The FIFA Club World Cup's semifinals commence today at MetLife Stadium, but the tournament's struggle for relevance is laid bare by FIFA's decision to slash ticket prices for the Chelsea-Fluminense match to as low as $13.40 — a 97% reduction from last week's $473 price tag. The semifinals pit European powerhouses against unlikely challengers, with PSG facing Real Madrid tomorrow in a marquee matchup that still commands premium prices, while questions mount over referee assignments that have drawn criticism throughout the month-long tournament.
According to Sports Illustrated, FIFA's dynamic pricing system through Ticketmaster has created wild swings in ticket costs, with the Chelsea-Fluminense semifinal experiencing the most dramatic collapse1. Prices dropped from $473 on July 2 to $13.40 by Monday morning, representing just 2.8% of the original cost1. The stark contrast with the PSG-Real Madrid semifinal, where tickets remain at $195 and above, highlights the disparity in fan interest between the matchups1.
The tournament has struggled with attendance throughout, averaging just over 35,000 fans per match during the group stage1. FIFA attempted to boost numbers by reducing prices for less desirable fixtures, with some quarterfinal matches available for just $111. The pricing strategy reflects broader concerns about the tournament's appeal, with sparsely-filled arenas becoming a consistent talking point1.
The semifinals will feature FIFA's new referee body camera technology, attached to officials' earpieces and transmitting footage via private 5G networks1. FIFA head of officiating Pierluigi Collina said the cameras aim to "offer a new experience to TV viewers" but will exclude controversial moments from broadcast2.
The technology rollout comes as referee performance has drawn criticism throughout the tournament. Reddit users have described the officiating as "shocking," particularly citing the PSG versus Atlético Madrid match where yellow cards were distributed liberally3. The complaints have persisted despite the use of VAR technology, which operates under the same protocols as other major competitions4.
Both semifinals take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the final scheduled for July 131. Chelsea reached this stage after defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals2, while Fluminense advanced past Al Hilal2. The winner will face either PSG or Real Madrid in Sunday's final.
The tournament represents FIFA's first attempt at an expanded 32-team format held in the United States2. Despite the attendance challenges, the remaining matches will determine whether the competition can establish itself as a meaningful addition to the football calendar.
