FIFA is set to award $2.3 million in prize money to the winner of the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, taking place next week at Arsenal’s stadium. This payout is hailed as the largest single prize ever allocated in women’s club soccer history.
The total prize pool, announced by FIFA on Friday, will distribute $3.9 million among the six continental champions. The tournament’s final rounds in London serve as a precursor to a full-fledged Women’s Club World Cup scheduled for 2028.
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European champions Arsenal will face off against ASFAR from Morocco, while Gotham FC from the U.S. will play against Brazil’s Corinthians in back-to-back semifinal matches on Wednesday at the home of Premier League’s Brentford.
The final will occur at Arsenal’s stadium on February 1, following a third-place playoff also held at the same location.
The champion will receive $2.3 million, while the runner-up will get $1 million, with losing semifinalists each awarded $200,000.
Two continental champions that were eliminated in earlier rounds—Auckland United from Oceania and Wuhan Chegu Jiangda from Asia—will each receive $100,000.
The prize money reflects a significant endorsement of women’s club football, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to promoting players, teams, and competitions in this growing area, said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.
Last season, Arsenal earned more than €1.5 million ($1.8 million) after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
FIFA allocated $1 billion among 32 teams in the upcoming men’s 2025 Club World Cup, with finalists Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain each set to earn over $100 million.
This tournament in the United States is supported by Saudi Arabian investments, ensuring top European clubs received the financial incentives needed to participate.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.