Football fans around the world are gearing up for an unprecedented edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. With FIFA committing a staggering $1 billion in total prize money, this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most lucrative in football history.
The upcoming 32-team Club World Cup will see significantly higher financial rewards compared to previous FIFA tournaments.
To put this into perspective, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar had a total prize pool of $440 million, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand awarded $110 million in total.
Even the prestigious UEFA Champions League, which has expanded to a 36-club format this season, will distribute a total of €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) to participating teams—showing just how competitive FIFA’s latest offering is becoming in the global football landscape.
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FIFA has remained tight-lipped about the tournament’s funding details but has secured significant sponsorship and broadcasting partnerships.
British streaming service DAZN secured exclusive global broadcast rights in December, with the deal reportedly worth around €1 billion ($1.05 billion).
Additionally, FIFA has signed sponsorship agreements with global giants like Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics brand Hisense, and Belgian brewers AB InBev.
While the financial incentives are enticing, FIFA’s expansion of the tournament has sparked widespread debate, particularly in Europe.
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Concerns over player welfare have been at the forefront, with FIFPro, the global footballers’ union, and the European Leagues association filing a complaint with the European Commission in October.
The organizations accuse FIFA of abusing its dominant position by cramming the football calendar with additional high-stakes competitions.
Players have also voiced their frustration, with prominent figures like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressing concerns about workload.
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In September, Rodri even hinted at the possibility of a strike, saying, “I think we are close to that. If you ask any player, they will say the same.” Shortly after, he suffered a season-ending knee injury, further fueling the debate on fixture congestion and player welfare.
The tournament will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Notably, Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have also secured their spots.
While some players and organizations have expressed concern, others, like Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique, have welcomed the new format. “Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” he remarked last year.
Set across 12 venues in 11 cities, the tournament will culminate at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue slated to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
AFP
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