FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the expanded Club World Cup as “already the most successful club competition in the world,” despite significant criticism from players and managers over grueling conditions and low attendance at some matches.
Speaking from Trump Tower, Infantino championed the tournament’s “golden era of global club football,” announcing over $2 billion (£1.5 billion) in revenue, averaging $33 million (£24 million) per match. He also cited 2.5 million spectators, averaging 40,000 per game.
However, this optimistic view clashes sharply with player sentiment. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called the 32-team summer tournament “the worst idea ever implemented in football.”
Players like Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez described the US heat as “very dangerous,” while manager Enzo Maresca found normal training “impossible.” Reports also indicate over a million empty seats across venues.
With the 2026 World Cup also in the summer US, Canada, and Mexico, player welfare in extreme temperatures is a major concern. Infantino acknowledged the heat was “definitely an issue” but highlighted the increased use of covered stadiums for future events.
The Club World Cup final on Sunday between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey is expected to see temperatures of 38C and attendance from US President Donald Trump.
