FIFA will increase the prize money it will offer to the 48 teams at this summer’s World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, after hearing from concerned countries.
The World Cup starts on June 11th (Image: Getty Images)
The World Cup prize money is set to increase after some national associations voiced concerns about the tournament’s high operating costs.
The Press Association and the Guardian reported in February that some European countries feared they would lose money by competing in North America, with officials expecting costs to be significantly higher than for the Qatar Games four years ago.
FIFA has meanwhile led a dialogue with national associations around the world on the topic and now plans to increase prize money for participating countries, as well as increase the amount of development funding flowing from the World Cup to all 211 member associations.
Discussions over the funding increase are still ongoing, but an improved package is expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday.
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A FIFA spokesperson told the Press Association: “Ahead of the FIFA Executive Board meeting in Vancouver, Canada on April 28, 2026, we can confirm that FIFA is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenue.”
“This includes proposed increased funding for all teams that qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as increased development funding available to all 211 member associations.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a milestone in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community, and FIFA is proud to be in the strongest financial position in history to benefit world football through the FIFA Forward Programme.”
Gianni Infantino appointed as FIFA president (Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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“Further details will be provided in due course following consultation.”
Last December, FIFA approved a record prize money of US$727m (currently equivalent to £537m) to be shared among the 48 finalists, including US$50m (£37m) for the winner.
European association officials suggested to PA in February that they were concerned about the tournament’s high cost compared to Qatar, despite the record prize pot. This included concerns about the lack of guarantees regarding taxes, which vary by state in the United States.
FIFA is currently taking the lead by holding talks with associations from all continents in preparation for the finals.
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