FIFA sets record $871 million prize pool for 2026 World Cup, champion to earn $50 million

FIFA has approved an unprecedented $871 million prize pool for the 2026 World Cup, the most lucrative in the tournament’s history. The expanded 48‑team format and 104 matches drive higher revenues from broadcasting rights, ticket sales and sponsorship across the three host nations – the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The champion will receive a $50 million cheque, a 19 % increase over the 2022 winner’s $42 million, while the runner‑up will earn $33 million. Third‑place and fourth‑place teams are slated for $29 million and $27 million respectively. Teams eliminated in the round of 16, quarter‑finals and group stage will receive $15 million, $19 million and $9 million, plus a guaranteed $1.5 million participation fee for all 48 qualified federations.

Overall, the prize structure reflects a four‑fold rise in FIFA’s revenue over two decades, with the organization projecting over €12 billion in total income for the 2026 edition, marking a historic commercial milestone for world football.