FIFA has confirmed it will distribute a total prize pool of one billion dollars to participants in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. This figure surpasses the prize money offered for both the last men’s and women’s World Cups, underscoring FIFA’s ambitious expansion of the competition.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The tournament, set to occur every four years, has drawn significant investment, with FIFA securing major sponsorships and broadcasting rights in recent months. British streaming service DAZN acquired exclusive global broadcasting rights for the event, with a deal valued at approximately one billion euros ($1.05 billion). Sponsors include Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Hisense, and AB InBev.
In comparison, the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar offered $440 million in prize money, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had a total of $110 million. Meanwhile, this season’s UEFA Champions League, which also expanded its format to 36 clubs, will distribute $2.66 billion to participating teams.
FIFA’s expansion of the Club World Cup has faced criticism, particularly from European stakeholders, citing concerns about player welfare. FIFPro, the global footballers’ union, and the European Leagues association have filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of overloading the football calendar. Prominent players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have voiced their concerns, with Rodri suggesting a strike may be imminent.
Despite the backlash, not all reactions have been negative. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has expressed excitement over the new competition, noting that players would be eager to participate in the prestigious event every four years.
The tournament will feature teams from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and North and Central America, with notable inclusions such as Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. It will be held at 12 venues across 11 cities, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 World Cup final.
