FIFA has announced that the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money, the biggest payout in the competition’s history.
The world football governing body revealed on Wednesday that the total prize fund for the tournament will stand at $655 million, representing an increase of almost 50 per cent compared to the $440 million shared by teams at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. It will also mark a major expansion of the tournament, with 48 teams competing instead of the traditional 32.
At the last World Cup, Argentina earned $42 million after Lionel Messi led them to victory over France in a dramatic final decided by penalties. France, who finished runners-up, received $30 million.
Under the new prize structure, the 2026 finalists who miss out on the title will take home $33 million, while the third-placed team will earn $29 million. The remaining semi-finalists will receive $27 million each.
Teams knocked out in the group stage will be paid $9 million, while all 48 participating countries will also receive an additional $1.5 million to help cover preparation costs.
FIFA said the increased financial rewards reflect the expanded size and growing global appeal of the World Cup.
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