“2026 World Cup winners to take home $50 million — FIFA
International Federation of Association Football, FIFA, has revealed that the champions of the 2026 World Cup will receive a record $50 million in prize money, part of a total $655 million tournament fund.
Record $50 million prize for champions
This represents a nearly 50 percent increase from the $440 million awarded at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
48-team format expands global participation
Next year’s tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will feature 48 teams for the first time, up from 32 in previous editions.
Under the new prize structure, the runners-up will receive $33 million, third-place finishers $29 million, and the other semi-finalists $27 million.
All participating Nations to receive financial support
Teams eliminated in the group stage will earn $9 million, while each of the 48 participants will receive an additional $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.
FIFA’s announcement follows the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina pocketed $42 million after defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout.
France, as runners-up, received $30 million. The governing body has emphasised that the increased prize fund aims to reward performance and support the broader development of participating nations.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the most lucrative and widely participated tournament in history, offering unprecedented financial incentives for all competing nations.
