Football fans divided over ‘Americanisation’ of FIFA Club World Cup final

The showmanship at the FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the USA has divided opinion across the world.

For the first time ever, the tournament had a ring announcer and performances, which included artists such as Doja Cat, Tems, & Coldplay, taking to the stage.

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While some football fans welcomed the major changes, others expressed unhappiness over what they termed the ‘Americanisation’ of a traditional game.

Football fans were also divided on their experience of the game, with some poking fun at US President, Donald Trump, after he was booed by some fans when he went on stage to congratulate Chelsea following their win at the sold-out affair on Sunday night. This while others celebrated Tems for making history as the first African artist to perform at the sporting event.

European media have been quite insular about this tournament, but it is obvious what it means to other continents. It’s here to stay, so better quickly get over it.

FIFA does need to bin the NFL gimmicks. It’s disrespectful. https://t.co/VusezQpv8b

— Bobby F. 🍁 (@bobbyfairview) July 14, 2025

Introducing the teams like it’s a boxing match, pyro, endless ads, counting down to kick off, half time show. The beautiful game has become a fully americanised viewing experience, and I mean that in a bad way. #FIFAClubWorldCup2025

— Ryan 👽 (@Dixie_Deano) July 13, 2025

Congrats to FIFA on a successful Club World Cup, proving the U.S. is a true soccer country – we can’t wait to host the world again next year. It was great to meet with our colleagues from @Concacaf and @FIFAcom over the weekend to talk about the 2031 Women’s World Cup coming to…

— jt batson (@jtbatson) July 14, 2025

If a sport becomes popular in America, it seems like they try hard to change it, thinking these changes make the game more interesting. However, football doesn’t need these alterations to be engaging—it’s already the biggest sport on Earth. Thank goodness America didn’t invent…

— Vishal Chaudhary (@VishalChau69341) July 14, 2025

Trump getting booed at the FIFA World Cup. pic.twitter.com/dsvt4xzEzc

— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 14, 2025

Tems performing “Love me jeje” at Fifa Club World Cup final half time show 2025. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4BI313TehM

— Afrobeats Central (@AfrobeatsCNTRL) July 14, 2025