Doha:
FIFA has officially approved a record $727 million total prize pool for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the most financially rewarding tournament in the history of international football.
The decision was finalised during a FIFA Council meeting and reflects the expanded scale of the upcoming World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Out of the total allocation, $655 million has been earmarked as performance-based prize money, while the remaining amount will be used for participation fees and preparation support for qualifying teams.
According to the approved structure, the World Cup winners will receive $50 million, followed by $33 million for the runners-up, $29 million for the third-placed team, and $27 million for the fourth-placed side.
In addition, FIFA has guaranteed that each of the 48 participating teams will receive a minimum of $10.5 million, regardless of performance. This includes a base participation payment along with a separate allocation to support pre-tournament preparation.
FIFA officials have linked the increased prize money to the expanded tournament format, higher commercial revenues, and broader global engagement expected from the three-nation hosting model.
The announcement has also triggered discussion around revenue distribution in global football, particularly as ticket pricing and access for fans continue to be debated ahead of the 2026 tournament.
With the World Cup set to be the largest ever in terms of teams, matches, and global reach, the record prize pool highlights FIFA’s push toward higher financial incentives and increased commercial stakes in international football.