FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Captures 2.7 Billion Global Viewers
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has now been confirmed as one of the biggest sporting spectacles in recent memory. FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, revealed that an astonishing 2.7 billion people around the world tuned in to watch the tournament. This number, verified by Nielsen Sports, covers all 63 matches of the competition, which for the first time featured 32 teams.
The final match on July 13 was a statement game. Chelsea, not the pre-tournament favorite, delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, shocking many and securing the club’s place in history as the first champion of this expanded format. Stadium attendance was also notable—nearly 2.5 million fans filled venues across the United States, even as the tournament overlapped with the Concacaf Gold Cup.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the event as a “game-changer.” According to him, the figures not only confirm the massive global reach of the Club World Cup but also show that expectations were exceeded. He pointed to the vibrant stadium atmospheres in the U.S. and the billions engaged worldwide as proof that the new format worked.
Also Read:- Jacinta Price Dumped From Liberal Frontbench Amid Leadership Rift
- Ivan Toney Says Al-Ahli Could Compete for Premier League Top Four
Much of the broadcasting power was carried by DAZN, which secured exclusive rights. The platform reported record levels of reach and engagement, boasting more than 10 billion impressions during the tournament. Social media also surged, with official FIFA Club World Cup accounts gaining around nine million new followers. At certain points, the Club World Cup even became the most-searched sporting event on Google.
When regional audiences are examined, the numbers are even more striking. In Brazil, 62% of the population watched at least part of the tournament, with national broadcaster TV Globo recording its three biggest audiences of the year. Portugal saw more than 60% of its population tune in, thanks to the presence of Benfica and Porto. Spain and Italy weren’t far behind, with nearly half of each country’s viewers following the action.
Some of the biggest spikes came during dramatic matches. In Saudi Arabia, nearly 78% of viewers were glued to their screens when Al Hilal upset Manchester City in a thrilling 4-3 victory. In Argentina, River Plate’s clash against Monterrey drew an incredible 87% audience share, while Boca Juniors’ meeting with Benfica drew more than 84%.
Despite early skepticism about ticket sales, scheduling challenges, and even controversy around the final’s presentation, the tournament’s reach tells its own story. FIFA has been eager to showcase the Club World Cup as a truly global event, and with billions of viewers worldwide, the inaugural 32-team edition has been positioned as a breakthrough moment for club football.
In the end, Chelsea lifted the trophy, but the bigger winner might have been the tournament itself. For FIFA, broadcasters, and fans alike, the numbers suggest that the Club World Cup has cemented itself as a major force in the global sports calendar.
Read More:
0 Comments