Club World Cup set to kick off amid challenges

A total prize pot of $1 billion available, with the winner awarded $125 million

FIFA's billion-dollar gamble to revolutionize club soccer begins a week on Sunday with plenty of cash up for grabs but questionable enthusiasm as 32 teams prepare to contest the expanded Club World Cup in 12 stadiums across the United States.

The tournament — designed as a glittering curtain-raiser for the 2026 World Cup — has had to contend with the prospect of empty seats along with controversial qualification rules and player welfare concerns after an exhausting European season.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami faces Egypt's Al Ahly in the opening fixture on June 14 in Miami, with tickets still widely available, while FIFA's website shows seats can still be bought for the July 13 final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.