Excitement is building for the FIFA Club World Cup as DAZN has released an innovative advertisement featuring reimagined versions of football stars like Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Luis Suarez. The streaming platform will broadcast all 63 matches of the tournament for free, starting with the opening match between Al Ahly and Inter Miami on June 15.
The premier league teams, Manchester City and Chelsea, will represent the UK, while European titans such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain will compete for a prize pool nearing £100 million. DAZN’s promotional campaign adds a unique twist by incorporating a boxing theme, with Kane, Haaland, Suarez, and Edinson Cavani depicted as fighters, voiced by the legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer.
This year’s tournament features an expanded format, including 32 teams compared to just seven in previous editions. This expansion will compress 63 matches into 28 days, a shift from the 11 days that used to host the event. Winners will receive a special badge to wear on their kits for four years, with a design likely reminiscent of the one worn by Manchester City after their previous victory.
Concerns over fan attendance have emerged, as reports indicate that ticket sales, notably for the opening game featuring Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, are lower than expected. FIFA has reduced ticket prices to attract more fans, with some tickets available for as little as £17. This dynamic pricing reflects the challenges FIFA faces in filling stadiums for the event; however, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in attracting large crowds.
The tournament, a cornerstone project for Infantino, promises to showcase the world’s best footballing talents in a competitive format, aiming to draw significant viewer engagement. With the anticipation building, stakeholders remain hopeful that the event will not only meet attendance expectations but also deliver thrilling performances on the pitch.