FIFA has announced that the total prize money for the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States will be a staggering $1 billion. The upcoming edition, which features an expanded 32-team format and will take place from June 14 to July 13, is set to be the biggest club competition in history.This prize money is significantly higher than what was awarded for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar ($440 million) and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand ($110 million). However, FIFA has provided limited details on how the tournament will be funded, beyond its recent broadcasting and sponsorship deals.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the competition as a landmark moment in club football history.

“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 at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done,” Infantino said.He further emphasized that FIFA would distribute all revenue generated from the tournament to participating clubs and club development programs worldwide.
 

Broadcast and Sponsorship Deals

The financial backing for the tournament comes from a series of major commercial agreements. British streaming platform DAZN secured exclusive global broadcasting rights for the tournament in December 2023, with the contract reportedly worth €1 billion ($1.05 billion).

FIFA has also partnered with some of the biggest global brands, including:

• Coca-Cola
• Bank of America
• Hisense (Chinese electronics brand)
• AB InBev (Belgian brewers)

These deals position the Club World Cup as one of FIFA’s most lucrative club-level competitions to date. FIFA has also confirmed plans for a women’s edition of the Club World Cup from 2028, further expanding its club football portfolio.
 

European Clubs and Player Welfare Concerns

Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has drawn significant backlash, particularly in Europe. Many football stakeholders, including players and clubs, have raised concerns over congested fixture schedules and player welfare.The global footballers' union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filed a formal complaint with the European Commission in October 2023, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position in football governance by overloading the football calendar.The expansion of the UEFA Champions League this season, coupled with the addition of the 32-team Club World Cup, has put increased pressure on top players. Several high-profile figures, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have spoken out against the relentless schedule.Rodri, who later suffered a season-ending knee injury, hinted at a possible player strike in response to the demanding schedule.“I think we are close to that. I think if you ask any player, he will say the same,” Rodri warned in September 2023.
 

Tournament Format and Participating Teams

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams from around the world, distributed as follows:

• 12 teams from Europe
• 6 teams from South America
• 4 teams each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America
• Auckland City (Oceania representative) and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

With 12 venues across 11 cities in the United States, the tournament will conclude with the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is also set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
 

Mixed Reactions from Football Community

While some clubs and players have voiced concerns over the strenuous match schedule, others have welcomed the Club World Cup’s expansion. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique dismissed criticisms, saying,“Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup.” The competition is expected to elevate the prestige of club football on a global scale, offering fans an international tournament that rivals the drama of national team events.
 

As FIFA finalizes preparations for the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, debates over player workload, tournament logistics, and commercial priorities continue. The governing body remains committed to its ambitious expansion, betting on the financial and global appeal of club football.With $2 billion in expected revenue, FIFA is pushing the boundaries of club competitions, but whether it can successfully balance financial gains with player welfare concerns remains to be seen. The tournament’s success will likely shape the future of club football for years to come.