detail matters.
Infantino knows it, which is why he hasn't hesitated to act. Although the start hasn't been ideal, lowering prices and improving access aim to save the image of a tournament set to change the history of soccer.
Meanwhile, Barça is watching closely. It celebrates the first steps of the new Club World Cup and is preparing to get on board in the next edition.