FIFA is going to raise the prize money for the 2026 World Cup
FIFA announced on Sunday that it is in talks with national associations to raise the prize money for all 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup.
The proposal requires approval at the FIFA Council meeting on Tuesday, which is taking place prior to the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
In December, FIFA announced that the prize money for this year’s World Cup would be 50% higher than in the previous edition, totaling $655 million, following a record financial contribution of $727 million to the tournament.
FIFA has informed Reuters that the prize money available is expected to rise, with the world governing body anticipated to exceed $11 billion in revenue during the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.
“FIFA has announced that it is engaged in discussions with associations globally to enhance available revenues,” stated a FIFA spokesperson. “This encompasses a suggested rise in financial contributions for all qualified teams participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as an increase in development funding accessible to all 211 member associations.”The FIFA World Cup 2026 will mark a significant milestone in its financial impact on the global football community, and FIFA is proud to be in its most robust financial position ever, enabling it to support the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.
The largest portion of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American event – $655 million – was allocated for performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.
FIFA’s announcement in December regarding prize money revealed that the champions would receive $50 million, while the runners-up would take home $33 million. Additionally, the 16 nations that did not progress beyond the initial group phase were slated to earn $9 million each.
Furthermore, each eligible nation would receive $1.5 million to address preparation expenses.
FIFA’s 2025 annual report indicated that by the end of 2025, 93% of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted, attributed to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
