World Cup winners to pocket $50m in FIFA’s record $871m payout
It has been confirmed that FIFA has set aside a record $871 million prize fund for the 2026 World Cup, with the eventual champions set to receive $50 million in what will be the richest edition of football’s biggest tournament featuring 48 teams.
Every participating nation received a $2.5 million preparation grant ahead of the World Cup, while all 48 teams are guaranteed $10 million for reaching the group stage. That means each country will earn at least $12.5 million, even if it fails to progress beyond the opening round of the World Cup.
The financial rewards increase with every knockout stage. Teams reaching the new Round of 32 will receive $11 million, while those advancing to the Round of 16 will earn $15 million. Quarterfinalist will each pocket $19 million.
The final four will receive the biggest payouts. The fourth-placed team will earn $27 million, the third-placed team will pocket $29 million, while the runners-up will take home $33 million.
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The world champions will walk away with the top prize of $50 million.
World governing body, FIFA expects the increased financial rewards to strengthen national football programmes while raising the stakes in the race for football’s most coveted trophy.
With every team guaranteed a substantial payout and millions more on offer for success on the pitch, the 2026 World Cup promises to be historic not only for its expanded format but also for the unprecedented financial rewards at stake.
