FIFA Club World Cup: Scoreless Draws and Attendance Questions at MetLife Stadium
World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Is the tournament living up to expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup?">
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The 2025 FIFA Club world Cup continued at MetLife Stadium with Fluminense FC and Borussia Dortmund playing to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday. This marked the second consecutive scoreless match at the stadium, following SE Palmeiras and FC Porto’s similar result on Sunday, which drew over 46,000 fans.However, the midweek match saw a important drop in attendance, with only 34,736 spectators announced at the game, which kicked off at noon Eastern Time.
While the on-field action provided entertainment for neutral fans, the low attendance and lack of goals are raising concerns about the tournament’s appeal, especially with the 2026 FIFA world Cup looming. FIFA, though, claims strong ticket sales overall [[1]].
MetLife Still Searching for a Goal
After 120 minutes of play across two matches, MetLife Stadium remains without a single goal in the 2025 Club World Cup. Despite the drought, both Fluminense and Dortmund created opportunities.
Fluminense dominated the first half, with Jhon Arias leading the attack. Arias had three attempts on goal, including a fourth-minute shot that went high and another in the 17th minute that was saved by Dortmund’s goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.
Did You Know? Jhon Arias was named Player of the Match for his relentless attacking efforts.
Dortmund struggled to test Fluminense’s veteran goalkeeper, Fabio, until the 64th minute, when Marcel Sabitzer took a shot from outside the box. Fabio, who has played over 1,000 matches as 1997, made three saves in the final half-hour.
A bright spot for dortmund fans was the debut of Jobe bellingham, the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, who entered the game in the 59th minute.
Fluminense FC 0-0 Borussia dortmund: Match Highlights
Fluminense showcased superior ball control, orchestrating several plays that tested the dortmund defense. One notable sequence involved six passes, moving the ball from the left flank to the center, culminating in a shot by attacking midfielder Hércules.
Fluminense earned their spot in the Club World Cup as the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions. They nearly broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Everaldo attempted to penetrate the Dortmund backline, but his subsequent pass to Agustin Canobbio resulted in a weak shot.
Attendance Figures: Small Crowd, High Energy
The announced attendance of 34,736 marked a decrease of 11,539 from the Palmeiras-Porto match. The weekday,midday kickoff and inclement weather likely contributed to the lower turnout.
Despite the smaller crowd,the atmosphere remained vibrant,with Fluminense fans outnumbering and out-cheering their Dortmund counterparts. The northwest end of the stadium was filled with flags and chanting supporters.
Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast and game times before heading to MetLife Stadium to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton acknowledged the support of their fans, stating, “It was a great support. We have great fans and we’re happy that they are with us. They give us a lot… I’m very happy that we have so many fans (that came out).”
Is the FIFA Club World Cup a Success?
the scoreless draws and fluctuating attendance figures raise questions about the overall success of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Is a half-empty MetLife Stadium a good look just one year before the 2026 FIFA world cup?
FIFA maintains that the tournament is meeting expectations, announcing that nearly 1.5 million tickets have been sold as of June 17. They also reported that 340,000 fans attended matches across the first three match days.
However, reports from other matches paint a different picture. A Group F match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns in Orlando drew a mere 1,000 spectators to a 25,500-capacity stadium. International press outlets have reported on the poor attendance [[2]].
While the 34,000+ attendance at MetLife is comparatively better, it still raises concerns about the tournament’s ability to generate excitement and fill stadiums ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
| Match | Teams | Attendance | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | SE Palmeiras vs.FC Porto | 46,725 | 0-0 |
| June 17 | Fluminense FC vs.Borussia Dortmund | 34,736 | 0-0 |
| June 17 | Ulsan HD vs. Mamelodi Sundowns | ~1,000 | N/A |
The Future of the FIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is an annual competition featuring the champion clubs from all six continental confederations. It aims to crown the world’s best club team.The tournament format has evolved over the years, and FIFA continues to explore ways to enhance its appeal and competitiveness.
The expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 has also prompted discussions about potential changes to the Club World Cup format. FIFA is considering expanding the tournament to include more teams, perhaps creating a larger and more inclusive competition.
frequently Asked Questions About the FIFA Club World Cup
- why are attendance numbers low at some FIFA Club World Cup matches?
- Several factors can contribute to low attendance, including weekday kickoffs, unfavorable weather conditions, and a lack of local interest in the participating teams.
- How does the FIFA Club World Cup affect the host cities?
- Hosting the FIFA Club World Cup can bring economic benefits to host cities through tourism and increased spending. It also provides an possibility to showcase the city’s infrastructure and sporting facilities.
- What is FIFA doing to improve the Club World Cup experience?
- FIFA is continuously working to enhance the tournament’s appeal by promoting the matches,improving stadium facilities,and engaging with local communities.
- Will the format of the FIFA Club World Cup change in the future?
- FIFA is considering expanding the tournament to include more teams,potentially creating a larger and more inclusive competition.
- What are the long-term goals for the FIFA Club World Cup?
- The long-term goals include establishing the tournament as a premier global club competition, attracting top teams and players, and generating significant revenue for FIFA and its member associations.
- How does the FIFA club World cup compare to other international club tournaments?
- The FIFA Club World Cup is unique in that it brings together champion clubs from all six continental confederations, providing a truly global competition.
- What impact does the FIFA Club World Cup have on the development of football worldwide?
- The tournament provides a platform for clubs from different regions to compete against each other, fostering the exchange of ideas and promoting the development of football worldwide.
What are your thoughts on the FIFA Club World Cup? Will the attendance improve as the tournament progresses? Share your predictions in the comments below!
