The FIFA Council has approved a historic prize money structure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament winners set to receive 50 million dollars as part of a record 727 million dollar total financial distribution.
According to the new framework, the overall prize pool represents a 50 percent increase compared to the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. Of the total amount, 655 million dollars has been earmarked strictly for performance based prize money, reflecting FIFA’s expanded investment in the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. FIFA said the increased prize money is designed to ensure that financial benefits extend to all participating member associations.
Under the approved structure, the champions will receive 50 million dollars, while the runners up will earn 33 million dollars. The third placed team will take home 29 million dollars, with the fourth placed side receiving 27 million dollars.
Teams that reach the quarter final stage will earn 19 million dollars, while those eliminated in the round of 16 will receive 15 million dollars. Nations that exit in the round of 32 will collect 11 million dollars, while teams eliminated at the group stage are guaranteed 9 million dollars.
In addition to prize money, FIFA will provide 1.5 million dollars to each qualified team to support preparation and logistics ahead of the tournament. This ensures that even teams knocked out early will earn a minimum of 10.5 million dollars.
FIFA said the financial structure is aimed at supporting the growth of football globally, particularly among smaller football associations, while reinforcing the significance of the expanded World Cup format.