Man City are gearing up to learn their opponents for next summer’s revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which promises to be the most lucrative edition in the tournament’s history.
City fans will fondly remember their club lifting the trophy during the 2023/24 campaign under the tournament’s old format. However, FIFA has restructured the competition into a 32-team spectacle held every four years, similar to the World Cup for national teams.
A New Format with High Stakes
Thanks to their high UEFA coefficient score, Pep Guardiola‘s side has qualified for the tournament, set to take place in the United States next June. The draw for the group stage will occur at 6 PM GMT on Thursday, determining the four-team groups for the opening round.
City have been placed in Pot 1, alongside other European giants such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, SL Benfica, Juventus, and FC Salzburg. They’ll compete against notable teams from around the globe, including Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, Fluminense, Al Hilal, and Inter Miami.
Massive Prize Pool
Despite concerns over the additional matches in an already crowded calendar, the financial rewards are undeniable. Participating clubs are guaranteed $50m (£39.3m) just for taking part, according to Sports Illustrated. The tournament winner will pocket an additional $100m (£78.6m)—the largest prize in world club football history.
Other bonuses will be awarded for progressing through the stages or winning group matches, with the total prize pool reaching an astonishing $2.65bn (£2.08bn). FIFA recently confirmed a $1bn broadcasting deal with DAZN, which will provide free global coverage of the tournament.
Perspective on the Revamp
The 2023 tournament, which City won under the old format, awarded the club $6.3m (£5m) from a total prize pot of $16m (£12.5m). The new format represents a dramatic leap in financial rewards, reflecting FIFA’s vision to elevate the Club World Cup’s prestige and global appeal.
With the stakes higher than ever, Man City will look to continue their dominance on the international stage and claim the largest prize in club football history.
