Key Lessons from the Club World Cup Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The recently concluded Club World Cup has given fans and organizers alike a glimpse into what to expect when the United States, Mexico, and Canada host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With five of the tournament’s venues also set to host World Cup matches next year—MetLife Stadium, Lumen Field, Lincoln Financial Field, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Hard Rock Stadium—the tournament has acted as a crucial trial run.

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown, who covered 10 games across five cities as a DAZN co-commentator, told BBC Sport that the event has been a “really good test” for next year’s expanded global showpiece.

Extreme Weather and Scheduling Woes Raise Concerns

The most pressing challenge during the Club World Cup was the extreme weather. Soaring temperatures—up to 39°C (with humidity making it feel like over 50°C)—and unpredictable storms caused widespread disruption. In line with U.S. regulations, matches were paused if lightning struck within a 10-mile radius. Six games experienced delays ranging from 40 minutes to two hours, including a dramatic stoppage during Chelsea’s clash with Benfica.

Managers were vocal about the conditions. Juventus boss Igor Tudor said ten of his players requested to be substituted due to heat. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca called the delays “a joke,” while Borussia Dortmund players watched the first half of a match from the changing room to avoid the scorching sun.

The situation highlighted a looming issue for the 2026 tournament: nine of the host cities face “very high” or “extremely high” heat stress risks, according to global player union Fifpro. FIFA may need to rethink match timings or prioritize roofed stadiums to mitigate the problem.

Low Attendance, High Prices: Engagement Still a Challenge

While some matches drew huge crowds—81,118 fans watched Chelsea defeat PSG in the final—others had disappointing turnouts. Several games attracted fewer than 10,000 spectators, with just 3,412 fans attending Mamelodi Sundowns’ win over Ulsan HD.

Analysts pointed to awkward kick-off times and high ticket prices as major deterrents. Many matches were played at noon or mid-afternoon on weekdays, making it hard for working fans to attend. For instance, ticket prices for Chelsea’s semi-final against Fluminense dropped from over £300 to under £10 as organizers scrambled to fill seats.

Media experts suggest FIFA needs to better market its tournaments to the American public and consider pricing strategies that reflect local interest. While awareness of football is growing in the U.S., it’s still not the dominant sport, and fans are likely saving up for the more prestigious World Cup next summer.

Infrastructure and Security: Mixed Results

Logistics and infrastructure remain a mixed bag. Unlike compact Qatar in 2022, the vast geography of the U.S. poses transport challenges. For example, fans attending matches at MetLife Stadium had to walk 20–30 minutes in blistering heat after using public transport. Other venues like Hard Rock Stadium in Miami lacked nearby train or metro options, creating traffic bottlenecks and long walks for supporters.

On the brighter side, some venues, such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, offered better connectivity and modern facilities. FIFA may consider providing free transportation to ticket holders at certain locations in 2026.

Security was another major focus, particularly with high-profile figures like Donald Trump attending matches. Armed officers, sniffer dogs, and counter-terrorism units were deployed at various stadiums, especially at the final in New Jersey. These protocols are expected to be even more stringent during the World Cup.

Pitch Conditions Still a Work in Progress

One recurring complaint among players and coaches was the quality of the playing surfaces. Many stadiums, primarily used for American football, had artificial turf hastily converted into grass fields. The result was inconsistent pitch conditions that drew criticism from players like Jude Bellingham and managers like Niko Kovac, who described one surface as “more of a golf green.”

FIFA officials say that there will be more time to prepare grass pitches for 2026, but with such a vast range of climates across the U.S., standardizing pitch quality remains a significant challenge.

Conclusion

While the Club World Cup highlighted several positives—state-of-the-art stadiums, huge fan interest in marquee matchups, and growing awareness of football in North America—it also raised serious questions about weather management, infrastructure, fan engagement, and pitch quality. For FIFA, the lessons from this summer could be vital in ensuring that the 2026 World Cup lives up to its massive promise.