FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the 2025 Club World Cup as a significant achievement, pointing to the tournament’s strong attendance figures as proof of its growing stature in world football.
According to Infantino, the competition – capped by Chelsea’s dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain – attracted an average of over 40,000 fans per match.
These numbers, he noted, place the Club World Cup behind only the English Premier League in global football attendance rankings.
The turnout has been central to FIFA’s defence of the tournament amid scepticism over its relevance and market appeal.
Many critics had anticipated poor stadium turnout and limited engagement, questioning the need for yet another international club competition.
Infantino, however, cited packed stands and enthusiastic crowds as clear signs that those doubts were misplaced.
“People said no one would come, that no one would watch. But our stadiums were full and fans across the globe engaged with real enthusiasm,” Infantino remarked. “We’ve created something with real momentum.”
While critics argue that the attendance numbers may have been inflated by complimentary tickets and marketing-driven promotions, supporters contend that such tactics are standard for major sporting events and don’t diminish the tournament’s success.
The atmosphere in the stands and the presence of top-tier teams fielding full-strength squads have added to the tournament’s legitimacy.
The groundbreaking broadcasting partnership with DAZN, which allowed fans worldwide to stream matches for free, further boosted visibility.
Whether the Club World Cup can eventually rival the UEFA Champions League remains uncertain – but with attendance figures now second only to the Premier League, FIFA believes it is firmly on the right path.
