FIFA has set a jaw-dropping new standard for club football, announcing a staggering $1 billion prize money for the upcoming Club World Cup in the U.S. The football governing body insists they “will not keep a single dollar” from the tournament’s revenue.
This announcement comes after FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the Club World Cup will have a halftime show for the very first time since the tournament’s inception. The 32-team tournament is set to kick off in the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, across 12 stadiums, serving as a sneak peek into the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, “FIFA will not keep a single dollar,” emphasizing that the tournament’s hefty earnings will be reinvested into club football around the world, creating a ripple effect beyond the tournament itself.
Football royalty will be on full display with teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund headlining the tournament. South American giants Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, and Fluminense are also in the mix. But all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as his Inter Miami side makes their debut, opening the tournament against Al Ahly at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium on June 14.
This record-breaking prize money and FIFA’s commitment to reinvest revenue mark a significant milestone in the world of club football, setting a new benchmark for future competitions.