Fifa has announced a significant increase in the prize money for the 2026 World Cup, with the total payout rising by 50% to $727 million. The governing body hopes this move will further boost the global football community.
The winners of the tournament will receive $50 million, while the runners-up will take home $33 million. Even teams that don’t progress beyond the group stage will receive $9 million, with each qualified team also getting an additional $1.5 million to cover preparation costs. This means every participating team is guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino emphasized that the increased prize money demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting football worldwide. The decision comes after criticism over ticket prices for the tournament, with some expressing concerns that costs were too high.
In response to the backlash, Fifa has introduced a limited number of £45 tickets for all 104 matches. However, some argue that more needs to be done to make the event accessible to fans.
The move has been welcomed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who encourages Fifa to continue working towards making tickets more affordable.
