For the 48 nations participating in next year’s World Cup, it will be a lucrative windfall whether they win a game or hoist the trophy for winning the tournament.
The FIFA Council approved the financial contribution each nation will receive, with a record $727 million distributed to participating teams. The Council also announced Wednesday, Dec. 17, the launch of a FIFA U-15 festival-style tournament open to all 211 FIFA members in 2026, as well as a post-conflict recovery fund to help nations that have experienced conflict.
For compensation, the largest share of the distributed money ($655 million) goes directly to the teams as prize money, a 50% increase from the funds awarded during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
‘The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
Each nation is guaranteed $10.5 million for participating, including $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.
2026 World Cup prize money breakdown
Champions: $50 million
Runners-up: $33 million
3rd place: $29 million
4th place: $27 million
5th-8th place: $19 million
9th-16th place: $15 million
17th- 32nd place: $11 million
33rd-48th place: $9 million