The FIFA Council meeting has unveiled several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fostering global football development. A significant highlight includes the announcement of a USD 1 billion prize pool for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside plans for future women's tournaments and substantial investments in football infrastructure. Additionally, bidding processes have been launched for the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cups, with new competitions such as the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup set to debut in 2028.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Boosting Global Club Football

The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 is poised to redefine club football by offering an unprecedented USD 1 billion in prize money. This tournament will serve as a platform to enhance solidarity among clubs worldwide, ensuring that participating teams benefit significantly. The financial windfall will be distributed directly to clubs and through a solidarity mechanism designed to support club football globally.

This event represents a monumental shift in how FIFA supports club football. President Gianni Infantino emphasized that all revenue generated will be redistributed to clubs and via club solidarity mechanisms. FIFA will not retain any profits, reaffirming its commitment to reinvesting in the sport. The revised budget, which now targets USD 13 billion in revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle, allocates nearly 90% back into football development. This includes a record investment of almost USD 2.3 billion in the FIFA Forward Programme, underscoring FIFA's dedication to enhancing football infrastructure and opportunities around the world.

New Horizons for Women’s Football: Competitions and Bidding Processes

The FIFA Council has outlined ambitious plans to elevate women’s football, starting with the launch of bidding processes for the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cups. African and North American member associations are invited to bid for the 2031 edition, while European and African associations will compete for the 2035 hosting rights. Decisions on hosts will be made at the 76th FIFA Congress in Q2 2026.

In addition to these major events, FIFA has introduced two new competitions dedicated to women’s football. The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will take place in 2028, featuring 19 top clubs from around the globe in a competitive and inclusive format. Meanwhile, the annual FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will kick off in 2026, providing a stage for confederation champions to compete for the global title. These initiatives aim to boost visibility and support for women’s football, ensuring it receives the recognition and resources it deserves. Furthermore, FIFA has integrated several continental final tournaments into the Women’s International Match Calendar, reinforcing its commitment to expanding opportunities for female players.