FIFA reveals 'massive' revenue figures, confirming major changes for the 2026 World Cup.

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the 2025 Club World Cup™ generated an "enormous" revenue of over $2 billion (approximately 52.229 trillion VND), more than any other club tournament. He also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will have some changes.

Many matches at the 2026 World Cup will be played in covered stadiums.

Despite numerous criticisms, FIFA President Gianni Infantino asserted that the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ currently taking place in the United States has been a success in every respect, laying the groundwork and gathering valuable experience to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the most perfect way possible.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (center), along with former football legends, including Ronaldo Nazario, at a recent event. They are also ambassadors for the organization at the 2026 World Cup.

Photo: Reuters

"Every criticism we receive is material for us to study, analyze, and consider what we can do better," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on July 13, ahead of the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG at 2:00 AM on July 14 (Vietnam time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is also the stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, 2026, with a capacity of up to 82,500 seats.

"Regarding the 2025 Club World Cup, we have generated over $2 billion in revenue. That's $31 million per match (approximately over 809 billion VND). No other club tournament can compare," FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized. He also confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the final match between Chelsea and PSG and may present the trophy to the winning team.

President Trump will present the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, with tight security.

Meanwhile, addressing criticisms about low attendance figures despite many matches being played in oversized stadiums, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: "I don't know about it, but I actually prefer putting 35,000 fans in an 80,000-seat stadium to 20,000 fans in a 20,000-seat stadium."

In fact, the 2025 Club World Cup, prior to the final match, had already attracted over 2.4 million viewers, averaging 38,886 spectators per match. This is a dream number, despite initial criticism. Many matches achieved record attendance figures, such as PSG's 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the group stage, which attracted 80,619 viewers at the Rose Bowl. Or matches featuring star players like Messi, such as the opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly (Egypt) at Hard Rock Stadium, which drew 60,927 spectators.

Messi has helped increase the value of the MLS league tremendously in every aspect, and now he's saved FIFA from a potential defeat in terms of audience attendance at the Club World Cup.

Photo: Reuters

In the round of 16, PSG's 4-0 victory over Inter Miami also attracted 65,574 spectators at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta. This is also the most modern covered arena in the United States.

In the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the matches attracted over 70,000 viewers, notably including three matches played at MetLife Stadium: Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, and the two semi-final matches between Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense and PSG's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid.

"Regarding complaints about excessively hot temperatures or extreme weather conditions, this is certainly a problem. But it's also a global problem. Last year at the Olympics in Paris (France), the daytime matches in all sports were held in very hot weather conditions."

In the US, we also have covered stadiums. So, certainly when we host the 2026 World Cup at this time next year, covered stadiums will be used more. Besides that, halftime is very important, and we will consider what we can do. These could be major changes for the 2026 World Cup, building on what we organized at the 2025 Club World Cup,” added Gianni Infantino.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (center) with Ronaldo Nazario (left) and Inter Miami President David Beckham

Photo: Reuters

Former Brazilian football star Ronaldo Nazario has supported FIFA President Gianni Infantino's stance. He stated: "I see two people criticizing the FIFA Club World Cup. One hates everything except La Liga (referring to the president of the Spanish La Liga, Javier Tebas). And the other (coach Jurgen Klopp) – we respect their opinions, but I think that when the president (FIFA, Gianni Infantino) tells you about the events, about the number, about the enthusiasm of the people, the fans, and about the quality of the matches, I think it's a huge success."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/fifa-tiet-lo-doanh-thu-cuc-khung-xac-nhan-su-thay-doi-lon-o-world-cup-2026-185250713114007256.htm