The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, has unveiled a staggering $1 billion prize pool, with the winning team potentially earning up to $125 million. FIFA announced that $525 million will be distributed as guaranteed fees to participating teams, ranging from $38.19 million for the top-ranked European team to $3.58 million for Oceania’s Auckland City. An additional $475 million will be awarded based on tournament performance, including $2 million for group-stage victories, $7.5 million for advancing to the round of 16, and $40 million for the champion crowned at New York’s MetLife Stadium. The top European team, likely Real Madrid, could amass the full $125 million by winning all group-stage matches and progressing through the knockout rounds. The tournament’s golden trophy, currently displayed in the White House’s Oval Office, was presented to former President Donald Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who invited Trump to award it to the winning captain. The prize fund’s announcement was delayed until December, when FIFA secured a global broadcast deal with streaming service DAZN, backed by a major investment from a Saudi Arabian state sports agency. Fans can stream matches for free on DAZN’s platform. The expanded tournament features 12 European teams, each guaranteed at least $12.81 million, with payments determined by sporting and commercial criteria. Notable qualifiers include Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. South American teams will receive $15.21 million each, while African, Asian, and CONCACAF teams, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, will earn $9.55 million. FIFA also plans to distribute $250 million to clubs worldwide that did not qualify. Despite the record-breaking prize pool, the $125 million maximum falls short of the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League payouts. The Club World Cup’s $1 billion fund more than doubles the $440 million shared among teams at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Sponsors for the Club World Cup have also secured deals for the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA details Club World Cup prize money with $125M target for the winner in $1BN fund
