Football's global governing body, FIFA, has confirmed a substantial 50% increase in prize money for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with the tournament's champions set to receive a staggering $50 million (£37.5 million).
Record Financial Rewards for Competing Nations
The decision was ratified by the FIFA Council following a meeting in Doha. In total, $727 million will be shared among member associations as a direct result of the 2026 tournament. Of this sum, a massive $655 million is designated as pure prize money for the nations that qualify.
The financial rewards are structured as follows: the runners-up will collect $33 million, while teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place in the expanded 48-team contest will each get $9 million. Furthermore, every participating team will receive $1.5 million for preparation costs, guaranteeing each nation a minimum payout of $10.5 million.
Announcement Follows Ticket Pricing Fury
This significant financial revelation comes just days after FIFA faced intense public criticism and fan outrage over the high cost of tickets for the 2026 event, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In response to the backlash, FIFA this week announced a limited number of discounted tickets priced at $60 (£45) would be made available through national associations for their most loyal supporters. However, this concession is limited, with only 10% of tickets in this specific allocation being offered at the reduced rate.
For the vast majority of fans, costs remain steep. Using the example of the opening match for England, tickets through the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) will start at £198. For the final, prices will begin at a eye-watering £3,140.
Projected Revenue Boom Fuels Payouts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, "The FIFA World Cup 2026 will … be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community." This confidence is backed by revised financial projections.
The governing body anticipates record revenues of $13 billion for the four-year cycle ending with the 2026 World Cup. This marks a sharp increase from the $7.5 billion earned in the 2018-2022 cycle. FIFA attributes much of this growth to the expansion of the World Cup itself and the revamped men's Club World Cup, which was held in the United States last summer.
The juxtaposition of soaring prize money for federations and players against the backdrop of costly tickets for ordinary supporters is likely to remain a point of contention as preparations for the historic 2026 tournament continue.
