At the Hard Rock Stadium, the excitement was palpable as the concentric circles of the Club World Cup spun on the big screen, reminiscent of the rings of a new planet. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the architect of this ambitious tournament, heralded it as a “big bang moment in the history of football.” But the burning question remained: Would this new competition thrive or fizzle out?
Hours before the kick-off, Infantino was already on-site, meticulously observing the final preparations for the inaugural game between Al Ahly and Inter Miami. This followed an awkward call with ’90s pop icons Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, during which the catchy song ‘Desire’ was revealed as the official anthem of FIFA. Williams sported a T-shirt displaying the slogan ‘hopeium,’ a term that seemed to offer an escape from the disappointing reports of thousands of unsold tickets.
If this truly marked “a new era for soccer,” as Infantino boldly asserted, the initial turnout suggested that enthusiasm was lacking. Many locals appeared disinterested, possibly deterred by high ticket prices and the intimidating presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the stadium. Some executives from participating clubs expressed their disappointment over the insufficient promotional efforts in key cities and airports, leading to confusion among locals. Questions lingered: Isn’t the World Cup scheduled for next summer? How does this event differ?
The timing of the match also posed challenges, as it coincided with significant sporting events that resonated more with local Floridians. Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final was underway, featuring the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. Nationally, Caitlin Clark was making waves for the Indiana Fever, scoring an impressive 32 points. Meanwhile, the U.S. Open was being broadcast on more accessible channels than DAZN, the host broadcaster of the Club World Cup, who had invested a staggering billion dollars for broadcasting rights only to offer the matches for free.
When the players from Inter Miami arrived 90 minutes prior to the kick-off, they stepped onto the pitch with little fanfare. Even Lionel Messi, the biggest name in football, went largely unnoticed as he surveyed the stadium. The Hard Rock Stadium isn't the home ground for Inter Miami; that's the smaller Chase Stadium. While Messi has drawn crowds of 62,358 in Chicago and 60,614 in Cleveland against the Columbus Crew, local fans were more accustomed to seeing him for less against familiar teams.
On the other hand, Al Ahly is a powerhouse in Africa, proudly dubbed “the team of the century.” As the most successful team in the continent's Champions League history, they had a more substantial representation in the stands compared to Inter Miami. However, outside Africa, their brand recognition fell short, resonating primarily with the Egyptian diaspora and travelers from Cairo.
Notably absent from the event was Infantino’s friend, former President Donald Trump, who was celebrating his birthday with a lavish military parade in Washington, D.C. Instead, Infantino was seen alongside Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham, alongside football legends like the original Ronaldo and fellow Ballon d'Or winner Roberto Baggio. Despite some awkward moments, including an unannounced performance of the U.S. national anthem and a chaotic team entrance, the spirit of the event began to coalesce.
The Messi effect clearly remains potent, drawing fans clad in Inter Miami jerseys in droves. The final attendance was reported at 60,927, filling 93% of the stadium. Al Ahly fans contributed significantly to the atmosphere, as noted by Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who commented, “(There were) a lot of Egyptian people... it was a good party of football.”
As the match unfolded, the stadium transformed, with vibrant colors representing various teams, including the pink and red of Boca Juniors fans already in town for an upcoming match against Benfica. The experience was akin to watching evolution in real-time, as the Club World Cup began to establish its identity.
The match itself, while not devoid of its gaudy elements—like a half-time cross-bar challenge hosted by influencer IShowSpeed—was filled with genuine competition. Al Ahly played with remarkable intensity, putting Inter Miami’s veteran lineup to the test. The standout performance came from Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made impressive saves, including a crucial penalty stop, resulting in a thrilling 0-0 draw.
As the press witnessed the launch of this new tournament from the Hard Rock’s press tribune, it became clear that the expanded Club World Cup has potential. While its position in the football hierarchy is yet to be determined, the opening match certainly drew more attention than anticipated. As fans departed the venue, chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” from one side were met with spirited counter chants of “Al Ahly, Ahly, Ahly!” This event, indeed, has its place in the football universe. This is Infantino’s Club World Cup, and we are now a part of it.
