Miami, Florida — The reimagined Club World Cup kicks off this weekend, showcasing some of the biggest names in men’s soccer across the United States. With 32 teams set to compete, the tournament promises an intense month of action, all while competing for a redesigned trophy and a share of a historic prize pool.

This edition heralds a substantial transformation from previous tournaments, which featured far fewer teams. The expanded format is seen as a bold move by FIFA, aligning with its ambition to globalize soccer further. Hosting this prestigious event places the U.S. at the forefront of global soccer just a year before it co-hosts the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

However, the new structure has sparked debate among players and fans. Concerns about an overcrowded competition schedule have been prevalent, alongside slower-than-expected ticket sales. In response, FIFA has implemented dynamic pricing strategies to encourage attendance, lowering initial ticket costs that some deemed excessively high.

A staggering $1 billion in prize money is allocated to participating teams, and the winner could claim up to $125 million. This financial incentive may attract teams despite the logistical challenges and criticisms surrounding the tournament. The event, fondly referred to as a turbo-charged version of its predecessors, promises more excitement but not without questions about its necessity in an already packed soccer calendar.

The tournament will host 63 matches across 11 American cities. Fans will have the chance to see some of soccer’s top talents, including Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid. The opening match will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, featuring Inter Miami competing against Egypt’s Al Ahly.

As the tournament approaches, FIFA has touted its potential to broaden soccer’s reach but faces skepticism over its effectiveness. With a significant percentage of seats still available for high-profile matches, including PSG versus Atlético Madrid, it’s uncertain whether broader interest will develop as the matches commence. The finals, set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, have yet to sell out, indicating hurdles ahead.

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino expresses optimism that enthusiasm will grow once the games begin, the early feedback suggests a rocky start. Critics, including FIFPRO, the global players’ union, are raising alarms about an exhausted player pool as schedules become increasingly congested.

Their complaint to the European Commission underscores a growing concern: the club calendar is overwhelming, impacting player well-being. Yet, FIFA contends the inaugural version of this revamped tournament will yield long-term benefits for clubs and the sport worldwide.

Despite initial setbacks, the stage is set for a significant chapter in soccer’s history. As the tournament unfolds, teams from various corners of the globe prepare to battle it out, while fans await a spectacle that could redefine the tournament’s legacy in the years to come. Will the anticipated excitement materialize as teams vie for not just glory, but a substantial financial windfall? Only time will tell as the inaugural kick-off approaches.