As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup intensifies, anticipation is rising—not just for the soccer, but for the money on the table. With 32 teams set to compete in the United States, the stakes are higher than ever.
This expanded edition of the tournament isn’t just a sporting milestone, it’s also a financial game-changer. For clubs across six confederations, even making the trip comes with a hefty payout, regardless of the final result.
While prize money for winners and finalists grabs headlines, the base compensation for simply qualifying might surprise some. FIFA’s financial incentives are setting a new precedent for club competitions.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup payout: What teams earn just for qualifying
For the 2025 Club World Cup, just stepping onto the pitch already means a significant payday. According to FIFA’s official financial breakdown, clubs from North, Central America and the Caribbean will receive a guaranteed $9.55 million simply for qualifying.
The trophy is displayed prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In match between Los Angeles Football Club and Club America at BMO Stadium on May 31, 2025. (Source: Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)
This figure mirrors the participation payments also awarded to clubs from Asia and Africa, signaling FIFA’s intent to level the playing field financially across confederations. The stakes are even higher for teams from other regions.
South American clubs will collect $15.21 million, while European representatives will receive anywhere between $12.81 million and $38.19 million, depending on club ranking and historical merit. Even the lone team from Oceania won’t walk away empty-handed, with a participation fee of $3.58 million.
These sums are separate from performance-based incentives. FIFA has also introduced rewards for match results—like $2 million per group-stage win and $1 million per draw—culminating in a grand prize of $40 million for the tournament winner.
In total, FIFA is investing $525 million in club compensation for this groundbreaking edition of the tournament, making it one of the most lucrative events in the history of the sport.
How 2025 Club World Cup payouts compare to previous editions
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup introduces a significant financial shift compared to previous editions. Historically, the tournament featured a modest prize pool. For instance, the 2023 edition awarded a total of $16 million, with the winner receiving $5 million and the runner-up $4 million.
In stark contrast, the 2025 tournament boasts a record $1 billion prize pool, divided into a $475 million performance-based segment and a $525 million participation pool. This expansion is part of FIFA’s strategy to elevate the tournament’s prestige and competitiveness.
