Overview

• The 32-club tournament entered its knockout phase on June 28, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund progressing to the round of 16.
• DAZN is offering free live streams for all 63 matches and Sat.1 holds free-to-air rights for fixtures involving German teams.
• Prize money exceeding $1 billion heavily favors European squads, with Bayern and Dortmund already earning roughly $41.5 million and $36 million from participation and match victories.
• Players such as Alisson Becker and Rodri have voiced concerns over congested scheduling and physical strain, even as FIFA argues that a four-year cycle will reduce overload.
• FIFA is weighing 2029 hosting bids from Brazil, Spain, Australia alongside proposals to enlarge the competition to 48 teams or adjust its frequency.