Overview

• The tournament’s 32 teams begin play June 15 at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, where FC Bayern München will meet amateur side Auckland City FC in the opening match live on DAZN and free-to-air on SAT.1 and Joyn.
• FC Bayern enters as a dominant favourite with a squad valued at €843.5 million, while Auckland City’s market worth of €5.2 million and $3.6 million participation fee are likely insufficient to cover their travel and logistical costs.
• FIFA has allocated roughly $1 billion in total prize money, with top clubs receiving participation fees in the tens of millions and the tournament winner set to earn about $110 million.
• Steep initial ticket prices have slowed sales, prompting FIFA to restrict available seating blocks and introduce student discounts, yet empty seats persist and have been digitally concealed in broadcasts.
• Many Auckland City players have sacrificed vacation time and navigated federation disputes to compete, viewing the match as a rare opportunity despite the vast competitive and financial imbalance.