Nine-figure cash prize on offer for Club World Cup winners

The prize pool for the 2025 Club World Cup has been officially announced and it has shockwaves through the sport. The $1 billion total prize fund is without precedent in the world of soccer and FIFA is eager to ensure that teams take this summer’s expanded tournament seriously.

The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are among the favourites to take home the inaugural edition of the new-look competition and bag an enormous cash jackpot. The winning team could earn up to $125 million in total prize money, FIFA announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at an event this week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “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 $125 million foreseen for the winners.”

How does the prize money work at the Club World Cup?

The top prize is described as a “potential” amount because only a select group of teams will actually be able to attain that highest figure. The payment distribution structure includes a ‘participation pillar’ which allocates a sum of money for each team for their appearance at the tournament. However not all teams will be paid the same and clubs from the highest-ranking confederation (UEFA) can earn substantially more.

The participation earnings are as follows: UEFA, $12.81 - 38.19 million; CONMEBOL, $15.21 million; Concacaf, $9.55 million; AFC, $9.55 million; CAF, $9.55 million, OF, 3.58 million.

Beyond that, the ‘sporting performance pillar’ will allocate money on a more meritocratic basis with teams receiving money for games won and for advancing to the latter stages.

The sporting performance bonuses are: Group stage - $2 million per win, $1 million per draw; Round of 16 - $7.5 million; Quarterfinals - $13.125 million; Semifinals - $21 million; Runners-up - $30 million; Winner - $40 million.

But Infantino was at pains to point out that there will also be funding from the CWC tournament to help soccer initiatives around the world: “In addition to the prize money for the participating teams, there is an unprecedented solidarity investment programme where we have a target of an additional $250 million being provided to club football across the world. This solidarity will undoubtedly provide a significant boost in our ongoing efforts in making football truly global.”

“Not only that, but FIFA will neither retain any funding for this tournament, as all revenues will be distributed to club football, nor will it touch FIFA’s reserves, which are set aside for global football development through the 211 FIFA Member Associations.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.