Manchester City and Chelsea are set to compete in this year’s Club World Cup, with the potential to win a record-breaking prize of up to £97 million. This unprecedented figure is part of an overall prize fund of £775 million allocated among the 32 teams participating, based on various performance metrics. For context, previous Premier League winners, like Manchester City, received £175.9 million last season, while the last-placed team, Sheffield United, took home £109.7 million.
The Club World Cup offers substantial rewards, with the top European team—which will be determined by FIFA’s rankings—receiving £29.6 million simply for qualifying. Additionally, teams have the chance to earn further bonuses for performance throughout the tournament, such as £1.5 million for each group-stage victory and progressive payments as the teams advance. For instance, reaching the semi-finals nets £16.3 million, and lifting the trophy results in an impressive £31 million reward.
Both Manchester City and Chelsea earned their spots in this expanded tournament by winning recent UEFA Champions League titles. The tournament will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States, marking the first edition to include 32 teams, a significant jump from the previous format of seven clubs.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has underscored the importance of this prize distribution model, suggesting it exemplifies the peak of club football. The tournament showcases clubs from six international football confederations, reflecting the global diversity of the sport. Notably, while Liverpool reached the finals in 2022, they did not qualify this time around due to the restriction of two clubs per country.
With a dozen slots reserved for European clubs based on their Champions League performance over the past four seasons, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive tournament. Enthusiasts are eager to see how Manchester City and Chelsea will perform, and there’s optimism that the tournament will not only provide thrilling matchups but also inspire future generations and cultivate a greater appreciation for football worldwide.
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