FIFA PUMPS UP WORLD CUP CASH
FIFA has just dropped a financial bombshell ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and it’s not just about bigger stadiums and more fans.
FIFA has confirmed a 50% increase in the prize money for next summer’s tournament, meaning teams will be playing for a much richer pot than ever before.
Under the new plan, the total prize fund for the 2026 World Cup will be around $655 million up from roughly $440 million at the 2022 Qatar finals. That cash is being shared among all 48 participating nations in what FIFA calls a “groundbreaking financial contribution” to the sport.
The champions will pocket a record $50 million, a significant rise from the $42 million earned by Argentina in 2022. The runners-up are set to get about $33 million, with third and fourth-placed teams earning $29 million and $27 million respectively.
Even nations finishing at the bottom of the expanded group stage are guaranteed $9 million, plus an extra $1.5 million to help cover preparation costs, meaning every team will take home at least $10.5 million.
But not everyone’s thrilled. The price rise has come amid sharp fan backlash over eye-watering ticket prices, with supporters and groups arguing that with so much revenue on the table, FIFA could’ve done more to keep matches affordable.
Calls have even been made to use some of the extra funds to subsidise tickets for disabled supporters and grassroots fans.
FIFA projects that the expanded World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will generate billions in revenue, thanks to wider participation, commercial deals, and record attendance figures.
Image credit: CGTN