FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup debuts in the US this week, bringing top international clubs and players to American stadiums. However, concerns over player workloads, sluggish ticket sales, and pricing controversies have raised questions about the tournament’s reception and viability.

According to The Athletic, FIFA has resorted to slashing prices because ticket sales have been so lackluster. Last week, it was reported that the opening match had fewer than 20,000 tickets sold in the 65,000-seat stadium.

The amateurs from New Zealand will take on the might of Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors at the tournament in the United States

The entire scene spooked American soccer. It led to finger-pointing and fears that the next major international tournaments on U.S. soil — the 2026 World Cup and 2025 Club World Cup, which kicks off Saturday in Miami — could be similarly unsafe. It stunned New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who, the morning after the madness, called a meeting.

Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis are the other pair of teams in Group D, with the top two advancing to the knockout rounds. The expanded competition is being held at 12 venues across the United States, with 32 entrants ranging from some of Europe’s biggest clubs to semi-professional Auckland City.

The FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla., is the largest, richest and most ambitious club soccer tournament in history. The 32 teams will play 63 games across 12 U ...

FIFA's billion-dollar gamble to revolutionise club football begins a week on Sunday with plenty of cash up for grabs but questionable enthusiasm as 32 teams prepare to contest the expanded Club World Cup in 12 stadiums across the United States.

Bayern Munich romped to a 10-0 victory over Auckland City in its Club World Cup opener as Jamal Musiala had a hat trick in a 17-minute span of the second half in front of a crowd that unfurled a banner urging to “Smash FIFA!