As fans fan themselves amid soaring temperatures, it becomes evident that the 2023 Club World Cup in the United States poses unique challenges. At the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the thermometer hits a staggering 35 degrees Celsius , players like Xabi Alonso utilize garden hoses to cool off, while teammates like Vinicius and Jude Bellingham employ ice towels provided by Real Madrid staff. The oppressive humidity, recorded at 78% , adds to the discomfort, leading even coaches to agree, “It’s been very hot.” In stark contrast, Cincinnati experiences a storm that temporarily halts the Pachuca vs. Salzburg match, forcing 5,282 attendees to exit the stadium. These weather-related challenges encapsulate the disparate experiences within this tournament.
The month of June sees two contrasting versions of the World Cup unfolding across America. In cities like California, Miami, and New Jersey , a vibrant atmosphere thrives with packed stadiums, street festivities, and a celebratory environment that FIFA President Gianni Infantino envisioned. For instance, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena welcomed 80,619 fans for the PSG vs. Atlético matchup, while 62,415 attendees showed up for Real Madrid versus Al Hilal in Miami—exceeding even the opening game’s tally of 60,000. Yet, another World Cup, more subdued and under the radar, has drawn only 3,412 spectators to the Exploria Stadium in Orlando and a meager 11,974 to the River Plate vs. Urawa match in Seattle, which has a capacity for 68,000. Meanwhile, the approximately 22,137 that gathered in Atlanta for a match at a 71,000-seat venue echoed the growing disparity.
Mixed Spectator Atmosphere
The difference in attendance and ambiance has surprised teams. As Enzo Maresca , manager of the blues , remarked, “It felt strange; the venue was almost empty.” Nevertheless, FIFA boasts about total attendance numbers, which surpassed half a million in the tournament’s early days: 556,369 fans , with an average of 34,773 per match. However, these figures can be misleading, as they equal only 58% of available stadium capacity. The data shows that most ticket purchasers are Americans, followed by fans from Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, while European interest lags behind significantly.
Several factors contribute to this discrepancy, such as geographical distance, initial hesitations regarding tournament competitiveness, and apprehensions over potential government checks on undocumented fans before and after matches. The searing heat plays a pivotal role too, especially given that not all venues are equipped with roofs. To cater to television audiences in Europe, FIFA has scheduled matches during extreme temperatures—often at midday. This heat has raised concerns about player performance sustainability; Llorente complained about foot pain, while Luis Enrique noted, “It’s a tough environment to maintain high levels for 90 minutes.” Anatoli Trubin , goalkeeper for Benfica , described this heat as unprecedented, and Trent Alexander-Arnold warned that it could lead to a scenario where players are merely chasing shadows.
Weather Disruptions
The peak heat coincides with the onset of severe thunderstorms typically seen across the United States. The likelihood of lightning strikes is highest from 4 PM to 8 PM , coinciding with scheduled match timings. As if FIFA hadn’t dealt with enough challenges regarding empty seats and complaints over uncomfortable conditions, it has had to suspend four matches due to extreme weather, the latest being Benfica vs. Auckland City in Orlando.
According to the National Lightning Safety Institute , stadiums made of metal are particularly hazardous during thunderstorms, making them common targets for lightning strikes. Past data highlights the seriousness of this issue, with 12 lightning-related fatalities recorded across the country in 2024, including five in Florida.
This edition of the World Cup isn’t just about impressive attendance figures; it’s equally defined by the oppressive heat and stormy weather, presenting a unique set of challenges and experiences for sports fans and athletes alike.