U.S. Faces Million-Dollar Loss for Failing to Secure Slot in 2025 Club World Cup Competition
The Eagles had a night to forget last weekend as LAFC edged them out for a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup – and a sizable payday. The playoff game took place at the BMO Stadium, theLAFC's home turf, much to the chagrin of the American supporters.
Initially, it appeared America had the upper hand, thanks to Brian Rodriguez's penalty goal, but the MLS team wasn't about to lose at home and miss out on the Club World Cup this year. In the final minutes of regulation, LAFC equalized and sent the game into extra time. The Eagles simply couldn't keep up, and LAFC seized the Club World Cup opportunity.
Moolah on the table
来源：Wikipedia
FIFA disclosed the economic rewards for participating in the Club World Cup a few months prior, revealing a quadrennial jackpot of approximately $1 billion. For Concacaf clubs, qualifying got them a guaranteed $9.5 million. Unfortunately for the Eagles, that money went to Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Rayados de Monterrey, and Pachuca instead.
Beyond the initial qualification bonus, FIFA was planning on doling out additional funds for wins, draws, and progressing through the tournament. A victory would net a team $2 million, while a draw could pull in $1 million. Those amounts increased significantly in elimination matches, and the potential earnings were immense:
- A round of 16 win: $7.5 million
- Quarterfinals appearance: $13 million
- Semifinals appearance: $21 million
- Finals victory: $40 million
Of course, this adds up to an astounding prize of $125 million for the winners. And that's not including other revenue streams like broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
The Club World Cup is set to kick off on June 15 and wrap up on July 13.
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As for the enrichment data, the potential financial loss for Club América by not qualifying for the 2025 Club World Cup is significant but difficult to pin down without specific financial figures from FIFA or the participating clubs. Estimates suggest the team missed out on hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in direct revenue, as well as potential indirect benefits from increased visibility and brand enhancement.
In light of the potential financial rewards disclosed for the Club World Cup, the Eagles' loss to LAFC was especially disheartening, as they missed out on a guaranteed $9.5 million and the opportunity to fight for a share of the $125 million prize. Furthermore, the success of American-football teams in the tournament, such as victories in the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, or finals, could have earned them millions more in additional funds.
