The upcoming World Cup promises to be unprecedented in scale, yet doubts linger about the United States’ readiness to host such a momentous event. Alongside Canada and Mexico, the U.S. will welcome the 2026 World Cup, projected to achieve record attendance, potentially surpassing the 1994 World Cup held in the U.S. Nearly two million tickets have been sold leading up to Friday’s draw. This tournament’s new format, expanding to 48 teams, will not only mean more matches but also heightened pressure on the host countries in various ways.
The recently held Club World Cup in the summer of 2025 provided a glimpse into what we might expect during the World Cup. While it showcased the passion of fans, it also highlighted numerous challenges—everything from flare incidents in stadiums to complaints about pitch quality and the logistical complexities of hosting a concert alongside a soccer event.
Despite being labeled a trial run, this was the most significant Club World Cup to date, with necessary lessons extracted for future tournaments. Luis Castro, FIFA Match Director in New Jersey at MetLife, emphasized, “This is not merely a test event.”
While the Club World Cup was not explicitly a rehearsal for the World Cup, it offered numerous insights, especially since six of its stadiums will host matches during the national tournament—Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Lumen Field in Seattle, the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Even though the World Cup host committees were not involved in planning for the Club World Cup, the attendance impact was undeniable.
“The 80,619 fans who attended the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid match at the Rose Bowl showcased the enthusiasm for soccer in the region,” stated Jason Krutzsch, vice president at Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “LA continues to prove its capability to host the world.”
Fans greatly contributed to what made the tournament successful, evident in the vibrant atmosphere created by Boca Juniors supporters and Brazilian teams, alongside the impressive play from Auckland City FC. Yet, there are significant considerations regarding match logistics.
Grass Quality: A Fundamental Concern
One challenge for FIFA has been the variety of playing surfaces across the United States. Each stadium is subject to different conditions; some are domes, while others deal with severe humidity, thunderstorms, or dry heat. This one-size-fits-all approach to grass installation has proven insufficient.
“Stadiums in Seattle face completely different conditions than venues in Miami, as humidity and rain differ significantly from dry climates like Kansas City,” notes Dietmar Exler, COO of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “The humidity in Atlanta is manageable, allowing for controlled environments, which complicates preparation when considering unique setups across stadiums.”
Specific grass types must be tailored for each venue. For instance, MetLife required sturdy grass that can endure the sun, while Atlanta’s indoor stadium presented different challenges altogether. The Club World Cup was an opportunity to evaluate and adjust growing techniques, ensuring the best playing conditions for the World Cup.
Feedback on the bounce of the ball in various stadiums will also be crucial in ensuring consistency during the World Cup. Blair Christensen, MetLife pitch venue manager, explained, “This bid isn’t a short-term study; it spans 24 months, and we’ll have comprehensive findings after the tournament as we gear up for 2026.”
The Dilemma of Flares: Passion or Risk?
While fans’ passion is an asset to soccer, incidents of flares being brought into stadiums pose serious safety risks. When Wydad squared off against Manchester City in Philadelphia during the Club World Cup, a flare incident nearly struck an unsuspecting player on the field. Such occurrences highlight the need for stricter regulations surrounding fan behavior during significant events.
Exler noted the proactive measures undertaken, stating, “We collaborated closely with security teams, even observing successful strategies from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs. Our preparations paid off; we had no flare incidents.”
Safety has to be a priority during these tournaments, and while flares may enhance excitement, controlling their use is vital. Clear protocols were in place during the Club World Cup to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure a family-friendly atmosphere, especially as preparations intensify for the World Cup.
Maximizing Global Fandom: Key to Preparation
The 2026 World Cup will hinge on effectively accommodating diverse fan bases, including language considerations. While English, French, German, and Spanish are FIFA’s official languages, many fans will communicate in Arabic as well. Updating signage and preparing city staff for these changes is crucial for seamless experiences.
Meg Kane, CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, illustrated the need for education, stating, “Our goal is to facilitate an unforgettable experience tailored to fan needs. This will involve everything from multilingual signage to cultural competency training.”
Understanding and respecting cultural customs, from tipping practices to tailgating traditions, will be fundamental to the success of the World Cup. Management will gain invaluable insights from this Club World Cup, enabling them to prepare smarter as they approach the tournament.
Ultimately, the nature of the fan experience, on and off the pitch, will play a pivotal role in determining the event’s success. The groundwork laid during the Club World Cup has set a promising foundation. If the forthcoming World Cup mirrors this level of engagement, we can look forward to the most significant tournament yet.
