FIFA Approves Record $727m Prize Package for 2026 World Cup

F FIFA has approved a record-breaking prize and participation package of $727 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a 50 per cent increase from the funds distributed at the Qatar 2022 tournament.

The decision was taken by the FIFA Council as part of preparations for the expanded World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time and be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to FIFA, $655 million of the approved amount has been earmarked strictly for prize money. The winners of the tournament will receive $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million. Teams finishing third and fourth will take home $29 million and $27 million, respectively.

Countries that place between fifth and eighth will each receive $19 million, while those ranked ninth to 16th will earn $15 million apiece. Teams finishing between 17th and 32nd will collect $11 million, and nations eliminated in positions 33rd to 48th will still receive $9 million each.

In addition to performance-related earnings, FIFA also approved a $1.5 million preparation grant for every qualified team. The grant is intended to support logistics, training programmes and general tournament preparation.

FIFA said the enhanced financial package reflects its commitment to expanding global participation, improving competitiveness and providing stronger financial backing for Member Associations as the World Cup enters a new era.

The 2026 tournament is expected to be the largest in the competition’s history, both in scale and financial rewards, reinforcing FIFA’s ambition to broaden the reach and impact of football worldwide.