🏟 The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off yesterday morning following a drastic change in structure that changed its standing within the global football calendar. For the first time ever, the Club World Cup is seeing 32 teams participating — a change from the previous seven — and will be held every four years instead of annually. The expansion isn’t just about increasing the number of teams participating, but rather a direct implementation of FIFA’s vision to elevate the competition’s economic and competitive value, turning it into a global event not unlike the FIFA World Cup in terms of scope and impact. The US is hosting the current edition — set to conclude on 13 July — in 12 different stadiums spread across 11 major cities.

Here’s everything that changed: The most glaring changes have to do with the tournament’s structure, which now closely mirrors that of the FIFA World Cup. Teams will be divided into eight groups, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the round of 16. This extends the tournament’s duration, and thus guarantees further opportunities for coverage, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The 2025 Club World Cup proves itself globally diverse, with 12 spots for European clubs, six for South American FCs, four each for Asian, African, and CONCACAF clubs, and one for Oceania. In addition, the host spot is warmly filled by Inter Miami. This diversity aims to expand the cup’s global fanbase, while maintaining its commercial and media appeal.

Qualifying 101. Clubs qualify for the new Club World Cup based on their continental results over the four years preceding the tournament, specifically in the Champions league. If one club wins multiple continental championships, FIFA then uses a special ranking system to determine who qualifies. FIFA stipulates that no more than two clubs from the same country may qualify unless they both win their continental championships. Africa’s four spots went to Egypt’s Al Ahly (CAF Champions League winners in 2021, 2023, and 2024), Morocco’s Wydad AC (2022 champions), South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisia’s Espérance.

SUBSTANTIAL PROFITS FOR BOTH FIFA AND THE HOST COUNTRY-

Record revenues: The tournament is expected to generate USD 2 bn in revenues, with broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales being the main sources.

#1- Broadcasting: British platform DAZN acquired the tournament’s exclusive broadcasting rights for USD 1 bn. DAZN plans on broadcasting all 63 matches to global audiences pro bono, according to The Athletic.

#2- Sponsorship: FIFA managed to attract a slew of global brands, including Chinese company Hisense, Coca-Cola, and the Bank of America.

#3- Tickets: Ticket sales and hospitality packages are expected to account for around 25% of total revenue — which would be equivalent to USD 500 mn. Tickets start at USD 30 for group stage matches, and can reach over USD 600 for the finals. Hospitality packages — which include tickets, premium seats, meal plans, and other exclusive services — range from USD 386, all the way up to several ks.

The host stands to make big gains: It seems the host country is pulling out all the stops to maximize the economic benefits of hosting the Club World Cup — which is projected to contribute up to USD 21.1 bn to the global GDP, and USD 9.6 bn in the US alone, according to a joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization. The cup is also expected to boost the US GDP by USD 17.1 bn, generate social benefits estimated at USD 3.36 bn, and provide an estimated 105k jobs — particularly in the hospitality and transportation sectors.

FIFA extends a helping hand. All 11 host cities across the US will receive USD 1 mn from FIFA, to be allocated to the development of sport infrastructure and local social projects to foster communities and strengthen existing ones. The tournament is expected to stimulate both domestic and international tourism, increasing hotel occupancy and spending.

UNPRECEDENTED CLUB-LEVEL PRIZES-

Winner winner, chicken dinner…with a side of big bucks. The first edition of the newly restructured Club World Cup comes with a whole lot of financial baggage — the good kind. The total prize fund hits the USD 1 bn mark, split between USD 525 mn for participation and USD 475 mn based on performance.

#1- Participation revenue: All participating clubs are guaranteed a piece of the cake — which differs from continent to continent. European clubs will receive USD 12.8-38.2 mn each, depending on their performance and commercial value. South American clubs will receive USD 15.2 mn each, and Asian, African, North and Central American, and Caribbean clubs will each receive USD 9.6 mn. Oceania drew the shortest straw, with its club walking away with USD 3.6 mn.

#2- Performance revenue: Each club is entitled to USD 2 mn for winning a group stage match — and USD 1 mn for a draw. Clubs are also entitled to USD 7.5 mn upon qualifying for the round of 16, USD 13 mn upon qualifying for the quarter finals, USD 21 mn for the semi finals, and USD 30 mn for the finals. The winning club will walk away with an extra USD 40 mn — their total earnings could reach up to USD 125 mn.

#3- Not playing ball? Well, here’s something for you too. Now that the first USD 1 bn has been distributed — what’s happening with the other half? The other USD 1 bn will be directed towards supporting the sport globally. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the sports governing body would not retain a single USD from the tournament’s revenues. FIFA’s plan includes the allocation of USD 250 mn in solidarity payments to non-participating clubs to promote their development. The rest is set to cover the tournament’s operational expenses.

It’s not just about the money, though. While participating clubs may indeed be walking away with heavy pockets, they’re also getting something that is as equally enticing: exposure. Given the extensive media coverage and global broadcasting, clubs may expect to secure new sponsorships and commercial partnerships. For clubs not necessarily used to the spotlight, the ability to go head to head with some of the world’s biggest clubs guarantees a boost in market value, both short- and long-term.

SOME CONCERNS ARISE-

It’s not all rosy: Introducing a new global tournament of this scale to an already-overwhelming global football calendar raises a few questions — particularly pertaining to players’ health, which would impact performance ability, and thus, audience engagement.

Player unions aren’t all that happy. European players unions — represented in the FIFPRO Europe and European Leagues — and Spain’s La Liga association have filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of “conducting concerning the imposition of the international match calendar.” This comes as FIFA prepares to restructure the 2026 world cup to feature 48 teams instead of the usual 32.

Hefty prize sums are also a subject of concern: The overtly-generous prize money may contribute to an imbalance in competition within domestic leagues, as some clubs receive significant financial support from participation in the Cup World Cup, giving them an advantage over their local peers.

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