While Chelsea gears up for their Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Brazil’s Palmeiras, it’s not the tactics or lineup that’s making headlines—it’s the unusually cheap ticket prices.
In an unexpected move, FIFA has slashed the price of tickets to just $11.15 (£8.17) amid growing concerns that the match might play out in front of a half-empty stadium.
Independence Day Timing Could Hurt Turnout
The match is set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time in Philadelphia—on the Fourth of July, no less.
That’s prime time for fireworks, BBQs, and American patriotism, but maybe not the best moment to pull in a crowd for a Chelsea vs. Palmeiras showdown.
Despite FIFA’s grand plans for the Club World Cup’s U.S. run, this particular fixture may struggle to draw in spectators simply because of the holiday timing.
Tickets Slashed in Half on Official Platform
Originally priced at $22.30 (£16.35), the tickets have now been cut by 50% on Ticketmaster, FIFA’s official sales site for the tournament.
The price drop is a clear sign that organizers are trying to avoid the embarrassment of empty seats during a globally broadcast game.
Even though the original prices weren’t exactly steep, FIFA is clearly worried the seats won’t fill up—especially for matches that don’t involve superstar-laden teams like Real Madrid.
FIFA Boasts Attendance Numbers Despite Patchy Crowds
FIFA has been publicly upbeat about how things are going overall.
The organization claimed two million fans have attended tournament games across the U.S. so far.
But while that number sounds impressive, photos of empty sections in several stadiums tell another story.
Real Madrid has had no problem drawing big crowds, thanks to their enormous global fanbase.
But lesser-known teams—or matches that fall on awkward dates like this—are feeling the attendance squeeze.
Palmeiras Coach Appeals to American Fans
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira tried to turn the holiday into a positive, calling on local fans to join them in the stands.
In his press conference, he urged Americans to come and support his side against “the English,” hoping to spark some regional rivalry energy.
His message? Even if you’re not Brazilian, come root for the underdogs and enjoy a night of international football on your national holiday.
What’s Next for Chelsea If They Win?
If Chelsea gets past Palmeiras, they’ll be heading to New York for a high-stakes semi-final showdown.
Their opponent will be either Fluminense—another Brazilian powerhouse—or Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia.
With the semis and finals still to come, there’s plenty of action ahead.
And thanks to streaming deals, all Club World Cup matches are free to watch on DAZN, which might just pull more eyeballs online than into the stadium this weekend.