Club World Cup 2025 Reveals Key Lessons Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Club World Cup 2025: A Glimpse into What FIFA and Fans Can Expect for the 2026 World Cup

The recently concluded Club World Cup 2025, hosted across various cities in the United States, has proven to be more than just a prestigious football tournament—it was, in many ways, a trial run for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. With 48 national teams set to compete across North America—specifically the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—the Club World Cup provided a valuable opportunity to assess venue readiness, weather challenges, transport logistics, and public interest.

Five of the tournament’s stadiums—Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), and Lumen Field (Seattle)—will also serve as venues for World Cup matches. Their performance during this summer’s club competition offers important insights for what lies ahead.

Weather Extremes: A Major Concern for 2026
One of the most talked-about issues during the Club World Cup was the weather. The United States experienced record-breaking heat and violent thunderstorms throughout the tournament. Temperatures reached up to 39°C (102°F), with humidity pushing heat index values beyond 50°C (122°F).

These extreme conditions disrupted both players and fans. FIFA’s weather policy in the U.S.—which mandates suspension of play if lightning is detected within 10 miles—led to delays in six matches, ranging from 40 minutes to over two hours. Two of Benfica’s matches, including one against Chelsea, were delayed for nearly 120 minutes. This caused frustration among teams and managers alike. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca bluntly stated, “It’s not football. It’s completely something new.”

High-profile clubs like Juventus and PSG faced physical strain, with several players requesting substitutions due to heat exhaustion. Juventus’ manager Igor Tudor revealed that ten of his players asked to be taken off during their match against Real Madrid. Borussia Dortmund even kept substitutes in the changing room during the first half to avoid direct sunlight.

FIFA and local organizers will need to consider changes in match scheduling for 2026, potentially avoiding midday kick-offs in high-risk heat zones. With at least nine of the host cities in 2026 deemed “very high” or “extremely high” risk for heat stress injuries by FIFPro, adjusting kick-off times and utilizing stadiums with retractable roofs—of which there will be five—will be critical.

Mixed Attendance: Enthusiasm Exists, But Challenges Remain
While some Club World Cup games saw impressive attendance, others highlighted lingering challenges in promoting football to U.S. audiences. Matches involving top European teams like Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid drew large crowds. The highest turnout was 81,118 fans at MetLife Stadium for Chelsea vs PSG—a near sellout.

In contrast, four matches failed to attract even 10,000 spectators. The lowest attendance came during Mamelodi Sundowns vs Ulsan HD, with just 3,412 fans in the stands—only 13% of the stadium’s capacity.

Scheduling likely played a role. Many fixtures were held at noon or 3 p.m. on weekdays, making it difficult for fans to attend. As American journalist Doug Roberson noted, “It’s not because people here don’t care about soccer… it’s Monday at 3 p.m.”

Additionally, FIFA’s controversial dynamic pricing model for tickets contributed to confusion and frustration. Prices for some matches plummeted from £350 to as low as £8 within days, leaving early buyers feeling shortchanged. While ticket affordability eventually improved, it pointed to the need for better pricing strategies for the World Cup.

Stadiums and Infrastructure: High Quality but Logistical Gaps
From a facility standpoint, many Club World Cup venues were world-class, but logistical issues emerged—particularly with transportation. Unlike the compact 2022 Qatar World Cup where fans traveled within a 43-mile radius, the vast geography of the U.S. presents significant transport challenges.

MetLife Stadium, set to host the 2026 final, was a clear example. Despite its large capacity and modern amenities, the nearest train station—Meadowlands Sports Complex—required a 20–30-minute walk to the stadium in sweltering heat. Even worse, the semi-final between Real Madrid and PSG was delayed due to both teams being stuck in traffic.

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, also a 2026 venue, lacks metro or train access altogether. Fans arriving by Uber or taxi had to be dropped off miles away due to road closures. Post-match, they were forced to walk 20 minutes to designated pick-up points due to a curfew for vehicles.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia performed better in terms of accessibility, offering metro connections and structured drop-off zones. Special transportation passes or free transit for match ticket holders—similar to Qatar’s model—could ease these issues next year.

Pitch Quality: Inconsistent Surfaces Raise Concerns
Another hot topic was the pitch quality across various stadiums. Many Club World Cup matches were played on temporary grass laid over NFL artificial turf. The result was inconsistent ball behavior, which drew criticism from players and coaches alike.

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac compared one pitch to a “golf green” and complained that the surface was too dry and sticky, impeding high-speed play. England internationals Jude Bellingham and Reece James also voiced dissatisfaction with how the ball moved on these fields.

With more preparation time available for the 2026 tournament, FIFA and local organizers must ensure that pitch standards meet international expectations. The differences in climate across host cities mean turf that thrives in one location may struggle in another, demanding highly localized solutions.

Security: Robust and Visible Measures in Place
Security at the Club World Cup was stringent, particularly during the final at MetLife Stadium, where former President Donald Trump was in attendance. The presence of Secret Service agents, rooftop snipers, and bomb squads underscored the high level of protection.

Throughout the tournament, fans and media were subjected to multiple layers of checks—including perimeter screenings, bag searches, and sniffer dogs. With the memory of a recent assassination attempt on Trump still fresh, the U.S. demonstrated its capability to provide tight security.

This level of preparedness is likely to continue in 2026, especially with global political figures expected to attend. Border and immigration personnel were also visible at matches, indicating a comprehensive approach to venue safety.

A Work in Progress with Valuable Lessons
The 2025 Club World Cup provided FIFA with a realistic picture of what to expect in 2026. While the stadiums themselves proved capable of hosting world-class events, issues such as heat, scheduling, pitch quality, and transport logistics must be addressed.

Public interest is growing—albeit unevenly—and fan education, smart marketing, and better ticketing practices will be essential for maximizing attendance. With proper planning and adaptation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup can not only overcome these challenges but also set a new global standard for football tournaments.

The Club World Cup was, in many ways, a test—and now the real game is about to begin.