Washington: The tournament, which began last Sunday with a goalless opener between Egypt’s Al Ahly and Inter Miami of the United States, is already making history—not just for its expanded format, but for the overwhelming global fan engagement it has sparked.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the response, stating, “This is precisely why we are organising the Club World Cup. We want to provide a global platform for epics to be written, for heroes to emerge, and for football fans to feel part of something bigger.” He praised the tournament’s multicultural atmosphere and thanked fans for their “voices, passion, and presence.”

The new format sees 32 teams competing every four years, a major shift from the previous annual version that featured just seven teams—the six continental champions and the host nation’s league winner.

Fans have turned out in force. The Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match drew 60,927 spectators, while 80,619 packed the Rose Bowl for the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid clash the following day. FIFA confirmed tickets have been purchased from more than 130 countries, with the largest share going to fans from the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, France, Japan, Germany, the UK, and Portugal.

With teams from 20 countries and players representing 81 nations, this year’s Club World Cup is the most diverse in FIFA’s history. The month-long football festival will culminate in a grand finale at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 14, wrapping up 63 matches that promise high drama and global celebration.