Chelsea Cruise Past LAFC in Club World Cup Opener Amid Sparse Attendance

Fernandez and Neto Score in Blues’ 2–0 Win Amidst Empty Seats.

Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite the Blues’ solid performance, the match was overshadowed by the dismal attendance. Just 22,137 fans showed up in a stadium built to host 75,000.

As per a BBC report, the entire top tier was closed and the bottom largely empty. A Monday 3 PM kickoff and high ticket prices are being blamed for the poor turnout. FIFA had expected around 26,000, but the actual figure fell short. This raises questions about fan engagement with the tournament’s new format.

Off the mark with a win.
See you in 3 days. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/V0YaBwiHdH
— Tosin Adarabioyo (@TosinAdarabioyo) June 16, 2025

Sparse Crowd Raises FIFA Concerns

Chelsea fans saw goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez. Yet, most of the action played out to a quiet backdrop. LAFC’s 1,500 ultras offered some atmosphere. However, the overall scene was far from what FIFA had envisioned. The match marked Chelsea’s return to the venue after two years.

Back then, they drew over 70,000 spectators in a friendly match. This certainly reminds how far the Club World Cup still has to go in terms of popularity. FIFA’s handling of marketing, kickoff timing, and pricing has started to come under scrutiny. Many critics are blaming a lack of local outreach and promotion.

Also Read: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group D Fixtures – Date, Time and TV Channels for Chelsea, Es Tunis, Flamengo, and LAFC

Delap Impresses, Chelsea Dominate

New signing Liam Delap made an instant impact. He assisted Fernandez’s late goal after coming off the bench. Nicolas Jackson had already set up Neto’s opener in the first half. And Chelsea controlled proceedings from the start. Enzo Maresca opted for a familiar XI against LAFC.

He rested Reece James and Romeo Lavia, who were later subbed in. Despite a brief LAFC resurgence early in the second half, Chelsea’s depth and pace proved too much. Former Blue Olivier Giroud made a late appearance for LAFC in comic fashion – delayed due to a missing shirt.

Also Read: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: All You Need To Know – Format, Fixtures, Prize Money, and More

Warning Signs for 2026 World Cup?

The sight of 50,000 empty red seats do not exactly put the image of FIFA to the world. Especially considering their promise of filled stadiums. While the Club World Cup is still new to U.S. audiences, many wonder if this indifference could spill over into the 2026 World Cup.

Some critics are pointing to marketing failures and unrealistic pricing, suggesting changes are necessary. While marquee matchups like Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal are expected to draw larger crowds, FIFA’s ambitious plans may require more than just big names to fill seats.

Chelsea

Chelsea vs LAFC

Club World Cup

Enzo Fernandez

Los Angeles FC

Pedro Neto

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.