More than 1 million empty seats for Club World Cup group stage. Knockout rounds up next
A small number of fans watches the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A generl view of the TQL Stadium is seen before the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
A fan from Atletico Madrid cheers prior to the Club World Cup Group B soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Botafogo in Pasadena, Calif., Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Bull)
Fans take their seats for the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seats are empty during the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Seats are empty during the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A small number of fans watches the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A generl view of the TQL Stadium is seen before the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
A fan from Atletico Madrid cheers prior to the Club World Cup Group B soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Botafogo in Pasadena, Calif., Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Bull)
Fans take their seats for the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seats are empty during the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
After a group stage played in front of more than 1 million empty seats, the Club World Cup moves on to knockout rounds that could soon resemble a Champions League clone.
Nine teams that advanced to the round of 16 are from Europe along with four from Brazil and one each from Major League Soccer, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
Advertisement
About 56.7% of publicly listed capacity was filled for the 48 group stage matches, which included crowds of 3,412 and 6,730 in Orlando, Florida; 5,282 and 8,239 in Cincinnati. FIFA did not provide specific capacities for the tournament despite repeated requests from The Associated Press.
Total announced attendance was 1.67 million from 2.95 million capacity, an average of 34,759.
Just 44.9% was filled for five matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the site of next year's World Cup final, and 50% at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where the 1994 championship game was played.
Among other 2026 sites, 81.8% of capacity was filled in Miami Gardens, Florida, 61.6% in Philadelphia, 52% in Seattle and 44.3% in Atlanta.
Advertisement
FIFA spokesman Bryan Swanson did not respond to a request for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the tournament and attendance. FIFA issued a statement that said: 'The appetite of the tournament speaks for itself: fans from 168 countries have already purchased tickets ... a clear sign of global anticipation and reach.'
The 12 games televised with English commentary on TNT, TBS and truTV averaged 360,000 viewers through Monday, including 409,000 for seven matches on nights and weekends.
Seven of eight quarterfinal spots could be European clubs
The second round opens Saturday with an all-Brazilian matchup of Palmeiras and Botafogo, followed by Chelsea-Benfica later in the day.
Advertisement
Sunday starts with the high-profile meeting of Inter Miami and Lionel Messi against European champion Paris Saint-Germain and is followed by Bayern Munich-Flamengo.
Inter Milan-Fluminese and Manchester City-Al Hilal are on Monday, and Real Madrid-Juventus and Borussia Dortmund-Monterrey on Tuesday.
European teams won 16 of the 17 previous editions of an eight-team Club World Cup, the lone exception a 2012 victory by Brazil's Corinthians over Chelsea.
Manchester City is the only team that went 3-0 in the group stage.
Watching the weather
Five of the 12 stadiums being used are sites for next year's World Cup, which will have 104 matches instead of 64 and many more games lacking prestigious teams and players.
Advertisement
There were five weather delays in the Club World Cup group stage and temperatures at times rose well over 90 degrees (32 Celsius), a sign that climate change could impact next year's World Cup. However, four of the stadiums for next year's tournament have roofs and climate control.
Mbappe's been a no show
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, among soccer's top stars, didn't play a minute of the group stage, having been hospitalized and treated for acute gastroenteritis. He drew attention this week when the Paris prosecutor's office said he filed a moral harassment case against PSG, his former club.
'I don't want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him because he's a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he's back soon,' Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Thursday.
Advertisement
Messi back on the world stage
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who turned 38 on Tuesday, has helped Miami reach the knockout phase with moments of brilliance. He hit the goal frame twice in the opening draw against Al Ahly, then scored his 68th free kick goal for club and country in the 2-1 win over Porto.
Next up is the game against PSG, Messi's team from 2021-23.
Brilliant Brazil
All four entrants from Brazil have advanced to the round of 16, with Botafogo beating PSG 1-0 in a matchup of current European and South American champions. Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense are also through to the next stage.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox Sports
19 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Reds vs. Padres Prediction, Odds, Picks
Data Skrive The Cincinnati Reds and TJ Friedl head into the first of a two-game series against Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres on Saturday at Great American Ball Park. The favored Reds have -156 moneyline odds to win against the underdog Padres, who are listed at +130. Cincinnati is the run-line favorite (-1.5). The total is 9.5 runs for the matchup (with -120 odds on the over and -101 odds on the under). Here is everything you need from a betting perspective on the Reds-Padres game, regarding the run line, moneyline and total, plus expert picks. Keep up with MLB on FOX Sports. Check out the best moments between the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres. Reds vs. Padres Game Information & Odds When: Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 4:10 p.m. ET Where: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio How to watch on TV: FDSOH and SDPA Favorite Favorite Moneyline Underdog Moneyline Total Over Total Odds Under Total Odds Run Line Favorite Run Line Odds Underdog Run Line Odds Reds -156 +130 9.5 -120 -101 -1.5 +133 -157 Reds vs. Padres Prediction Score Prediction: Reds 4, Padres 3 Total Prediction: Under 9.5 runs Win Probabilities: Reds 53%, Padres 47% Reds vs. Padres Betting Insights This season, the Reds have been favored 34 times and won 17, or 50%, of those games. Cincinnati has entered nine games this season favored by -156 or more and is 6-3 in those contests. The moneyline for this contest implies a 60.9% chance of a victory for the Reds. The Padres have been chosen as underdogs in 38 games this year and have walked away with the win 18 times (47.4%) in those games. This season, San Diego has come away with a win six times in 16 chances when named as an underdog of at least +130 or longer on the moneyline. The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Padres have a 43.5% chance of coming away with a victory in the contest. Reds Recent Betting Performance The Reds went 3-1 across the four games they were moneyline favorites in their last 10 matchups. Over their last 10 matchups (all 10 of them had set totals), the Reds and their opponents combined to hit the over four times. The Reds have gone 6-4-0 against the spread over their past 10 games. Reds Recent Stats Stat Avg/Total Record 6-4 Runs Per Game 4.5 HR 7 ERA 3.93 K/9 9.6 Reds Player Insights Elly De La Cruz is the Reds best power option, crushing 18 home runs this season in addition to delivering 55 RBI, both team highs. Including all MLB batters, De La Cruz ranks 44th in batting average, 47th in on-base percentage, and 18th in slugging. De La Cruz carries a six-game hitting streak into this matchup. During his last 10 games he is hitting .341 with a double, two triples, three home runs, two walks and eight RBIs. TJ Friedl is hitting .287 to pace his team. Friedl ranks 123rd in homers and 123rd in RBI among all hitters in the majors. Gavin Lux is hitting .266 with 14 doubles, a triple, four home runs and 32 walks. Lux will look to build on his two-game hitting in this game. In his last five games he is batting .133 with a home run, a walk and four RBIs. Spencer Steer is batting .243 with 13 doubles, a triple, six home runs and 20 walks. Steer is riding a five-game hitting streak into this one. In his last five games he is batting .450 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Padres Recent Betting Performance The Padres have played as underdogs in four of their past 10 games and have gone 1-3 in those contests. The Padres and their opponents have combined to hit the over three times in their last 10 games with a total. Over their last 10 games, the Padres are 4-6-0 against the spread. Padres Recent Stats Stat Avg/Total Record 5-5 Runs Per Game 4.1 HR 9 ERA 4.34 K/9 8.4 Padres Player Insights Manny Machado paces the Padres with 47 runs batted in while putting up a team-best batting average of .298. Among all hitters in the big leagues, Machado ranks 39th in homers and 30th in RBI. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s 15 home runs are a team-high total. Tatis is 27th overall in home runs and 80th in RBI this year. Luis Arraez is batting .288 with 16 doubles, four triples, three home runs and 13 walks. Gavin Sheets has 12 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs and 22 walks while batting .263. Check out the best moments between the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres. FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Cincinnati Reds San Diego Padres recommended
USA Today
22 minutes ago
- USA Today
Sixers star Joel Embiid out and about, attends Real Madrid match
Philadelphia 76er's Joel Embiid and Philadelphia Union's Kai Wagner at the Club World Cup match at The Linc last night via Kai's Instagram story #DOOP Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is an avid soccer fan and has made it clear his favorite team is Real Madrid. So when the international powerhouse made a visit to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Embiid had to make sure he was there to see them. As the big fella continues to recover from April surgery on that bothersome left knee--which the Sixers expect him to be ready for training camp--Embiid was spotted at The Linc with Philadelphia Union soccer star Kai Wagner. The Union's leader posted a picture on his Instagram story with Embiid while they took in the 3-0 win for Real Madrid. It's good to see Embiid out and about. While some Sixers fans will want to see him in the gym, that will come in due time, but it's just good to see him in good spirits doing something he likes to do as a hobby and that's root for his favorite soccer team. It's important to do stuff outside of work for mental health aspects.
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
PSG Club World Cup reunion with Messi recalls unhappier times
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi will come up against old club Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup on Sunday (Paul ELLIS) Paris Saint-Germain have come to the Club World Cup as newly crowned champions of Europe, but a meeting with the Inter Miami of Lionel Messi in the last 16 this Sunday brings back memories of unhappier times for the French club. PSG's stunning 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in Munich at the end of last month which allowed them to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time completed an incredible season for the Qatar-backed side under the coaching of Luis Enrique. Advertisement It is no coincidence that PSG achieved their crowning glory in their first season after definitively shifting their focus away from signing superstar players to instead allow a brilliant coach to work with a hungry, dynamic young team. Kylian Mbappe's move a year ago to Real Madrid followed the departures in 2023 of Neymar, the world's most expensive signing when he joined in 2017, and Messi, in the same summer Luis Enrique was appointed. When PSG pounced in August 2021 to sign Messi after a cash-strapped Barcelona were unable to keep him, the French side logically thought the Argentinian could be the man to deliver elusive Champions League glory. Messi, who was 34 at the time, thought the same thing. Advertisement "My dream is to win another Champions League and I think I am in the ideal place to have that chance and to do it," he said at his unveiling. Alas, it did not work out that way, either in Messi's first season in Paris, under compatriot Mauricio Pochettino in 2021/22, or in the next campaign under Christophe Galtier. PSG had got to the Champions League final and then semi-finals in the two seasons prior to Messi's arrival, so he looked like the final piece in the jigsaw. Instead they went backwards with him in the side, going out of Europe's elite club competition in the last 16 two years running. Advertisement - All is not forgiven - Having to fit in Messi -- with his estimated annual salary of 30 million euros ($35.2 million) after tax -- as well as Neymar and Mbappe may have increased the star appeal, but it weakened them as a team. Towards the end the Barcelona legend was even being jeered by some sections of the PSG support who felt Messi's commitment to the cause was not what it should have been. Messi was a PSG player when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in late 2022, but there were only flashes of his genius at club level in France. His statistics stand up to any scrutiny, with 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances, and he did win two Ligue 1 titles while helping increase PSG's value as a brand. Advertisement But one memorable quote by a columnist in French sports daily L'Equipe rather summed things up. "PSG have not been better than they were before because of he seemed to have as much desire to play in Ligue 1 as he did to go to the dentist," wrote Vincent Duluc. Fast forward two years and Messi is enjoying the twilight of his career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, the team he has helped to qualify for the knockout stage of this Club World Cup. Fate has therefore thrown up a last-16 showdown with PSG on Sunday in Atlanta, at the same stadium where he scored a marvellous free-kick to secure a 2-1 win over Porto last week. Advertisement "All is not forgiven", said the front page of L'Equipe in France on Friday as it described the feelings of "failure and bitterness" left behind from the Argentine's spell there. Miami coach Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, believes the unhappy memory of his time in Paris could spur Messi on. "It's clear that for us it's better if he plays angry, because he's one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives an extra effort," Mascherano told ESPN. With Luis Enrique and PSG boasting big ambitions of adding a world title to their European crown, there would be even more bitterness felt if Messi -- days after his 38th birthday -- managed to knock them out on Sunday. as/bb
