The FIFA Club World Cup will look a little different in 2025.
Originally launched in 2000 as an eight-team tournament, the Club World Cup was relaunched in 2005 with participation from FIFA’s six continental confederations and one team from the host nation.
However, this year marks a major reimagining of the event, as 32 teams from across the globe will compete for the world championship in a four-week-long tournament, hosted in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
In addition to the revamped format, there has been a significant increase in the prize money available, upping the ante for those taking part.
In this article, we'll break down how much money is up for grabs, compare the prize pool to other major tournaments, and explore how clubs might use their earnings—from investing in state-of-the-art stadiums to splashing out on a world-class striker.
What is the Total Prize Money Pool for the FIFA Club World Cup?
In 2023, the prize money for the Club World Cup was a modest $16 million. However, for the 2025 edition, this amount has soared to a staggering $1 billion, making the tournament one of the most lucrative in world soccer.
This substantial increase in prize money follows an exclusive broadcast deal worth the same amount, which FIFA struck with sports streaming service DAZN for the tournament in December.
For now, it's unclear exactly how the money will get parceled out, though, according to BBC Sport, all 32 teams involved will earn a participation fee for entering the tournament, with additional performance bonuses awarded based on their progress to subsequent rounds.
According to The Guardian, a quarter of the total prize pool—$250 million—may also be allocated to clubs not participating in the competition, while the winner could receive as much as $100 million.
In a statement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “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."
He added: “All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world as FIFA will not keep a single dollar. FIFA’s reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched.”
How Does the FIFA Club World Cup Prize Money Compare to Other Tournaments?
The new prize pool for the Club World Cup, while impressive, still falls short of the UEFA Champions League’s prize fund, which for the 2024/25 season totals $2.71 billion.
However, the reported $100 million prize for winning the Club World Cup could surpass that of the Champions League. In the 2023–24 season, Real Madrid earned just $89 million after winning every match on their way to lifting the trophy.
In comparison to the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League, the Club World Cup's prize pool—and potential prize for winning—is now far greater.
The total prize fund for the 2024 edition of the Copa Libertadores was $207 million, with champions Botafogo receiving just over $31 million for their victory. This amount included $23 million for winning the final against Atlético Mineiro, a match that the president of the South American Football Confederation referred to as the “best-paid match in the world."
In terms of national leagues, the Premier League is renowned for being the game’s most lucrative, with victors Manchester City pocketing $79 million last term.
Why Prize Money Matters for Clubs
The Club World Club has its critics because of the pressure the extra fixtures will place on players’ physical and mental well-being, the prize money will appeal to club owners. The proceeds will help top clubs to invest in their infrastructure and attract the best players.
But one of the main intentions of FIFA is to help distribute money to smaller clubs throughout the rest of the world.
Beyond the 12 European teams, the tournament will feature six South American clubs, Africa, Asia, and North and Central America will all get four slots, and Oceania will be given one. Meanwhile, the final place has been allocated to the USA as the host nation. Controversially, this spot has been allocated to Inter Miami in the hope that Lionel Messi will star.
Several clubs have famously leveraged their Club World Cup success for transformative changes. For example, after becoming the first team from outside Europe or South America to reach the final in 2010, DR Congo’s TP Mazembe used the windfall to develop its infrastructure and improve its academy, helping it to become a dominant force in African soccer.
Similarly, Japan’s Kashima Antlers followed their runner-up finish in 2016 by investing in their stadium and training facilities, solidifying their position as a top J-League club.
Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stated his goal to make soccer “truly global”, but the nature of world soccer means this tournament is inevitably dominated by the richest sides. The last 11 finals have all been won by European clubs, and Real Madrid and Barcelona have been crowned champions for over half of those.
Despite attempting to redistribute the game’s wealth around the world, the FIFA Club World Cup somehow manages to also ensure the opposite happens—helping the elite to sit oh so comfortably on top of their throne.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Prize Money Breakdown.
