In a coincidental clash of events, Donald Trump’s sparsely attended military parade in Washington DC coincided with the overwrought opening ceremony of Fifa’s Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. While Trump’s parade sharply contrasted with the massive turnout at anti-Trump rallies across the country, the opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly ended in a 0-0 draw, drawing a better-than-expected crowd of 60,927 after ticket prices were slashed from $349 to $4.

The kickoff of the expanded Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup marked the beginning of a 13-month period leading up to the 2026 World Cup final, with hopes of boosting soccer in the United States. However, despite the hype and promotion, attendance at various matches fell short of expectations, with many stadiums not reaching full capacity.

While the US men’s national team secured a strong 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, attendance at the Gold Cup opener was modest. Similarly, other Club World Cup matches struggled to fill seats, with notable games like PSG vs. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City failing to draw full crowds.

Despite attendance challenges, the football matches provided moments of excitement and skill, showcasing the enduring appeal of the sport. While ticket pricing and other factors may have impacted turnout, the essence of soccer shone through in moments of brilliance on the field, reminding fans of the beauty of the game amidst the commercial spectacle.

Overall, the tournaments faced varied attendance issues, highlighting the complexities of balancing commercial interests with the pure joy of the sport. Despite the challenges, the passion for soccer persevered, demonstrating the enduring allure and magic of the game.