FIFA raises 2026 World Cup champion prize to $50 million

SALADIN, Iraq — FIFA has set the prize for the 2026 World Cup champion at $50 million, an increase of $8 million compared to what Argentina received for winning the 2022 tournament. The global governing body also raised the total prize pool to $871 million for the next edition of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 nations, up from 32, with 104 matches scheduled across the United States, Canada and Mexico starting June 11. The runner-up will earn $33 million, the third-place team $29 million and the fourth-place team $27 million. Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals receive $19 million, those knocked out in the round of 16 get $15 million and teams finishing third in their groups earn $11 million. In addition to prize money, each participating team receives a $10 million participation fee and $2.5 million in preparation support, guaranteeing every squad a minimum of $12.5 million from the tournament. FIFA expects the competition to generate more than $13 billion in revenue during the current financial cycle.