FIFA is set to distribute a total prize money of $1 billion to participants in the Club World Cup occurring in the United States this year, according to a source familiar with the discussions who spoke to AFP on Wednesday.
This amount is notably higher than the prize money provided for either the most recent men’s or women’s World Cups.
The global football authority has shared limited information regarding the financing of the inaugural 32-team competition, which will occur every four years, though it has recently finalized deals with a broadcaster and prominent sponsors.
British streaming platform DAZN secured the exclusive worldwide rights to the June 14-July 13 event in December, with a source close to the talks revealing that the agreement was valued at approximately one billion euros ($1.05 billion).
Additionally, FIFA has locked in sponsorship deals with major companies such as Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics firm Hisense, and Belgian brewery AB InBev.
For comparison, the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar offered a total prize pool of $440 million, whereas the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand distributed $110 million.
In contrast, the recently expanded UEFA Champions League, now including 36 teams, will allocate €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) in prize money this season.
Despite the attractive financial figures, FIFA has faced strong backlash over the Club World Cup. The international footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association have lodged a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that FIFA is abusing its authority and overcrowding the football schedule, which sparks worries about player well-being.
The competition 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 roster.
Top-tier European clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also poised to claim a significant portion of the substantial prize pool. The European Club Association (ECA) remains in talks on behalf of European clubs, with negotiations also continuing concerning solidarity payments for clubs not taking part.
The event will take place across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, concluding with the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which is also slated to host the 2026 World Cup final.
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