FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Finances

Golden Brown

FIFA has finally confirmed the revenue distribution model for the expanded version of the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July.

The big headline is that a cool One Billion Dollars will be shared between the 32 participating clubs, so the teams that reach the latter stages of the tournament can look forward to receiving a substantial windfall.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino greeted the announcement with his customary modesty, “The distribution model of the FIFA Club World Cup reflects the pinnacle of club football and represents the biggest-ever prize money for a football tournament comprising a seven-match group stage and playoff format with a potential payout of $125m foreseen for the winners.”

Format

This was previously an annual tournament contested by seven teams, but it has now morphed into an extravaganza featuring 32 teams, scheduled to take place every four years.

The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four teams with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the last 16, followed by the classic knockout rounds, as seen in the country world cup.

Representatives

Europe has been awarded 12 slots, which is twice as much as the next highest continent, namely South America with six. The confederations for Africa, Asia and CONCACAF (North America, South America and Caribbean) were all given four slots, while Oceania was given one slot. The final place went to the host association, so CONCACAF have ended up with five teams this time round.

Only two clubs per country can qualify, so England’s representatives are Manchester City, who incidentally won the last tournament under the old format in 2023, and Chelsea.

Distribution Split

The total $1 bln pot will be split between a participation pillar of $525m and a sporting performance pillar (i.e. prize money) of $475m.