FIFA has confirmed a historic financial package of $727 million for the 2026 World Cup, marking the biggest investment in the tournament’s history.
The decision was taken on December 17 when the FIFA Council met in Doha ahead of the Intercontinental Cup finals. Officials also discussed broader issues around the development and governance of youth football.
Following the positive momentum generated by the World Cup finals draw in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2025, the council approved the unprecedented financial contribution in support of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Of the total sum, $655 million will be distributed as prize money, representing a 50 per cent increase on the previous edition.
The champions of the 2026 World Cup will walk away with $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million.
Teams finishing third and fourth will receive $29 million and $27 million respectively. Those placed between fifth and eighth will collect $19 million, with sides ranked ninth to sixteenth earning $15 million.
Teams finishing from seventeenth to thirty-second will be paid $11 million, while those exiting in positions thirty-third to forty-eighth will still receive $9 million.
Beyond performance-related rewards, every participating nation will be handed $1.5 million in preparation costs.
This ensures that all member associations taking part are guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million from the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the new figures reflect the organisation’s commitment to reinvesting World Cup revenues into the sport worldwide.
