FIFA will allocate a staggering $1 billion in prize money to participants in this year’s Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to AFP on Wednesday.
This amount significantly exceeds the prize money awarded for both the last men’s and women’s World Cups.
While FIFA has not disclosed extensive details regarding the funding of this inaugural 32-team tournament, which will occur every four years, it has recently secured a broadcaster and key sponsors.
British streaming service DAZN was granted exclusive global broadcasting rights for the tournament, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, with reports suggesting the contract is valued at approximately €1 billion ($1.05 billion).
Additionally, FIFA has entered into sponsorship agreements with major brands, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics company Hisense, and Belgian brewer AB InBev.
For context, the total prize pool for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar was $440 million, while the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand awarded $110 million.
In contrast, the newly expanded UEFA Champions League, featuring 36 clubs, is set to distribute €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) in prize money this season.
Despite these enticing figures, FIFA has faced significant criticism surrounding the Club World Cup. The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association have lodged a complaint with the European Commission, alleging FIFA is misusing its authority and overburdening the football calendar, which raises concerns about player welfare.
The tournament will include 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America, with Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami rounding out the participating teams.
Top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also expected to benefit substantially from the lucrative prize pool. The European Club Association (ECA) is representing European clubs in ongoing discussions, including those concerning solidarity payments for teams not participating in the tournament.
The event will take place across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, culminating in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which is also set to host the 2026 World Cup final.
