FIFA has confirmed that the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money, marking the largest financial payout in the tournament’s history.
The world football governing body announced a total prize fund of $655 million, a sharp increase of nearly 50% from the $440 million distributed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The expanded prize pool reflects the tournament’s new format, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, up from 32 in previous editions. The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
⚽ The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football's governing body announced on Wednesday ➡️ https://t.co/0ccywm6Lmu pic.twitter.com/zOgm8kv3aK
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 17, 2025At the last World Cup, Argentina earned $42 million after lifting the trophy under Lionel Messi’s leadership, defeating France on penalties in the final. France collected $30 million as runners-up.
For 2026, FIFA has increased payouts across all final positions. The losing finalists will receive $33 million, while the third-place team will earn $29 million. The fourth-placed semi-finalists will take home $27 million.
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Teams eliminated during the group stage will receive $9 million each. In addition, all 48 participating nations will receive an additional $1.5 million to help cover preparation and logistical costs.
FIFA said the revised prize structure reflects the tournament’s expanded scale and its growing commercial value, while also ensuring broader financial support for participating national teams.
