Why is the game between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 delayed?

Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns were set to square off in Matchday 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, closing out Group F action. However, just moments before kickoff, both teams returned to the locker room, leaving fans wondering why the match has been delayed.

With Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense playing to a 0-0 draw earlier in the day, it was time for the group’s remaining teams to take the field. Kickoff was scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, but external conditions forced an unexpected delay.

According to the stadium announcer, the delay was due to adverse weather conditions. Forecasts in Florida called for an approaching electrical storm, triggering safety protocols designed to protect players, staff, and fans.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan players were the first to leave the field, while many fans initially remained in the stands. This prompted the announcer to issue a warning asking spectators to “please proceed to the interior” of the stadium for safety, leaving an empty Inter&Co Stadium as the storm loomed.

According to protocol, kickoff has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. However, officials will have the final say, and if the threat of a storm persists, the delay could be extended by another 30 minutes.

After the storm cleared, both teams returned to the field for warm-ups. The new official kickoff time was set for 7:05 p.m. ET, capping a delay of over an hour.

Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns register lowest attendance so far

Attendance at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has fluctuated widely. Inter Miami and Al Ahly opened the tournament with over 60,000 spectators, while PSG’s clash with Atletico Madrid drew an impressive 80,619 fans. Chelsea’s matchup against LAFC brought in 22,137, filling just 30% of Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s 75,000-seat capacity.

However, Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns set an unfortunate record. With Inter&Co Stadium’s 25,500-seat capacity, the combined fanbases of the South Korean and South African clubs were unable to fill even a single section of the stands, resulting in the lowest attendance to be recorded so far in the tournament.