FIFA Club World Cup Prize Money Breakdown: Who Earned What?

As a sports data analyst who’s spent a decade dissecting football economics, let me tell you—nothing spices up a tournament like cold, hard cash. The opening round of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage wasn’t just about goals; it was about $200,000 paychecks per net bulge (for winners) and $100,000 consolation prizes for draws. Here’s how the money flowed:

The $2 Million Club

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Flamengo headlined the ten teams that cashed in on victories. Fun fact: That’s enough to buy approximately 40% of a backup MLS goalkeeper’s annual salary. Chelsea and Manchester City also joined the party—because when don’t they?

The ‘$1M Isn’t Bad’ Bracket

Real Madrid’s draw against [opponent] secured them $1M—roughly what they spend weekly on physio tape. Other notable members of this frugal elite include Inter Milan and Benfica, proving that sometimes not losing is its own financial victory.

Zero-Dollar Heroes

Let’s pour one out for Seattle Sounders and LAFC, whose losses earned them precisely… an itemized receipt of disappointment. But hey, at least their accountants got some fresh air traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Data point to ponder: The total $26M disbursed this round could fund 8.6 seconds of next summer’s Kylian Mbappé contract negotiations.

Interactive Q: Which team’s prize money allocation surprised you most? Drop your hot takes below.