The ongoing Club World Cup in the United States has sparked debate about the country's readiness to co-host the 2026 World Cup. With empty seats and logistical challenges, some fans are questioning if America is truly prepared for soccer's biggest tournament.
Victor Dumois, a Spanish football fan, voiced concerns after attending a match in Miami. "There's people that don't like the World Cup being in the United States," he said, referencing lingering memories of the chaotic Copa America final last year.
That championship game was a security nightmare with ticketless fans breaking into Hard Rock Stadium. This time, Dumois noted security might have gone too far in the opposite direction: "There's so many layers of security, it's too much."
Empty Seats Raise Eyebrows
Attendance has been a glaring issue. A knockout match between Fluminense and Inter Milan at Charlotte's 75,000-seat stadium drew just 20,030 fans. Even after allowing upper deck ticket holders to move down, the lower bowl looked half empty.
Several factors explain the poor turnout. The club tournament simply doesn't carry the prestige of the World Cup. High ticket prices and travel costs have kept many fans away.
Some have also worried about potential immigration raids amid political tensions. These concerns could affect betting markets for next year's World Cup, with attendance figures potentially impacting stadium atmosphere and home advantage factors.
Weather and Scheduling Concerns
The scorching summer heat has been problematic. Players competed in temperatures above 90°F (32°C) during a major heat wave, raising questions about player performance and safety.
Benjamin Cabral from Boston suggested a scheduling change is necessary. "If they're trying to grow their game in the US, they need to make the games later. It's too hot out here for the players."
Next year's World Cup will follow a similar mid-June to mid-July timeframe. This could significantly impact team performance and betting strategies, with heat-adapted teams potentially having an edge.
Carlos Olguin, who traveled from Mexico, noted infrastructure issues: "There's no roof, no screens, not much." He also mentioned a lack of tournament atmosphere in host cities: "The city should be more prepared for the event."
Opinions remain divided on America's World Cup readiness. Jeremy Zuniga from South Carolina was blunt: "The U.S. is not ready to host the World Cup. There's too many people coming from South America, Europe, everybody."
Others like Rogerio Bajos from Peru were more positive: "The parking is no problem, the security has been good. Overall, a stupendous spectacle."
Guilherme Altoe, who grew up watching World Cup matches in Brazil before moving to the United States, remains optimistic. "I think the United States has everything, all the infrastructure to host a World Cup," he said.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching fast, the Club World Cup serves as a crucial test run. The tournament's successes and failures will likely shape how organizers approach next year's global showpiece event.
