The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking event, not just for its expanded format featuring 32 teams, but also for the unprecedented financial rewards on offer. With a total prize pool of $1 billion USD, the tournament promises to be a lucrative venture for all participating clubs.
Prize Money Distribution: A Breakdown
FIFA has structured the prize money distribution into two main pillars: sporting performance and participation. A substantial $475 million is allocated to the sporting performance pillar, rewarding teams based on their on-field achievements. This means that each win in the group stages will earn a club £1.5 million (approximately $1.9 million USD), while a draw will secure £800,000 (approximately $1 million USD). Progression through the tournament stages will yield increasingly significant sums, with teams reaching the last 16 earning £5.8 million (approximately $7.35 million USD) and quarter-finalists receiving £10.1 million (approximately $12.8 million USD). The semi-finalists will get an additional £16.2 million (approximately $20.5 million USD). The two finalists will add an extra £23.2 million (approximately $29.4 million USD) to their prize pool. Ultimately, the champion will receive £30 million (approximately $38 million USD) in prize money.
The remaining $525 million falls under the participation pillar. However, this amount will not be divided equally among the 32 teams. Instead, FIFA will distribute the funds based on a "ranking based on sporting and commercial criteria." This means that clubs with higher sporting and commercial value will receive a larger share. As a result, the highest-ranked European sides are expected to receive £29.6 million (approximately $37.5 million USD) just for participating, while the lowest-ranked will receive £9.9 million (approximately $12.5 million USD). Teams from South America will receive just over £11 million (approximately $14 million USD), while clubs from North America, Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean will each take home £7 million (approximately $8.87 million USD). Finally, the teams from Oceania will each receive £2.6 million (approximately $3.3 million USD).
The Winner's Share
The champions of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 could potentially earn up to $125 million USD. This substantial sum underscores the prestige and financial significance of winning the tournament.
Solidarity Investment
In addition to the prize money for participating teams, FIFA has also earmarked a target of $250 million USD for a solidarity investment program. This program aims to benefit club football across the world, providing a significant boost to the development of the sport globally. All revenue will be distributed to club football.
Tournament Format
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features a format similar to the FIFA World Cup, with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. The tournament is being held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
Qualified Teams
Many teams have already qualified for the tournament, including: Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, CR Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Benfica, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a thrilling and financially rewarding tournament for the world's top football clubs. The expanded format, coupled with the substantial prize money and solidarity investment, is set to elevate the competition to new heights and contribute to the growth of club football worldwide.