FIFA is calling on unpaid volunteers to help run the 2025 Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium, despite reaping billions from ticket sales, TV deals, and global sponsors.
At a Glance
- FIFA Seeks Unpaid Volunteers for Club World Cup
- MetLife Stadium Will Host 8 Matches Including the Final
- Tournament Begins Mid-June 2025 Across 12 U.S. Cities
- Applications Open on FIFA’s Volunteer Portal
FIFA’s Free Labor Recruitment Drive
FIFA has officially opened the volunteer application process for the 2025 Club World Cup, seeking thousands of unpaid helpers to assist with one of the sport’s most profitable tournaments. While FIFA reported over $7.6 billion in revenue from its last World Cup cycle, the organization is once again relying on volunteers to power the event—without offering compensation.
The expanded Club World Cup will take place in June and July 2025, with MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, set to host eight matches, including the final on July 13. According to FIFA’s official announcement, the tournament will feature 32 teams playing a total of 63 matches across 12 American cities.
Watch CBS New York’s report at FIFA opens volunteer program for 2025 Club World Cup.
America: Soccer’s Newest Gold Mine
With host cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., this tournament underscores FIFA’s increasing focus on U.S. markets. As reported by Morristown Green, MetLife’s Club World Cup hosting duties include the opening match between Palmeiras and FC Porto on June 15, as well as a July 8 semifinal and the championship final.
This heavy scheduling mirrors the stadium’s future role in global soccer: it will also host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The selection cements MetLife’s status as a global soccer hub—and a cornerstone of FIFA’s U.S. ambitions.
The “Honor” of Working for Free
FIFA’s call for volunteers might sound noble—community involvement, soccer passion, cultural exchange—but in practice, it serves a business model aimed at cost-cutting. As detailed on FIFA’s official volunteer portal, positions include everything from event operations to media support and fan services. The catch? No pay.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2025, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and fluent in English. FIFA touts this as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”—but for many, it’s a reminder of how billion-dollar organizations leverage unpaid labor under the guise of experience.
Volunteers are expected to attend training sessions and be available throughout the tournament. According to Inside FIFA, the organization plans to recruit around 9,000 volunteers for the 2025 Club World Cup.
Free Labor, Premium Prices
FIFA’s model—maximize profits, minimize labor costs—is on full display. While fans will pay top dollar for match tickets, the people making those events run will do so for free. Volunteers won’t even get game tickets; instead, they’ll receive uniforms and meals during their shifts.
The reliance on unpaid workers has already drawn criticism from labor advocates, especially as FIFA gears up for the 2026 World Cup. With record-breaking audiences and revenues expected, many are asking whether this practice is ethical—or just another corporate loophole dressed in sportswear.
Visit the FIFA Volunteer Portal to view eligibility requirements or apply.
