Chelsea’s Club World Cup Opener Overshadowed by Empty Seats

A lackluster atmosphere surrounded the start of Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey. The team secured a victory, yet the sparse attendance and unusual setting cast a shadow over the match’s significance. The focus quickly shifted from the game’s action to the empty seats within the stadium.

Attendance Issues in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the crowd was thin. Only 22,137 spectators turned up to watch the match between **Chelsea** and Los Angeles FC in the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 3 p.m. kickoff time, along with the game being played far from Los Angeles, contributed to the low turnout. Even ticket price reductions failed to attract more fans.

“I think the environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full,”

—Enzo Maresca, Chelsea Coach

The lack of fans created a stark contrast to the fervor often seen in soccer matches. A recent study found that stadium attendance in the United States has remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 21,000 fans per game across various leagues (Attendance Report 2024).

Boca Juniors Match Offers Contrasting Spectacle

The day’s second match provided a different scene. Boca Juniors fans traveled in numbers. They generated an atmosphere reminiscent of a home game. The match against Benfica ended in a 2-2 draw, with fans creating a lively spectacle.

The Argentine side initially led 2-0 due to goals from **Miguel Merentiel** and **Rodrigo Battaglia**. However, **Ángel Di María** converted a penalty for Benfica. Three red cards marred the encounter, adding to the game’s intensity. Ultimately, the game ended in a draw.

Flamengo’s Victory Closes Out the Day

In the day’s third match, **Flamengo** defeated ES Tunis 2-0. The game took place in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Stadium. The event drew 25,797 spectators, who witnessed **Flamengo** secure the victory.

Looking ahead, **Maresca** anticipates a better atmosphere for **Chelsea’s** next game. They will face Brazilian club **Flamengo** in Philadelphia. He expects the Brazilian teams’ supporters to create a “nice” atmosphere.

However, **Steve Cherundolo**, the LAFC manager, suggests it’s premature to draw conclusions based on tournament attendance. He believes a comprehensive assessment should wait until the tournament concludes.