FIFA has officially confirmed the impressive participation fees and prize money for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, and Mamelodi Sundowns are in line for a significant financial boost.
As one of the four African teams vying for the newly expanded tournament, Sundowns will compete alongside powerhouse clubs such as Al Ahly, ES Tunis, and Wydad Athletic Club.
Beyond the guaranteed participation fee of US$9.55 million (approximately R174 million), Sundowns stand to earn substantial sums as they progress through the tournament, depending on their performance.
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Sundowns are part of a historic cohort, with four African clubs joining the inaugural 32-team format of the Club World Cup. The other three representatives from the African continent include Al Ahly, the current African champions from Egypt, Wydad Athletic Club from Morocco, and Esperance from Tunisia.
This expanded tournament will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with the participation of the winners of the four major continental club competitions. This year’s event promises not only exciting football but also record-breaking prize money and new solidarity measures that will support clubs participating at this level.
FIFA has revealed that the total prize pool for the 32 clubs will exceed US$1 billion (around R18.2 billion). The champions of the tournament will take home a historic US$125 million (approximately R2.2 billion), setting a new standard for club football rewards globally.
In the group stages, where each team will play three matches, Sundowns can earn US$2 million (about R36.3 million) for each victory. A draw would net them US$1 million (around R18.1 million).
Sundowns have been placed in Group F, where they will face formidable opponents: Borussia Dortmund from Germany, Fluminense from Brazil, and Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea. The tournament will kick off on June 14, 2025, and should Sundowns advance to the round of 16, they will pocket US$7.5 million (approximately R136.7 million).
The figures were revealed in a joint statement released by the official social media accounts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA Club World Cup. The statement reads,
“The winners will earn up to 125 USD million, with USD 1 billion of prize money going to the 32 participating clubs and a target of USD 250 million in solidarity for club football across the world. Critically, all revenue will be distributed to club football with FIFA’s reserves remaining untouched.
The distribution model of the FIFA Club World Cup reflects the pinnacle of club football and represents the biggest-ever prize money for a football tournament comprising a seven-match group stage and playoff format.
In addition to the prize money for the participating teams, there is an unprecedented solidarity investment programme which will undoubtedly provide a significant boost in our ongoing efforts in making football truly global.
Finally, FIFA will neither retain any funding for this tournament, as all revenues will be distributed to club football, nor will it touch FIFA’s reserves, which are set aside for global football development through the 211 FIFA Member Associations.”