Enzo Maresca, the new Chelsea coach, has addressed the notably sparse attendance at their recent Club World Cup match against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta. The game, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 71,000, saw only 22,137 fans in attendance, leaving nearly 50,000 seats empty.
Maresca described the atmosphere as "a bit strange" due to the significant number of empty seats. He acknowledged that the team had anticipated a larger crowd, but emphasized the importance of professionalism and adaptability in such situations. "We are professional, we have to adapt to the situation, to the environment," Maresca stated. "It's important the behaviour of the players, the attitude, and once again they showed how professional they are."
The Chelsea coach also expressed hope for a better turnout at their next game against Flamengo in Philadelphia, noting the strong support that Brazilian teams typically attract. "We prepared this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different, but no doubt that the next one will be a nice one, because we know that the Brazilian teams, they always bring many, many fans," he added.
The underwhelming attendance has sparked discussions about the reasons behind the low turnout. Several factors may have contributed, including the early weekday afternoon kickoff time (3:00 pm local time on a Monday), which made it difficult for many fans to attend. Some observers have also suggested that the new, expanded Club World Cup format may not have yet captured the full interest of American fans.
Comparisons have been drawn to other matches in the tournament. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami drew a crowd of over 60,000, while Paris-Saint Germain's game against Atletico Madrid attracted over 80,000. These figures highlight the potential for strong attendance but also suggest that certain teams or matchups are more appealing to fans. LAFC's coach, Steve Cherundolo, also noted the difference in fan turnout compared to the PSG vs. Atletico Madrid game, suggesting that the location or the specific teams playing might influence attendance.
FIFA has faced criticism for the scheduling and marketing of the tournament. Some have pointed out that the reduced ticket prices indicate an initial poor uptake. The BBC reported concerns that the new format, squeezed into an already packed schedule, would struggle to gain traction with the public. Others suggest the unfamiliarity of the competition and the lack of meaningful stakes for American fans contributed to the sparse crowd.
The empty seats have raised concerns about the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the site of the Chelsea-LAFC match, is slated to host eight matches in the World Cup. The organizers will be keen to address the issues that led to the low attendance at the Club World Cup game to ensure a successful tournament next year.
Despite the disappointing attendance, Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over LAFC, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez. The team's focus remains on performing well in the tournament, regardless of the crowd size. Maresca and his players are determined to adapt to the circumstances and maintain their professionalism throughout the competition.
