Gigantic competition: Club World Cup 2025 brings up to 125 million USD!

Gigantic competition: Club World Cup 2025 brings up to 125 million USD!

The first FIFA Club World Cup since 2025 is approaching and will open its doors on June 14, 2025 in the USA. This tournament will be the largest of its kind with 32 participating teams. The prominent European representatives include clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. How Laola1 Reportedly, the total prize money will be $1 billion, the highest ever paid out for such a tournament.

A total of $525 million is available as entry money for the 32 teams. This sum will be distributed according to a fixed key, with the best European clubs able to receive up to 38.19 million US dollars. An example of this is Red Bull Salzburg, which received an entry fee of $12.81 million.

Prize money structure and distribution

The prize money is divided into different categories to ensure fair distribution. The win bonuses in the group stage are $2 million per game won and $1 million for a draw. Whoever advances to the final game can win a maximum of $125.8 million in total if the team comes from Europe. This prize money is made up of various bonuses distributed in each tournament phase: US$7.5 million for the round of 16, US$13.125 million for the quarterfinals and US$21 million for the semifinals, as well as a further US$30 million for participation in the final and US$40 million for winning the tournament. This means that the maximum total bonus per club is significantly higher than in previous editions, such as Football World Cup 2022 notes.

FIFA also plans to implement a “groundbreaking global solidarity model” to provide an additional $250 million for club football worldwide, which could increase pressure on participating clubs and their players.

Participation and criticism

European teams are in the spotlight due to their sporting successes and therefore receive the largest share of the prize money. However, the distribution of the entry fee is unequal, due to sporting and commercial criteria. Other participants in the tournament include well-known South American clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo and Boca Juniors. This broad participation not only ensures sporting explosiveness, but also great financial incentives.

However, there is also criticism of the high burden on players, especially from FIFPRO, as the Club World Cup takes place parallel to important national team events and the Women's European Championship in Switzerland. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the format and the associated revenue, which should be fully invested in club football without FIFA capitalizing on it. This is seen as an opportunity to help the clubs as a whole and improve financial conditions.

The opening match between Inter Miami and Al-Ahly will be played on June 15 at 04:00 CET, followed by other exciting games including Red Bull Salzburg's clash with Pachuca and Al-Hilal and a highlight against Real Madrid at 03:00.

DAZN's live broadcast agreement is expected to provide a broad viewer base ahead of the final, which will take place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York. The anticipation for this event is already palpable and promises many exciting encounters and a financial spectacle that will captivate both the clubs and the spectators.