FIFA Sets Record $871 Million Prize Fund for 2026 World Cup

FIFA expanded the total payout for the 2026 World Cup to a record $871 million across 48 teams. The champion will receive $51 million, the runner-up $34 million, third place $30 million, and fourth place $28 million. Quarterfinalists each receive $20 million, teams eliminated in the round of 16 receive $16 million, and teams eliminated in the round of 32 receive $12 million.

48 teams receive at least $12.5 million, including $10 million for qualifying and the group stage plus $2.5 million for pre-tournament training and expenses. More than $100 million was added to the fund in April after European federations requested additional support for travel and lodging costs at a tournament spread across three countries.

FIFA covers business-class flights, board and lodging for a 50-person delegation, and domestic transportation for each team. Federations must cover insurance, incidental hotel costs, and housing for extra delegation members. The prize money is paid to the national federations, not directly to players. Each federation determines how the funds are distributed according to its own rules.