FIFA has approves major increase in prize money for the 2026 World Cup 

FIFA has approved a 50 percent increase in prize money for the 2026 World Cup, setting a new financial benchmark for the men’s tournament. The expanded competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico will now feature a record-breaking payout that reflects soaring revenues and the commercial scale of the first 48-team World Cup.

Record prize pot for 2026

FIFA’s total financial contribution linked to the 2026 World Cup will rise to around 727 million dollars, with approximately 655 million dollars earmarked as performance-based prize money for participating national teams. The winners of the tournament are set to receive 50 million dollars, up from 42 million dollars awarded to champions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Runners-up will collect 33 million dollars, while teams reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals will also benefit from significantly enhanced payouts.

Boost for qualifying nations

Even nations that exit at the group stage will receive 9 million dollars each, representing an important revenue stream for smaller federations and emerging football countries. On top of that, every qualified federation will receive 1.5 million dollars in preparation funding, designed to help cover costs related to camps, travel and logistics in the vast North American host territories. With the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA has stressed that raising minimum payouts is crucial to maintaining competitive balance and supporting global football development.

FIFA’s vision and justification

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promoted the 2026 World Cup as a “groundbreaking” and “revolutionary” event, arguing that record prize money reflects unprecedented commercial success and global interest. Projected revenues for the cycle have climbed sharply, and FIFA has linked the bigger pot to its wider development agenda, including increased funding for member associations and new youth competitions. Among these are planned global under-15 tournaments for both boys and girls, set to launch around 2026 and 2027 as part of an expanded calendar.

Mixed reaction from fans and stakeholders

While federations and players stand to gain from the increased payouts, the announcement has also fuelled debate among supporters’ groups. Fan organisations have argued that such a dramatic rise in prize money leaves little justification for high ticket prices, warning that “extortionate” costs could damage atmospheres and exclude traditional, lower-income supporters from attending matches. At the same time, negotiations over player bonuses are expected to intensify, as national teams seek to translate the larger FIFA pot into improved financial rewards for their squads.

Implications for the global game

The enhanced prize structure underscores how central the World Cup has become to FIFA’s financial model and to the budgets of many national associations. For smaller federations in particular, the guaranteed minimum of 10.5 million dollars in combined preparation and group-stage payments offers a level of financial security that can shape long-term planning. As the countdown to 2026 continues, the record prize money will remain a key talking point, symbolising both the booming commercial power of football’s biggest event and the ongoing debate over who ultimately benefits from that growth.

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