FIFA is set to award a total of $1 billion in prize money for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
This amount surpasses the prize money allocated for both the last men’s and women’s World Cups. However, FIFA has provided limited details about how the tournament will be funded. In recent weeks, the organization has secured a major broadcaster and several sponsors to support the event.
British streaming platform DAZN obtained exclusive global broadcasting rights for the tournament, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, under a deal reportedly worth around €1 billion ($1.05 billion). FIFA has also partnered with major sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics company Hisense, and Belgian brewing giant AB InBev.
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 Australia and New Zealand had a $110 million prize pool. Meanwhile, UEFA’s revamped 36-team Champions League for this season is set to distribute €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) to participating clubs.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has faced significant criticism, particularly in Europe. Concerns over player welfare have been a major issue, with the global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filing a complaint with the European Commission. They accuse FIFA of overloading the football calendar and exploiting its dominant position.
The increased workload has sparked frustration among players, with top footballers like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hinting at a potential strike. Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury shortly after voicing his concerns, stated in September that players were reaching a breaking point.
The expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North/Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will also participate.
While some have opposed the tournament, others, like Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique, have embraced it. He expressed excitement about the new competition, calling it an event that “everyone” would want to be part of.
The tournament will take place across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final set to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue that will host the 2026 World Cup final.
