ATLANTA — The Club World Cup commenced in Atlanta with Chelsea securing a 2-0 victory over LAFC, but the lack of intensity on the pitch and in the stands overshadowed the match’s significance.
While both teams displayed competent performances, the atmosphere within Mercedes-Benz Stadium felt subdued, resembling that of a friendly rather than a high-stakes tournament match.
Chelsea managed to get the job done in their Group D debut, while LAFC held their ground without significant embarrassment for Major League Soccer.
The stark reality of the event was highlighted by the announced attendance of just 22,137, in a venue that typically accommodates 42,500 for MLS games and up to 71,000 for NFL clashes, leaving plenty of empty seats visible throughout the arena.
Several factors might have contributed to this attendance issue: the 3 p.m. Monday kickoff time, the perceived lack of appeal surrounding the matchup, high ticket prices, or even a broader skepticism towards the Club World Cup itself.
Regardless, the echoes and silence within the stands indicated that, perhaps, a game of this magnitude would have generated far more excitement in a smaller venue.
The notable exception to the quiet crowd was The 3252, a dedicated group of around 500 passionate LAFC supporters who stood proudly behind one of the goals, providing a vibrant atmosphere with their drums, chants, and unwavering support for their team.
“They showed out here to support us, came a long way,” said LAFC midfielder Mark Delgado, acknowledging the energy brought by the fans.
Despite the efforts of The 3252, the largely Chelsea-supporting crowd remained largely muted for most of the match, only occasionally erupting during Chelsea’s attempts on goal.
LAFC’s journey to this championship began with a notable overtime victory over Club América on May 31, while Chelsea entered the match riding the momentum of a recent Conference League trophy and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Many anticipated that Chelsea’s pedigree would pose a significant challenge for LAFC.
“Give them a moment, they’ll punish you, and they had two chances, and they punished us,” Delgado observed.
The first significant moment of the match occurred during the 34th minute when Chelsea’s Pedro Neto struck the first blow with a clever shot into the net after receiving an assist from Nicolas Jackson.
Neto celebrated the goal with a wave of kisses toward the crowd, who appeared largely disinterested in the action unfolding on the field.
Coming into the second half, LAFC showed signs of renewed spirit, albeit with some disorganization.
An unusual delay at the start of the half was caused when LAFC striker Olivier Giroud, a former Chelsea player, forgot his shirt in the locker room, forcing the match to pause momentarily.
“I felt like in the second half we could have had at least two [goals],” Delgado said, reflecting on LAFC’s increased energy and chances during the latter stages of the match.
After Neto’s opening goal, Chelsea’s highlight of the afternoon came with the debut of new striker Liam Delap, who entered the field in the 64th minute, igniting excitement among fans hoping for future contributions from the young player.
Despite the attendance issues, players remained focused on the game itself, demonstrating a professional attitude amid sparse crowds.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill noted, “To be honest, we don’t really notice. We’re focused into the game.”
The optics of the match did not reflect well on FIFA, especially given Atlanta’s claims as “the epicenter of soccer in the United States.”
As the game progressed, the presence of fans improved in certain sections of the stadium, but the midfield seats—the most visible part of the venue—remained largely empty throughout the encounter.
Several reasons can be speculated for the disappointing turnout, notably the 3 p.m. kickoff on a Monday, alongside ticket prices ranging from $83 to $228, which hampered accessibility for many potential fans.
The match between Chelsea and LAFC also lacked the draw of upcoming games featuring globally recognized players like Lionel Messi with Inter Miami on Thursday and Manchester City, a club with massive fanfare, on Sunday.
FIFA attempted to mitigate potential criticism prior to the match, expressing optimism for vibrant attendances and thrilling atmospheres as the tournament progressed, hoping the excitement would intensify with each subsequent round.
Post-match, players brushed aside concerns about empty seats, choosing instead to focus on their performance on the field.
“It’s a new tournament, but the fans will attract to it when you’ve got the best teams in the world. That’s what we’re really excited for,” added defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
LAFC’s best chance for a goal came in the 77th minute when Denis Bouanga led a promising attack that kept Chelsea fans at the edge of their seats as multiple near-misses occurred inside their defensive area.
However, just two minutes later, Chelsea retaliated, as Delap effectively set up Enzo Fernandez for the second goal, effectively sealing the match with just 11 minutes left in regulation.
The majority of the crowd that remained continued to back their teams passionately, especially The 3252, who kept their chants and celebrations alive until the final whistle.
“Leading up to the tournament, that’s what you think about, the first game,” reflected Colwill.
Despite the lack of turnout, it was still a noteworthy start to the Atlanta matches of the Club World Cup, leaving many to wish that more fans had been present to witness the action.
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