How Aston Villa could secure Club World Cup place and £28m+ payday for 2029

Aston Villa know what they need to do to book a spot at the 2029 Club World Cup.

Unai Emery has made so much progress at Villa Park.

The Spaniard has carried the Villans through the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League over the years.

Having lifted silverware last campaign, there is general positivity going back into Europe's elite competition this time around.

The claret and blue outfit still sit far behind the biggest sides and the financial muscle they can flex.

Villa could have the perfect chance to change that as a Club World Cup place could be up for grabs.

Aston Villa handed 2029 Club World Cup roadmap

There was plenty of controversy surrounding the tournament in the summer of 2025.

The new format caused a stir as Gianni Infantino made his presence felt.

Chelsea went on to win the whole thing, securing a shock victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

That has certainly helped play a role in keeping the Blues in the mind of a global audience despite many lacklustre years in the Premier League.

Villa could seriously benefit from that sort of exposure, but face a sizable challenge to reach the tournament.

Only 12 teams can qualify for the 2029 edition that are currently in the Champions League

Teams earn points to earn a ranking, three for a win, one for a draw, three for each stage reached after the league phase and 12 for a top eight finish.

A forecast from Football MD details that Villa currently have 49 points and sit 13th in the ranking, as of 11 October.

They sit just three points behind Manchester City and eight behind Bayer Leverkusen on 57.

The problem that the Villans face is that only two clubs from each nation can go to the Club World Cup and Arsenal and Liverpool have control of the crucial places at this stage.

Emery has to hope that his side can close a 35 point gap to the Reds.

That could be possible if the B6 outfit can maintain their form, but would also require a drop off at Anfield.

If that could happen, it could prove to be a game-changing financial boost for Villa.

How much could Aston Villa earn from Club World Cup qualification?

The tournament itself brings with it a sizable payout for participating.

It is reported that clubs earn anywhere between £9.5million and £28.5m for simply taking part.

Progress from the group stage and then any further knockout wins bring their own payday.

It is also said that the winner of the whole thing gets around £31m as prize money.

Reports detail that Chelsea earned between £85m and £96m for lifting the trophy in New Jersey.

All that would be a boost for the claret and blue outfit, but it would also provide something that money can't buy.

Getting the eyes of a global audience on Emery's men would be huge and could inspire a new age of supporters at Villa Park.

That brings helps bring up the revenue in B6 and closes the gap to the big six.

It isn't going to be easy to make it happen with Liverpool holding an advantage, but it is certainly something to aim for.