Watch Messi for just $4? FIFA slashes prices for Club World Cup opener
FIFA
slashed ticket prices for the opening game of the
2025 Club World Cup
in the United States. Messi-led Inter Miami will take on Egyptian club Al-Ahly at
Hard Rock Stadium
in Miami on June 14.
FIFA extended an offer to
Miami Dade College
students, providing a single ticket at $20 with an additional benefit of receiving up to four free tickets, as reported by The Athletic.
Email promotions are currently being distributed to Miami Dade College affiliates, following their partnership with FIFA announced in April 2024.
The collaboration enables students to undertake internships at FIFA's Miami office, while the college receives exhibits on loan from FIFA's museum. According to FIFA's partnership announcement from the previous year, Miami Dade College maintains an enrolment exceeding 100,000 students.
ALSO READ:
Can the US successfully deliver FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Live Events
When a student obtains five tickets, they can watch Messi perform at a remarkably low cost of $4 per seat. This pricing structure benefits the locals significantly, yet falls considerably short of FIFA's initial vision for this competition, which they had positioned as the premier club football tournament globally.
FIFA has been selling general tickets for the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup using a dynamic pricing model, where ticket prices rise or fall based on demand. The noticeable drop in prices for certain matches highlights FIFA's ongoing challenges in filling stadiums for the tournament, despite its global appeal.
ALSO READ:
Messi in spotlight as FIFA's Club World Cup 2025 set to kick off in US
According to The Athletic, as of last Tuesday, ticket prices for Inter Miami's match against Al-Ahly have fallen to $55 on Ticketmaster, FIFA's official ticketing platform for the tournament.
The current price represents a 50% reduction from May's rates, while January's lowest-priced seats were $230, and December's post-draw prices stood at $349.
ALSO READ:
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Complete schedule, dates, timings, groups - All you need to know
FIFA anticipates that these lower prices, combined with increased promotional efforts in the week leading up to the tournament, will boost attendance and excitement for the newly revamped tournament.
FIFA hopes the affordable pricing will attract new fans and create a vibrant atmosphere for the tournament's debut in North America, where soccer continues to grow in popularity.
But, the big question is whether this pricing strategy for the locals will succeed in attracting a larger audience or not.
Economic Times WhatsApp channel
)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
What to expect in this Premier League season?
Every new Premier League season throws up an array of surprises. As the new season kicks off on Friday with reigning champion Liverpool hosting AFC Bournemouth, expectations are soaring high. All 20 clubs have made promising signings, with the Premier League being the biggest spender in the top five European leagues. While Liverpool will look to defend the title after signing some marquee players, the challenge ahead is tougher than ever. While some complained of the league becoming easier as the Reds won last season with 84 points and second placed Arsenal finished 10 behind, part of the blame was put down to the decline of Manchester City. However, it's the teams in mid-table contention who've become stronger, making it difficult for the title challengers. The Big Six Though the idea of the 'Big Six' has become irrelevant with the emergence of teams like Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and many more trying to catch up to that position, in terms of money, it's the richest clubs since 2010; Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham who make up the group. Viktor in his element 🫡 Gyokeres takes centre stage for In Focus 🔍 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2025 This transfer window is quite significant to prove why the 'Big Six' is still a dominant force in the league. About 39% of the intra-league moves have been these six clubs acquiring players from the rest of the teams. This is the highest share since 2010. Arsenal, with three consecutive second place finishes, needed to fill in the last piece to the puzzle. Despite trying midfielders Kai Harvertz and Mikel Merino as strikers, and at times succeeding in the process, it was evident that it needed a traditional striker. Now, having signed one of the promising talents in Europe, Viktor Gyokeres, it'll hope to complete the puzzle. Apart from this, the signing of Martin Zubimendi, who can control the game and provide key passes into the final third, is quite the upgrade on Thomas Partey, who departed the club this summer. The one upgrade the Gunners would've liked to have is a left-winger who can break the defensive lines when the opposition sits on a low block. Gabriel Martinelli will likely start at that position but he finds it difficult to break the defensive lines as manager Mikel Arteta emphasises on a high-press possession-based game from his players. Nevertheless, this Arsenal team looks stronger than last season on paper and only time can tell whether it can lift that prestigious trophy. Chelsea, with refreshing energy after winning the Club World Cup, has made some crucial signings. Its recruitment strategy in the last two years have raised eyebrows and questions abound whether the amount spent on new signings has yielded fruitful results. Well, some have succeeded and some have not. But the Blues seem to have understood that the modern game demands a lot of physical attributes and their signings have focused on players with those profiles. Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, and plenty more who had a higher duel winning percentage were signed. This transfer window, Chelsea has stuck to signing young talent while there have been a lot of outgoings too. On paper, Chelsea looked like the best team last season. However, its attack heavily relied on Cole Palmer's heroics. This year, having signed Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Estevao, Palmer can relax a bit. Pedro has already shown what he can offer in front of goal in the Club World Cup and in the few friendlies Chelsea played. THE GIST All 20 clubs have made promising signings, with the Premier League being the biggest spender in the top five European leagues The teams in mid-table contention have become stronger, making it difficult for the title challengers Arsenal looks stronger than last season on paper and only time can tell whether it can lift that prestigious trophy Liverpool, having broken the bank on Florian Wirtz and others, will try to replicate what it achieved last season with even more intensity Guardiola will hope to change things for City after last season's disappointment and probably leave the job on a high-note as his contract is up by 2027 Apart from this, Chelsea has the strongest bench strength in the league, which can help in resting the main players in other domestic games. The one point to be noted is that this squad has a lot of youngsters — who may lack the experience, but brim with untamed energy. Liverpool, having broken the bank on Florian Wirtz and a host of other signings, will try to replicate what it achieved last season with even more intensity. In the few glimpses from the friendlies this season, its attack looks fluid. However, defence is a concern as it conceded 11 goals in six matches. It looks vulnerable while losing possession, making it easier for the opposition to counter in 1v1 situations. One of its back-up centre-backs Jarell Quansah left, leaving no other senior players to cover that position. Although head coach Arne Slot said that centre-back is not an area of concern, according to reports, Liverpool is working on signing two central defenders, including Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. However, signing players is merely the opening act, to form chemistry and cohesion among the players is still a task to build a balanced squad. Manchester City, the most successful club in this decade, took a back seat last season after the unfortunate injury of its anchoring midfielder Rodri. Despite spending a whopping £180m mid-season, the second highest for a January transfer window by any club, it was not at its best. While this raised questions about Pep Guadiola's tactics, City showed significant improvement in the friendly against the Italian side Palermo. Guardiola is a perfectionist and there is no room for mistakes. Likewise, he'll hope to change things for the club and leave the job on a high-note as his contract comes to an end by 2027. Manchester United, the club which has been in the process of a rebuild for more than a decade, found itself in its worst nightmare last season. The new manager Ruben Amorim took time to settle in and will hope to change the course of things this season with its revamped frontline. Aiming high 📈 Watch Sesko's first interview on YouTube now ⤵️🎬 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 11, 2025 Top attackers like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko have preferred to join the team which finished 15th in the league without any European game-time. That's how strong United's pull is. It had areas of concern on all sides of the pitch. It especially looked vulnerable with its back-three approach, making it easier for the opposition to kill on transitions. Now that United has addressed its attacking concerns, it'll have to sharpen its defence and midfield to grab a spot to play in the Champions League next season. Tottenham, after a trophy drought of 17 years, won the Europa League last season. This gave it a boost to change its morale and mentality. However, manager Ange Postecoglou was sacked. This reflects that the management wants the club to compete for the title as it finished just one position above relegation. The new manager Thomas Frank, who had a successful stint at Brentford, has already made a mark with commendable signings. All areas look like they are sorted and some of the potential signings, as per reports, could alter the course of the club. Spurs could be the dark horse this season. The ascending ones The idea of the traditonal Big Six is disrupted because of the rise of clubs like Villa, Bournemouth, Palace, Newcastle and Forest. While there are a few others who can compete, these clubs stand out for their recruitment process and strategy on the pitch. However, these are the teams that have over-performed in the last season and may find it difficult to replicate what they have achieved. The teams have also seen more star outgoings than incomings. Well, that is the case with every other club out of the Big Six. While Newcastle tries not to lose its players, the transfer saga of Alexander Isak may affect the training of other players. Palace and Forest, with reports of key players departing or wanting to, leaves them in a tough spot to compete at the highest level. Bournemouth has almost lost its entire backline to bigger clubs and manager Andoni Iraola has a hue task at hand to rebuild it. Mid-table contenders In a competition like the Premier League, even the mid-table contenders trouble the big clubs. This slate has teams like Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, and Wolves. Brighton and Brentford could potentially fight for a Europa League or Conference League spot, but the the constant selling of young talent by the former and the departure of Frank to Spurs for the later have put a cap on the two taking the next step up. Everton, after a disappointing start last season, bounced back with the re-appointment of David Moyes mid-season. Moyes led Everton to three consecutive Premier League wins early on. This streak helped stabilise Everton's league position and created a nine-point gap from the relegation zone at one point. Fulham and Wolves have not made a mark in the transfer market yet. This could leave them on the back foot, offering an open invitation to the opposition to run the show. The promoted teams The Championship winner Leeds United played a possession-based game with narrow wingers. However, that might not work against the English giants and it has to make some tactical tweaks to stay in the Premier League. Burnley, having taken the exactly opposite route of Leeds, was comfortable sitting on a low block and scoring on counters. The team played 12 goalless draws last season. This has sometimes worked for newly promoted teams. Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo relied on a similar approach. Only time will tell if this gamble keeps Burnley's Premier League torch burning. Sunderland, after a dramatic win to secure a place in the Premier League, seems like a team that wants to capitalise on the promotion. According to Transfermarkt, it has spent £130 (including add-ons), making it the seventh-highest spender in this transfer window. The promoted teams who've spent big have always had fruitful results and Sunderland will look to follow that path.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Federer and Infantino to the rescue? How Switzerland is counting on sports diplomacy after getting hit by US tariffs
With the United States slapping a massive 39 per cent import duty on Switzerland – famous for the Alps, chocolate, luxury watches and 'cheese' – the nation is turning to tennis legend Roger Federer and FIFA president Gianni Infantino for help. Switzerland will be hoping Roger Federer and Gianni Infantino are able to convince US President Donald Trump against placing a whopping 39 per cent import duty on their goods. Reuters US President Donald Trump has once again sent shockwaves around the globe. His latest tariff strike has world leaders scrambling, and Switzerland – famous for the Alps, chocolate, luxury watches and 'cheese' – is in the firing line. The US has slapped a massive 39 per cent import duty on Swiss goods. And the usually calm, neutral nation is now urgently looking for a way out. Their plan? Not the usual round of political talks and negotiations, but calling in two of their biggest sporting heavyweights to work their magic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and tennis legend Roger Federer have been asked to open informal backchannels with President Trump. Why the Swiss are turning to Federer and Infantino for help And why these two, one might wonder? Two reasons – Infantino has Trump's friendship and Federer has global celebrity charm. Together, they will get him to ease the pressure. But with Trump's track record, will he listen? Or will Switzerland just end up with an even bigger bill? 'If personalities who know him have a conversation with him, we're not against it. That's not a strategy we can officially pursue,' said Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. In other words, Switzerland wants Federer and Infantino to do what they fear they can't. And honestly, it's not their worst idea. When Federer speaks, the world listens. And given Trump's fondness for sports, he might at least give them a listen. Then there's Gianni Infantino. His position as Fifa president is impressive. But it's his personal friendship with Trump that's priceless here. A friendship that's only grown warmer since the Fifa Club World Cup. Infantino even handed Trump the inaugural Club World Cup trophy. Maybe now he can cash in that favour: 'I gave you the trophy — now how about you drop the tariffs?' If he pulls it off, Infantino might just earn himself a 'noble mediator' title. But Switzerland's up against a very unusual political figure. They're not the first to try a sporting shortcut with Trump. And history shows it's risky. How a similar move backfired for South Africa Earlier this year, South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa brought golf stars Ernie Els and Retief Goosen into the Oval Office, hoping to smooth relations. This was after Trump accused South Africa of 'white genocide.' The meeting was all smiles, but days later, Trump hit them with 30% tariffs. Two elite golfers — playing Trump's own sport — couldn't move him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So the odds are stacked here for infantino and federer… Infantino's friendship gives him an edge. And Federer? He brings a mix of charm, global respect, and household-name status. And since retiring, Federer has even taken up golf — another subtle link that could help break the ice with Trump. Charm, diplomacy, and sportsmanship — Federer's got it all. But will it be enough to sway the most unpredictable president in modern history? Switzerland's gamble is clear – bypass the podiums and policy papers, and employ the most unusual strategy. It's a high-stakes match — with tariffs, trade, and diplomacy all on the line. Federer and Infantino can save Switzerland millions. If so – they'll prove that sometimes, the right serve or the perfect pass can be just as powerful as any political handshake. That is of course should Federer and Infantino choose to accept this mission. Watch the full episode here: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Alaska red flag for India as Trump heads out for Putin meeting
TOI correspondents from Washington: When elite Indian Air Force pilots, including the celebrated Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's first female Rafale flyer, participated in US-led Red Flag exercises in Alaska at the Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases (AFBs) a year ago, flying half way across the world with a panoply of India's air assets including Russian-made jets, little could anyone have imagined that Washington would be red-flagging New Delhi for buying oil for Moscow. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But here we are: As US President Donald Trump headed out to the very same Elmendorf AFB to meet Russia's leader Vladimir Putin on Friday, Trump aides left little doubt that India would pay the price if Washington failed to bend Moscow to its whim. "If things don't go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs (on India) could go up," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview to Bloomberg TV, setting the stage for New Delhi to be the fall guy, while providing an off-ramp for China, which buys more Russian oil than India does. Maintaining that he's 'not going to get ahead" of the mercurial President, who's "the best at creating leverage for himself," Bessent offered a remarkable insight into why western powers are reluctant to punish China: when he asked the leaders at the table at the recent G7 summit in Canada whether they were willing to put a 200 per cent secondary tariff on Beijing, "everybody wanted to see what kind of shoes they were wearing," a reference to China's manufacturing might that has the west in a stranglehold. Bessent's remarks came even as Trump tempered expectation from what will be the Putin's first visit to America in nearly a decade and the first domestic U.S.–Russia summit since 1988, saying it could just be a prelude to a tri-lateral meeting that will also bring in Ukraine's leader Voldymyr Zelansky within days. The US President will meet the Russian leader in one-on-one closed-door meeting kicks off at 11:30 am Alaska time, followed by a broader delegation session over a working breakfast at the Elmendorf AFB.
