EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A Grand Showcase for Soccer in America
As the sun beat down on MetLife Stadium, a blend of anticipation and excitement filled the air. Just moments before the kickoff of the Club World Cup final, soldiers marched on the field as fans of various nationalities stood to honor the American national anthem, pausing their own chants in a show of respect. The backdrop was a stunning display of fireworks, painting the evening sky in red, white, and blue.
By 3:08 p.m., the long wait came to an end, and finally, the soccer match began, prompting cheers from the crowd. Chelsea faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a game that was not only pivotal for the teams involved but also heralded as a preview of what fans might expect during the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will host.
Chelsea emerged victorious in this inaugural Club World Cup, but the tournament’s significance ran far deeper than just the scoreline. It served as a test run for North America, which will host the majority of the matches in the upcoming World Cup. This match paved the way for what many hope will be an exciting and well-organized tournament in three years.
An American Experience
The event showcased uniquely American traditions, such as pre-game musical performances and extended halftime shows. Fans witnessed individualized player introductions, reminiscent of NBA practices, rather than the traditional team entry. While the pageantry aimed to impress, it received mixed reviews from international players, with some expressing a preference for walking onto the pitch together.
In contrast to European soccer, where games begin precisely as scheduled, Club World Cup matches often started several minutes late. Pop music filled the stadium before games instead of the customary chants heard in soccer stadiums worldwide. This event clearly leaned into American sports culture, a sign of what might come in future tournaments.
However, while innovations and traditions were highlighted, challenges also loomed large at the tournament. Several players, like Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, found the heat under the July sun to be problematic, describing the conditions as “impossible” and “dangerous.” Coaches and athletes argued that playing in such extreme temperatures affected performance. The kickoff times, set with European viewership in mind, drew concerns regarding player safety.
Concerns Over Weather and Pitches
Not only was the heat a concern, but extreme weather also complicated the schedule, leading to delays in multiple matches. FIFA recognized the issue but has yet to implement changes to ensure better conditions as they move towards the 2026 World Cup.
Another concerned voiced was regarding the quality of the temporary grass pitches laid over artificial turf. Players remarked on the poor conditions, emphasizing that improvements must be made before the World Cup. Robbing players of their capability to perform at their best isn’t just a concern; it also takes away from the overall quality of the matches.
Travel Challenges
Players experienced the complexities of travel around the vast landscape of the U.S. Unlike their counterparts in compact European countries, they had to navigate lengthy flights between matches, adding a layer of difficulty to their routine. Fans also faced challenges with traffic and transportation, especially in stadiums that weren’t designed with mass public transport in mind.
Despite the hiccups, the U.S. stadiums largely passed the test of accommodating international fans, showcasing a positive response from local authorities. Crowd management during the games demonstrated the ability to maintain order and safety, which bodes well for future events.
A Look Ahead
As soccer continues to grow in popularity throughout the United States, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport. However, the Club World Cup served as a reminder that filling stadiums isn’t guaranteed. Although the event attracted millions of fans, significant gaps in attendance revealed that simply hosting a large tournament does not ensure success.
Overall, while the Club World Cup highlighted certain American customs, it also raised essential questions about player conditions, audience engagement, and the infrastructure needed to support a massive tournament. The countdown to 2026 is on, and all eyes are now on how organizers address these issues, setting the stage for a truly memorable World Cup experience.
