The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is knocking on the door, and it seems like FIFA has decided that the U.S. is the perfect stage for this spectacle. But, are Americans truly ready for a tournament of this scale? More importantly, is the stadium format FIFA is cooking up really the right way to go?
FIFA’s plan is nothing short of ambitious. We’re talking about 32 teams—the biggest Club World Cup in history. They want to use up to 12 stadiums, combining massive NFL arenas like the MetLife Stadium with some more "modest" MLS fields. The idea? Use those colossal NFL spaces to draw big crowds and, while they’re at it, capture the attention of die-hard NFL fans. But, let’s face it, this stadium mashup might just backfire.
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When FIFA talks about using NFL stadiums, like MetLife or the Hard Rock Stadium, it feels like they’re reaching for the stars. And, hey, who can blame them? It’s a global event—they want to pack the stands. These stadiums were built to be colossal, designed not just to hold fans, but to house all the bells and whistles that come with a major event.
But here's the thing—NFL stadiums can feel cold and detached. And on top of that, a lot of Americans don’t have that deep emotional tie to soccer like they do to football. So, instead of being an epic soccer showdown, it might just turn into a flashy light show, more about the visuals than the heart of the game.
And talk about contrast. What’s FIFA thinking, mixing these giant NFL stadiums with smaller MLS fields, like Subaru Park, which holds 18,500 fans? The idea seems to be giving a taste of the many layers of soccer culture in the U.S. But honestly, won't this just confuse the audience? One minute you’re in the epic Mercedes-Benz Stadium with 71,000 fans, and the next, you’re in the compact Audi Field with 20,000 seats. Sure, it might make sense from a logistical standpoint, but does it really bring the grandeur a 32-team Club World Cup deserves?
Oh, and let’s not forget the logistics. While the soccer world is going to be buzzing on the East Coast, the West Coast will be wrapped up with the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The organizers are trying to juggle both tournaments, but the reality is, there’s going to be fallout. FIFA may want to centralize the Club World Cup on the East Coast, but with some Texas stadiums sitting right in the middle, they might end up hosting matches for both competitions. Can they really balance the spotlight between two tournaments at the same time?
FIFA still hasn’t made an official announcement on the host cities because they’re stuck in negotiations with the stadium owners. Here’s the catch: for FIFA events, the stadium’s sponsor naming rights can’t be used, which only adds to the headaches for organizers. This was already an issue when they were locking in venues for the 2026 World Cup, and it looks like the same story is about to play out for the Club World Cup.
And don’t think this whole logistical circus is just being done for the Americans. A big part of this is to make sure the European market—who, by the way, will have 12 teams in the competition—can catch the games without having to stay up all night. That’s why the East Coast is the priority; its time zone plays nicer with fans across the Atlantic.
Still, even though FIFA is putting its focus on the East Coast, they can’t totally ignore the West Coast. A prime example is the Seattle Sounders, the U.S. team that’s already booked their ticket to the 2025 Club World Cup. They’re going to have to play at least one match in their home stadium, Lumen Field in Seattle. That might just pop the "East Coast bubble" FIFA is trying to create. After all, with a stadium that size and such a passionate fan base, Seattle could turn their match into a massive local event.
The 2025 Club World Cup in the U.S. has the potential to be a game-changer in international soccer. The country has the infrastructure, the money, and a growing love for the sport, but it also has some serious challenges ahead. Combining massive NFL stadiums with smaller MLS fields is a risky experiment that could either bring in huge crowds or leave fans feeling disconnected. Plus, splitting the calendar with the Gold Cup and dealing with all the sponsorship drama only adds more layers to the chaos.
- MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford – 82,500 seats
- Hard Rock Stadium – Miami – 65,000 seats
- Mercedes-Benz Arena – Atlanta – 71,000 seats
- Soldier Field – Chicago – 61,000 seats
- NRG Stadium – Houston – 72,000 seats
- Lumen Field – Seattle – 69,000 seats
- Geodis Park – Nashville – 30,000 seats
- TQL Stadium – Cincinnati – 26,000 seats
- Subaru Park – Chester – 18,500 seats
- Audi Field – Washington – 20,000 seats
- Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando – 25,000 seats
- Q2 Stadium – Austin – 20,000 seats