Fifa has increased prize money for the 2026 World Cup to $871m, nearly double the $440m awarded four years ago, after participating nations expressed concerns over the financial burden of competing in the expanded tournament.
Prize Money Boost
Football's world governing body approved a 15 per cent increase from the $727m announced in December, raising the guaranteed sum for each of the 48 participating teams by $2m to $12.5m. The total prize pot of $871m is almost double the $440m offered at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"Given the commercial success of Fifa's flagship men's tournament, the Fifa Council agreed to increase the resources to be distributed to all 48 participating teams by a further 15 per cent, totalling $871m," the governing body said in a statement.
Record Revenue
The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate $11bn for Fifa, driven by sponsorship deals and ticket sales. The tournament will be the largest ever, with 48 teams (up from 32), 104 matches (up from 64), and three co-hosts: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The unprecedented scale had reportedly led to grumbling among some nations that participating could actually cost them money, given the expense of travel and accommodation across North America.
Fifa President's Remuneration
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: "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's remuneration as Fifa president has increased from $1.5m a year when he took office a decade ago to $6m, including bonuses, last year.
Tournament Schedule
The World Cup is due to begin on 11 June in Mexico City and conclude with the final on 19 July in New Jersey.
