FIFA posts $1.25 bn losses before 2026 World Cup while targeting $9 bn tournament revenue

FIFA reported cumulative losses of $1.25 billion over the three fiscal years leading up to the 2026 World Cup – $390 million in 2023, $616 million in 2024 and $248 million in 2025. Despite the deficits, the organization’s four‑year financial model projects total revenues of about $13 billion for the 2023‑2026 cycle, with an expected surplus exceeding $1 billion after the tournament.

The revenue mix is expected to include roughly $4.2‑$4.3 billion from broadcast rights, about $3 billion from tickets and hospitality, and $2.8‑$2.9 billion from commercial sponsorships. Dynamic ticket pricing, introduced for the first time, has drawn criticism for high prices, with some officials warning it may exclude genuine fans.

Under President Gianni Infantino, FIFA anticipates direct tournament earnings of around $9 billion – roughly $2 billion more than the 2022 Qatar edition – as the competition expands from 32 to 48 teams. The prize pool has doubled to a record $871 million, guaranteeing each participating nation a minimum of $12.5 million. Smaller federations such as Cape Verde have already received over $21 million, equivalent to about 0.75 % of its GDP. The event is also boosting spending by spectators and sponsors, with fans in some venues spending up to $100 per match.

These financial projections underscore FIFA’s shift toward greater commercialisation, even as criticism over governance and pricing persists.