FIFA Club World Cup raises questions, curiosity before tournament begins in June
Soccer fans around the world will tune into next month’s FIFA Club World Cup, and might wonder: What’s the fuss all about?
Well, 32 of the best clubs worldwide will compete in the tournament hosted by the United States with a $1 billion prize pool on the line. You read that right: billion.
The Club World Cup continues a three-year run of the soccer world descending on the U.S., following last summer’s Copa America and ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It begins June 14 with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on center stage in the tournament opener against Egyptian club Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
In the mix are Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid from Spain, Manchester City and Chelsea from England, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund from Germany, Inter Milan and Juventus from Italy, Paris Saint-Germain and other standouts from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
"So, everybody is kind of curious," said Jürgen Klinsmann, the former U.S. men’s national team coach now working with FIFA’s Technical Study Group, which studies trends and analytics during tournaments.
“Everybody is kind of thinking, 'Okay, is this a good thing? Is that a bad thing? You know, is it good for players? Is it bad for players? The timing of the tournament? You know the different schedules of the teams around the world. … There are so many questions to it. I think it kind of raises far more curiosity, for every football fan to see: 'Okay, how does this work? How does this function?' And, and I think it will be pretty cool.”
The Group Stage will last until June 26, and the knockout stage begins June 28. The July 8 and 9 semifinals and the July 13 final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East, Rutherford, New Jersey — site of the 2026 World Cup final.
Los Angeles FC could join Messi’s Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders as the only Major League Soccer clubs in the tournament. LAFC will play Mexican powerhouse Club America May 31 to determine the final club to participate.
However, there is some trepidation before the tournament begins. The tournament has created a congested calendar for players, who typically enter the offseason at this time of year after their respective league seasons.
Some participating players, like Messi, will also suit up for World Cup qualifiers with their respective national teams in the two weeks before the Club World Cup begins.
"They probably would love to go to the Bahamas or somewhere instead, on vacation, but it's a chance to win a very, very prestigious trophy," Klinsmann said. “Maybe it's not as prestigious today by the name of it, but if you continue the tradition to play this tournament every year before a World Cup, it will become a big, big name in 10,15, 20 years from now. And, obviously, there's a lot of money as well at stake, so it makes it even more attractive to all the clubs to do well.”
The $1 billion prize pool consists of $475 million disbursed based on performance, and $525 million given to participating teams by FIFA.
The winner will take home at least $125 million. Victories during each stage of the tournament will drive up the possible earnings.
MLS clubs will make at least $9.5 million, while clubs in South America will earn $15.21 million and clubs from Europe will earn anywhere from $12.81 million to $38.19 million – just for participating.
Victories in the group stage will amount to $2 million, while draws will earn $1 million. Round-of-16 winners earn $7.5 million, quarterfinal winners earn $13.125 million, semifinalists will earn $21 million. The runner-up will earn $30 million and the Club World Cup champion will win $40 million.
As much as money is a factor, FIFA says history and future bragging rights are at stake.
Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan could finish their years with a Club World Cup title after they meet in the Champions League final May 31.
Real Madrid could end its year with a title after succumbing to Barcelona in La Liga.
Maybe even Messi and Inter Miami can make some noise if they make it out of the group stage despite their slump of five losses in the last seven matches.
"We all remember who won the first World Cup in 1930, and that was Uruguay. I would be, as a player, very much focused on winning the first real Club World Cup in 2025 and to make history," FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger told Paste BN Sports.
“For some clubs who have been less successful during the season, it’s a way for them to come out with a great win and make of their season a triumph."