DZWatch Exclusive: FIFA has announced a record-breaking prize fund for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition marks a significant milestone as it will be the first to feature 48 participating nations, making it the largest World Cup in history, both in terms of competing teams and financial investment.
The total prize money allocated for the tournament amounts to a staggering $727 million. This significant sum will be distributed among the 48 qualified teams, ensuring that each participating nation benefits from their involvement on the world stage. The decision was ratified by the FIFA Council during a meeting held in Doha, coinciding with the Club World Cup final.
This represents a substantial 50% increase compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, reflecting the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. Each participating team will also receive $1.5 million to cover preparation and logistical expenses, ensuring they are well-equipped for the competition.
The lion’s share of the financial package, approximately $655 million, is dedicated to prize money based on performance. The World Cup champion will receive a grand prize of $50 million, while the runner-up will be awarded $33 million. Even teams eliminated in the group stage will receive a noteworthy $9 million each. This significant financial boost underscores FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development worldwide and rewarding excellence on the pitch. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a spectacle, not only for fans but also for the participating nations who stand to gain significantly from this record-breaking financial investment.
