Chelsea stand to earn nearly £100 million in prize money if they emerge victorious in this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States.
The tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13, will feature 32 teams for the first time, making it the biggest edition in Club World Cup history. Chelsea secured their place by winning the 2021 Champions League, and they will be one of the major European teams competing alongside the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
FIFA has allocated a record $1 billion (£774.6m) in prize money for the tournament, with clubs earning a share through participation fees and performance-based rewards. This financial structure makes the competition particularly lucrative for clubs like Chelsea, who are looking to boost their revenue while competing on the global stage.
How Chelsea Can Cash In
Participation alone guarantees Chelsea a slice of the £406.7 million fund set aside for teams just for taking part. The 12 European clubs, which include Chelsea, will receive between £9.9 million and £29.6 million, depending on FIFA’s ranking criteria. These rankings factor in “sporting and commercial criteria,” ensuring the biggest clubs receive higher payments.
On top of this, there is £367.9 million in performance-based prize money up for grabs. Group-stage victories will be worth £1.5 million each, providing an incentive to perform well from the start. The prize money increases as the tournament progresses, with the winners of the final set to receive £31 million alone. If Chelsea go all the way and win every match, their total earnings could reach £96.8 million.
This prize pot is particularly notable when compared to UEFA’s Champions League payouts. While the Champions League winners can earn up to £133.8 million, that amount is spread across a longer campaign of at least 15 matches. By contrast, the Club World Cup offers a similar financial reward in just seven games.
A Chance for Chelsea to Rebuild Financially
For Chelsea, the financial rewards from the Club World Cup could be crucial. The club has invested heavily in their squad over the past few transfer windows under Todd Boehly’s ownership, but they have also faced scrutiny regarding their ability to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Premier League sustainability rules. A significant cash injection from this tournament could help balance the books while also funding further squad reinforcements.
Winning the Club World Cup would also add another major trophy to Chelsea’s collection. They previously lifted the trophy in 2022 after beating Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final. Success in the competition would further cement Chelsea’s reputation as a global powerhouse and showcase their ability to compete with the best teams from every continent.
A Global Stage for Chelsea
Beyond financial incentives, the tournament presents an opportunity for Chelsea to expand their brand and fanbase, particularly in the United States. The tournament will be played in 12 different cities across the country, further increasing Chelsea’s exposure to American audiences.
The U.S. market has been a key focus for the club, especially with Boehly’s ownership group having strong ties to American sports. Chelsea have already played preseason matches in the U.S. in recent years, and competing in a high-profile FIFA tournament in the region could further strengthen their appeal to American fans and sponsors.
FIFA has also secured major sponsorship deals for the tournament, with Coca-Cola, Hisense, and the Bank of America among the key partners. Streaming platform DAZN has acquired global broadcasting rights in a deal worth a reported $1 billion (£774.6m), ensuring the competition will receive significant coverage worldwide.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With the Club World Cup now just months away, Chelsea will be eager to prepare for what could be a defining summer. The tournament not only provides a shot at a major trophy but also offers the financial rewards necessary to support their long-term ambitions.
Given the club’s recent struggles in the Premier League, the Club World Cup represents a unique opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to compete for silverware against the world’s best, while also securing a significant financial windfall. If Chelsea can replicate their 2022 success, they could return from the United States not only with another prestigious trophy but also a huge cash boost that could help shape their future.