SOCCER: FIFA set to increase 2026 World Cup prize money

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase the prize money allocated to all 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body said on Sunday.

The proposal is expected to be presented for approval at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which will take place ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

In December, FIFA announced that prize money for the upcoming tournament would rise by 50% compared to the previous edition, reaching $655 million. The increase followed a record $727 million financial contribution secured for the competition.

However, FIFA has indicated that the prize pool could be raised further, with the organization projected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue during the 2023–2026 commercial cycle.

“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and development funding available to all 211 member associations,” the spokesperson added.

FIFA also emphasized that the 2026 World Cup is expected to deliver record financial returns for global football, highlighting its strong financial position and continued investment through its FIFA Forward development program.

Under the initial funding structure, $655 million was allocated primarily as performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

In its December announcement, FIFA outlined that the tournament champions would receive $50 million, while the runners-up would earn $33 million. Teams eliminated in the group stage were set to receive $9 million each. All qualified nations were also entitled to $1.5 million in preparation funding.

FIFA’s 2025 annual report noted that 93% of its projected budgeted revenue had already been secured by the end of 2025, boosted by the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. -Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters