Why was PSG vs Real Madrid kickoff delayed at Club World Cup?

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Just as fans were getting ready for the match, the stadium announcer and video screens informed the crowd of the delay.

Delayed Kickoff! Just as fans were settling into their seats and PSG and Real Madrid players were preparing to take the field, an unexpected announcement came over the stadium loudspeaker: the start of the match had been delayed by 10 minutes.

The semifinal clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was originally scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM ET, but both the stadium announcer and the video boards confirmed a slight delay.

Although FIFA did not release an official statement, the delay was reportedly due to heavy traffic outside the stadium, which caused the team buses to arrive later than expected. With players needing time to get settled in the locker rooms and warm up on the pitch, organizers opted to push kickoff to 3:10 PM ET.