Blunt Maresca Questions Club World Cup Vibe: "Where Were the Fans in Atlanta?!"

Our recent 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at the 2025 Club World Cup left me, Enzo Maresca, with a bittersweet feeling. Despite the important win, I couldn't hide my disappointment about a detail that tarnished the experience: the match was played in an "empty stadium" at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. My statements have opened a debate about crowd attendance at major sporting events, especially when they're taken to new markets.

The sight of a stadium the size of Mercedes-Benz, with a capacity for over 70,000 spectators, looking practically deserted for a Club World Cup match involving a European giant like Chelsea, has generated surprise and questions. I, with my usual frankness, didn't hesitate to express my feelings, pointing out the disconnect between the importance of the tournament and the atmosphere in the stands.

My words resonate with the frustration any coach or player would feel competing on such a grand stage without the warmth of the fans. The atmosphere of a football match is fundamental, and the energy of the crowd often acts as a "12th man."

• Impact on the Spectacle: For me, an empty stadium detracts from the spectacle. Football is emotion, passion, and a large part of that comes from the stands. Playing without a vibrant crowd can affect the intensity of the game and the players' motivation.
• Contrast with the Tournament's Importance: The Club World Cup is a prestigious tournament that brings together champions from each confederation. The expectation is that these matches generate great interest, and seeing empty seats is a blow to the event's image.
• Factors Behind Low Attendance: The situation could be due to several factors: perhaps ticket prices, the lack of a consolidated local fan base for both teams in Atlanta, insufficient promotion of the event in the region, or even the date and time of the match. Atlanta is a city with a growing football base, but perhaps the magnitude of the event wasn't effectively communicated or didn't attract the general public.

My statements aren't a direct attack on the organization, but a genuine lament for the lack of atmosphere in a match that, due to its relevance, deserved a much larger crowd.

My comment brings up a broader debate about the strategy of taking major football tournaments to emerging or "new" markets. While the globalization of the sport is a goal, the empty stadium experience in Atlanta suggests it's not always a guaranteed success.

• The Challenge of Conquering New Markets: Hosting matches of this caliber in the United States is part of a strategy to expand football's popularity. However, it's not enough to just bring the event; a robust marketing campaign and accessible prices are needed to ensure good attendance.
• Connection with Local Fans: Unlike in Europe or South America, where clubs have massive, deeply rooted fan bases, in the U.S., the public might be more selective or still be building that deep connection with international teams outside of major names like Real Madrid or even Chelsea in specific pre-season matches.
• Lessons for the Future: The organizers of the Club World Cup and future international events in the U.S. (like the 2026 World Cup) will need to take note of what happened in Atlanta. Ensuring stadiums are full not only enhances the experience for players and coaches but is also crucial for the tournament's image and financial success.

Our victory is unquestionable, and we're moving forward in our pursuit of the world title. However, my regret serves as a reminder that football, at its core, needs the communion between the game on the pitch and the passion in the stands. An empty stadium, even in a victory, will always leave a void in the heart of the spectacle.