FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dismissed concerns over sluggish ticket sales for the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, set to take place across 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Despite the lukewarm response so far, Infantino remains optimistic, promising packed stadiums and a tournament that will further elevate football’s profile in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during promotional events in Atlanta and Philadelphia, Infantino emphasized the magnitude of the competition and the quality of the teams involved. “I'm not worried at all to fill a stadium when teams are coming to play a World Cup, to play for something real, not just an exhibition game,” he said. The tournament will feature top clubs from around the globe, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Flamengo, Inter Miami, and Al Ahly.

However, early signs have raised eyebrows. The opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami still has thousands of tickets unsold, with prices starting at $356.80. Likewise, high-profile clashes such as Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl have entire sections with over 100 seats still available.

In response, FIFA has rolled out a series of promotional initiatives aimed at boosting ticket interest. Among them is the controversial “Super Ticket Pack,” which guarantees buyers the option to purchase a ticket for the 2026 World Cup Final if they attend at least 20 Club World Cup matches across the U.S. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans criticizing the logistics and expense required to travel to games spread across the country.

Aside from ticket sales, the expanded Club World Cup format has drawn criticism from clubs and managers concerned about fixture congestion and player fatigue. Brentford manager Thomas Frank labeled the new format “ridiculous,” citing its timing at the end of an already packed club calendar.

Still, Infantino views the tournament as a crucial step in popularizing football in the American market. He has pledged $1 million to each host city to aid local preparations and promised robust security and logistics to support international fans. The tournament, he believes, will bridge the gap between club and international football and capture the imagination of American audiences.

With heavyweight clubs participating and a billion-dollar media campaign underway, FIFA is betting big on the Club World Cup becoming a marquee summer attraction. While challenges remain, Infantino remains steadfast that the 2025 edition will lay the foundation for a more global and commercially successful future for the competition.