The FIFA Club World Cup is set to undergo a major transformation in 2025, with the tournament expanding from seven teams to a whopping 32, promising not only a more inclusive format but also a significant increase in prize money. Here’s everything you need to know about the revamped tournament and its lucrative rewards.
For the first time, the Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four. Moving away from its traditional December schedule, the 2025 edition will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, hosted in the United States. This marks a historic shift, turning the tournament into a more globally inclusive competition.
FIFA has announced a massive €2.5 billion ($2.6bn/£2bn) prize pool for the 2025 Club World Cup, with €2 billion allocated among the 32 participating teams. Each team is guaranteed a minimum payout of €50 million ($52m/£42m), making the competition financially rewarding for all participants.
2023 Comparison: Manchester City, the 2023 champions, earned just $5 million (€4.6m) in prize money.
The dramatic increase underscores FIFA’s commitment to elevating the tournament’s stature, with the potential to rival other major football competitions in prestige and financial stakes.
The previous format included only the winners of continental club competitions, creating an exclusive seven-team competition. The revamped format not only expands participation but also ensures a more competitive group stage, with knockout rounds set to deliver thrilling matchups.
The 2025 tournament will be the first of its kind held every four years, providing clubs from across the globe an equal opportunity to compete for the coveted title.
Premier League champions Manchester City claimed their first international title in 2023, defeating Brazilian side Fluminense 4-0 in the final. With the expanded tournament, more elite clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain will now have a chance to join the fray.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to redefine global club football, offering both prestige and financial incentives at an unprecedented scale. With prize money reaching €100 million for the winner, it promises to attract even greater attention from fans and clubs alike, making it a cornerstone event in the football calendar.
