FIFA is set to award a total of $1 billion in prize money to participants in this year’s Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States, according to a source close to negotiations who spoke to AFP on Wednesday.
This prize pool is significantly higher than what was offered for both the men’s and women’s World Cups. While FIFA has not disclosed many details about the funding for the first edition of the 32-team tournament, which will be held every four years, it has secured a broadcaster and major sponsors in recent weeks.
British streaming service DAZN was awarded the exclusive global rights to broadcast the tournament, which will run from June 14 to July 13, with the deal reportedly worth around one billion euros ($1.05 billion). FIFA has also signed sponsorship agreements with Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics brand Hisense, and Belgian brewers AB InBev.
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For comparison, the total prize money for the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar was $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia had a prize pool of $110 million. This season’s UEFA Champions League, which features a new 36-club format, will pay a total of 2.47 billion euros ($2.66 billion) to participating clubs.
FIFA’s expansion of the Club World Cup has faced widespread criticism, especially from Europe, with concerns over player welfare. The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filed a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position by congesting the football calendar.
The expansion of the Champions League this season by UEFA has also raised concerns, with players such as Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk suggesting the possibility of a strike. Rodri mentioned in September, shortly before a season-ending knee injury, that “if you ask any player, he will say the same” regarding the growing frustration among players.
The new Club World Cup will feature 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four teams each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will also compete in the tournament.
While there has been criticism, not all reactions have been negative. Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has emphasized the excitement surrounding the competition. “Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” he said last year.
The tournament will be held across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final taking place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 World Cup final.
