The champion of the 2026 World Cup will receive a historic prize of $50 million US, while each of the 48 teams participating will earn a minimum of $10.5 million. This marks an increase from $42 million in 2022 and $38 million in 2018. However, it falls short of the prize money offered at the Club World Cup earlier in the year.
FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has announced a total prize fund of $655 million for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This represents a 50% increase from the previous edition held in Qatar. Despite Canada’s unsuccessful campaign in Qatar, the team still received $9 million in prize money.
Canada Soccer, with reported revenue of $37.5 million Cdn in 2024, welcomes this cash influx. As a co-host of the tournament, Canada is set to receive an additional amount as a legacy fund. Plans are in place to utilize some of this fund for the development of a national training center.
During the FIFA Council meeting preceding the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, it was revealed that a record $727 million US will be distributed through the expanded 104-game World Cup event. Of this amount, $655 million will be allotted as prize money among the 48 participating teams. The runner-up will receive $33 million, while the third and fourth-place finishers will collect $29 million and $27 million, respectively. Teams finishing 33rd to 48th will receive $9 million each.
In addition to the prize money, each qualified team will be granted $1.5 million to cover preparation expenses. The announcement comes amidst criticism of FIFA for high ticket prices at the upcoming World Cup hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as groundbreaking in terms of its financial impact on the global football community.
FIFA has earmarked $152 million for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a significant increase compared to previous tournaments. Of this amount, $110 million will be allocated as prize money for the participating teams. With the expanded 2026 World Cup edition, FIFA’s projected revenue for 2023-2026 is expected to reach a record $13 billion, surpassing the initial budget approved by the FIFA Congress in 2023.
FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, who also serves as the CONCACAF president, highlighted that a substantial portion of the revenue generated from the tournament will be reinvested into the 211 member associations worldwide, benefitting 80 to 85% of these countries.
The FIFA World Cup continues to be a significant financial driver for global football development, with increased prize money and revenue projections set to shape the sport’s future trajectory positively.