FIFA Club World Cup draws over 80,000 fans to Rose Bowl

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament to determine the world’s top professional soccer club, officially kicked off in the United States on June 14.

Unlike the previous format, which limited participation to top teams from each continent, this year’s competition expanded to 32 teams, making it the largest Club World Cup to date. With this expansion, the tournament now fully lives up to its name, creating a World Cup-like atmosphere and drawing heightened excitement from soccer fans worldwide.

Matches are being held across major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. On June 15, The Korea Daily visited the highly anticipated Group B opening match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atlético Madrid, held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena at noon.

At 10 a.m., two hours before kickoff, cars stretched in a long line nearly a mile from the stadium entrance. This wasn’t for an American football game or a flea market—these were fans flocking to watch a clash between two of Europe’s football powerhouses.

A total of 80,619 spectators packed the Rose Bowl that day, shattering the stereotype that soccer is a niche sport in the U.S. Fans, clad in jerseys of their favorite teams, made their way to the stadium in groups. The scene was filled with chants, flags, and a palpable sense of anticipation.

Outside the stadium, a festive atmosphere had already taken hold. Families and friends took group photos in matching jerseys, and food trucks and sponsor booths lined the perimeter. The official merchandise shop was bustling, and due to the sweltering weather—reaching 94°F (34°C)—beer stands had lines stretching over 65 feet. “I’ve never seen a soccer crowd this big in the U.S.,” said 29-year-old Marisa Gonzalez. “It feels like a real World Cup.”

Korean fans were also present, with some donning PSG jerseys featuring Lee Kang-in’s name. “It’s been a tough time for Lee lately with transfer rumors and limited playtime,” said Hwang In-gyu, who came with friends. “But if he gets a chance to play today, I hope he proves himself.”

On one side of the stadium, a group of men in suits could be seen moving briskly—it was the entourage of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. When asked about his whereabouts, one aide confirmed, “He’s already here. With two European giants facing off, he wanted to watch the game in person.”

At 11:50 a.m., just 10 minutes before kickoff, the stadium was nearly full. A roar erupted as players began to enter the pitch—not in the usual lineup but one by one. Fans shouted each player’s name as they emerged, and the players responded with waves and gestures. Lee Kang-in appeared with the coaching staff, as he was listed among the substitutes.

Right at noon, the match began, and PSG launched an aggressive offensive. In the 19th minute, midfielder Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock with a powerful shot that found the back of the net.

Atlético responded by tightening their defense. Defender Clément Lenglet earned a yellow card after a hard tackle, followed by another yellow for Robin Le Normand minutes later. Despite this being neither a league match nor a Champions League fixture, the players’ intensity and commitment reflected their professionalism.

Three minutes of added time were awarded in the first half, and Atlético had a chance to equalize. But a miscommunication between two players disrupted the opportunity. Seizing the moment, PSG quickly counterattacked, with Vitinha slotting home a stunning goal assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The crowd erupted as the ball hit the net just before the half ended.

Despite the blistering heat, fans stayed in their seats and continued cheering throughout the match. Some waved flags from Georgia and the Netherlands in support of their national players.

The second half began with Atlético pressing hard for a goal. In the 59th minute, they thought they had scored—only for VAR to overturn the decision due to an offside, turning cheers into boos.

In the 72nd minute, the moment many Korean fans had been waiting for arrived. Lee Kang-in was subbed in, replacing Fabián Ruiz. Determined to make his mark, Lee tirelessly ran the field and delivered a sharp through pass that could have led to a goal, but the opportunity slipped away.

In the 77th minute, Lenglet received a second yellow card for protesting a call, resulting in his dismissal. With Atlético down to ten men, their defense began to crumble. In the 87th minute, PSG’s young midfielder Senny Mayulu added another goal to seal the victory.

Six minutes of stoppage time were added. During this period, Atlético’s Le Normand committed a handball inside the box. PSG was awarded a penalty, and to the delight of Korean fans, Vitinha handed the kick to Lee Kang-in. Calm and composed, Lee slotted the ball down the center, scoring the final goal of the match. The stadium burst into one last wave of cheers.

PSG secured a dominant 4–0 win in their Club World Cup debut. “We came from Culver City early this morning because my son is a PSG fan,” said William Shin, who attended the match with his wife and son. “Seeing them win like this made the day unforgettable for all of us.”

On this day, in the heartland of American football, more than 80,000 voices joined together for soccer. The match between European giants left no doubt: the beautiful game has found firm footing in the U.S., and the Club World Cup is leading the charge.

BY KYEONGJUN KIM  [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]