FIFA will distribute a total of $1 billion in prize money to participants in this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Wednesday.
This amount surpasses the prize money awarded in the most recent men’s and women’s World Cups.
While FIFA has revealed limited details about the financial backing for the inaugural 32-team tournament, which will be held every four years, it has recently secured a broadcaster and major sponsors. British streaming platform DAZN acquired exclusive global rights to the June 14–July 13 competition in a deal valued at approximately €1 billion ($1.05 billion), according to a source.
FIFA has also signed sponsorship agreements with Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics giant Hisense, and Belgian brewer AB InBev.
For comparison, the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar had a total prize pool of $440 million, while the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand offered $110 million. The newly expanded UEFA Champions League, featuring 36 teams this season, will distribute €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) among participating clubs.
FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, particularly in Europe, where concerns over player welfare have been raised. The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association lodged a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of exploiting its dominance by congesting the football calendar.
UEFA has also expanded the Champions League this season, and some players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have hinted at the possibility of a strike. The new Club World Cup format includes 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 list of participants.
Despite the backlash, not all responses have been negative. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique expressed enthusiasm, stating that “everyone” would want to take part.
The tournament will be staged across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.
