Paris: FIFA has revealed that teams competing in the 2025 expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, will share a record-breaking $1 billion in prize money. This unprecedented prize pool far exceeds that of previous men’s and women’s World Cups, underscoring the tournament’s growing stature.
The expanded competition, which will feature 32 teams, will be held every four years, with the inaugural edition scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13, 2025. FIFA has signed major sponsorship deals with global brands like Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Hisense, and AB InBev, and secured exclusive global broadcast rights with the British streaming service DAZN.
FIFA anticipates generating $2 billion in revenue from the tournament, with all proceeds to be redistributed to participating clubs and through solidarity programs worldwide. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as the “pinnacle of club football” and emphasized the competition’s role in promoting global solidarity.
“The FIFA Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football, but also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs on a scale that no other competition has ever done,” Infantino said in a statement.
By comparison, the total prize pool for the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar was $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had a prize pool of $110 million. The 2023 UEFA Champions League, with its new 36-club format, will distribute €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) among participating clubs.
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Despite the excitement surrounding the expanded competition, FIFA’s decision to increase the tournament’s size has sparked criticism, particularly from European players and football unions. Concerns over player welfare and the congestion of the football calendar have led FIFPro, the global footballers’ union, and the European Leagues association to file a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of overburdening players.
Several prominent players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have expressed concerns about the strain the expanded calendar puts on players, with some even suggesting the possibility of a strike.
The 2025 tournament will feature 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami round out the competition lineup.
Despite some negative reactions, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique remains optimistic, stating that “everyone” would want to participate in such an exciting competition. The tournament will be held at 12 venues across 11 cities in the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 World Cup final.
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