FIFA has announced a record $871 million prize fund for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with champions Spain receiving $51 million after defeating Argentina in the final.
The expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featured the largest prize pool in World Cup history following FIFA’s decision to increase the total fund by more than $100 million.
Runners-up Argentina will receive $34 million, while every one of the 48 participating nations was guaranteed financial support regardless of their performance.
According to FIFA, each national football federation received $12.5 million, comprising $10 million for qualifying and participating in the group stage, plus an additional $2.5 million to cover pre-tournament preparation and training expenses.
The world football governing body said the new preparation allowance was introduced to reduce disputes over player bonuses and help federations meet the higher costs associated with the expanded tournament.
Prize money increased progressively based on each team’s performance, with Spain taking home the biggest share after lifting the trophy.
FIFA also covered several tournament-related expenses, including business-class return flights, accommodation, meals, domestic transportation and official vehicles for delegations of up to 50 members.
However, national football associations remained responsible for player and staff insurance, incidental hotel expenses and costs for delegation members exceeding FIFA’s allocated limit.
The governing body explained that World Cup prize money is paid directly to each country’s football federation, not individual players. Each federation is responsible for deciding how the funds are distributed in line with its own agreements and regulations.
The increase in prize money follows requests from several football associations, particularly in Europe, which argued that the expanded tournament would significantly raise travel, logistics and operational costs.
Source: AFP.
