Prize money for next year’s World Cup will be 50% higher than that of the previous edition, with world governing body FIFA on Wednesday agreeing a record financial contribution of $727 million to the tournament.
The bulk of FIFA’s funding package for the North American showpiece – $655 million – will consist of performance-based payments to 48 participating countries, with the champions receiving $50 million and the runners-up $33 million.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
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The 16 countries that fail to survive beyond the initial group stage will earn $9 million, while in addition each eligible country will be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs. The FIFA Council also confirmed that festival-style youth tournaments for under-15s will take place in 2026, open to all member associations, with a boys’ event followed by a girls’ competition in 2027.
“In recent years, FIFA has stepped up its efforts to boost youth football,” Infantino said. “This is a natural next step.”
The FIFA Council also confirmed that the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup will take place from January 5 to 30.
Published on December 17, 2025
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