Borussia Dortmund's Thrilling Win Yet Few Fans Show Up in Miami Bar!

Hallandale Beach, FL, USA - On June 21, 2025, Borussia Dortmund engaged in a thrilling match against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Club World Cup, ultimately winning a nail-biting game with a score of 4-3. However, the excitement surrounding the match was not reflected in the typical sports culture of the United States. As FOCUS-online columnist Pit Gottschalk noted, he watched the game in the „Upper Deck Ale und Sports Grille“ in Miami. This sports bar, adorned with large screens and seating for 250 patrons, became his solitary refuge as he found himself the only customer during the match.

Gottschalk’s experience illuminated a stark reality about soccer’s cultural footprint in the area. Staff at the bar remarked that the popularity of soccer is heavily influenced by the teams in play; South American sides generally pull in larger crowds compared to European teams like Borussia Dortmund. In fact, attendance has waned since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, further underlining the challenges of engaging local fans with European competitions.

Campaigning for Interest

This Club World Cup showcases 32 teams, including titans like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but not without controversy. Criticism of FIFA has emerged related to financial backers and the additional burden placed on players. Despite these concerns, Dortmund’s management, including figures like Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken, has voiced their support for FIFA’s initiatives. Kehl aims for the team to reach the Round of 16, a target that could potentially yield €6.8 million, alongside an initial tournament fee estimated at around €25 million ZDF mentions.

With injuries sidelining key players like Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, Dortmund faces not just the pressure of the tournament but also the intense heat of midday matches. Teams like Dortmund need to adapt if they hope to strengthen their squads after a tough Bundesliga season, especially with the potential transfer of Jamie Gittens to Chelsea now at a standstill, exacerbating the club’s need for success at this tournament.

Expanding Horizons

Yet, the Club World Cup serves a dual purpose beyond just competition; it is also a platform for clubs to expand their visibility and relevance in the U.S. Borussia Dortmund has recognized the importance of nurturing community ties during this tournament. Recently, the club hosted an event in Brooklyn attracting diverse football fans, including supporters from Mexico, Germany, and the local U.S. Men’s National Team. As reported by Goal, this gathering highlighted how foreign clubs are building connections with their fan bases.

Marc Lingenhoff, managing director of Borussia Dortmund Americas, emphasized that the Club World Cup serves as a significant platform for showcasing their presence in the U.S. With over a decade of evolving strategies from merely brand promotion to cultivating fan communities, the tournament is seen as a vital opportunity for European clubs to engage with an increasingly prominent soccer landscape.

The challenges remain, though, as Gottschalk’s solitary watch of the match hints at an uphill battle in converting casual interest into a passionate following. Borussia Dortmund and other European clubs must work diligently to foster enthusiasm, wresting attention away from mainstream sports and planting deep roots in America’s growing soccer soil.