FIFA has announced a landmark increase in prize money for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament winners set to receive a record $50 million, nearly doubling the payout from previous editions. The decision reflects the governing body’s ambition to match the scale and commercial power of what will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams across three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The overall prize pool for the 2026 edition has been increased to $727 million, representing a rise of around 50 per cent compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Of this, $655 million will be distributed as performance-based rewards, ensuring that teams benefit financially at every stage of the tournament, from the group phase to the final.

Under the revised structure, runners-up will earn approximately $33 million, while third- and fourth-placed teams will take home $29 million and $27 million respectively. Teams reaching the quarterfinals are set to receive about $19 million, while even those exiting in the group stage will pocket close to $9 million, alongside a preparation fee of $1.5 million guaranteed for all qualified teams. This means every participating nation will earn at least $10.5 million, underlining FIFA’s emphasis on broader financial distribution.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the move as part of a wider strategy to reinvest World Cup revenues back into the global game, particularly benefiting smaller footballing nations. The expanded format is expected to generate unprecedented commercial returns through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and matchday revenues, especially given the tournament’s strong foothold in the North American market.

While the increased prize money has been widely welcomed, it has also sparked debate, with critics pointing out that payouts in some FIFA club competitions now rival those of the World Cup. Nevertheless, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be not only the biggest in scale, but also the most lucrative in the tournament’s storied history.