FIFA has announced an unprecedented $1 billion prize fund for the first-ever 32-team Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. 

The tournament's winner could earn a record-breaking $125 million, with prize money distributed based on team performance.

A total of $525 million has been allocated as guaranteed participation fees, with European clubs receiving the highest payouts. The top-ranked team, likely Real Madrid, is set to earn $38.19 million, while Oceania's Auckland City will receive $3.58 million.

An additional $475 million will be distributed based on results throughout the 63-match tournament. Group stage wins will earn teams $2 million each, while reaching the round of 16 secures $7.5 million. The champion will walk away with $40 million, lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium near New York.

FIFA's prize fund announcement faced delays due to prolonged negotiations over a global broadcast deal, which was eventually secured in December with streaming platform DAZN. The deal was later bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s state-backed sports agency.

Each of the 12 European teams in the competition will receive at least $12.81 million in entry fees. Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea secured their spots by either winning the UEFA Champions League from 2021 to 2024 or consistently performing well in the tournament.

Meanwhile, six South American clubs will each receive $15.21 million, and teams from Africa, Asia, and North America—including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami—will earn $9.55 million each. FIFA has also pledged $250 million to clubs worldwide that did not qualify, though details on distribution remain unclear.

For comparison, FIFA's prize pool for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was $440 million, making the new Club World Cup the most lucrative club tournament in history.

Source: Al Jazeera

BDST: 1244 HRS, MAR 27, 2025
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