FIFA World Cup 2026 cash surge: Prize money soars nearly 50% from 2022

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be bigger and better than ever. It will also be the most cash-rich edition of the tournament, with prize money increasing by nearly 50%. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, and the tournament will run from June 11 to July 19. Earlier editions featured 32 teams, but this time they will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top sides advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.

With more teams in the fray, the prize pool has also expanded significantly. The total prize money now stands at $655 million, a sharp rise from $440 million in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Also Read | From 17 to 43: FIFA World Cup 2026 set for football’s biggest generation clash

How much will teams earn?

The winning team will take home $50 million, while the runners-up will receive $33 million. The third-placed team will earn $29 million, and the fourth-placed side will get $27 million.

Teams reaching the quarter-finals will receive $19 million, while those eliminated in the Round of 16 will earn $15 million. Teams that exit in the Round of 32 will get $11 million. At the group stage, each team will receive $9 million. Additionally, every team is guaranteed at least $10.5 million for qualifying, ensuring substantial earnings for all participants.

Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2026: Format, groups, full schedule, India match timings, where to watch, and everything you need to know

According to FIFA, the increase is driven by the success of the men’s tournament. The FIFA Council has approved a 15% rise in total distributions to all 48 participating teams, taking the overall allocation to $871 million.

The increased amount will be distributed as follows:

Preparation money: Increased from $1.5 million to $2.5 million
Qualification money: Increased from $9 million to $10 million
Additional team contributions: Subsidies for team delegation costs and enhanced ticket allocations, totalling over $16 million

FIFA president Gianni Infantino noted that the organisation’s strong financial position has enabled it to increase support for participating federations.

“FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all our member associations in an unprecedented way. This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game,” Infantino said in a FIFA statement.