The winner of the 2026 World Cup will receive a historic prize of $50 million US, while each of the 48 teams participating will take home a minimum of $10.5 million. This amount represents an increase from the $42 million awarded in 2022 and the $38 million in 2018, although it falls short of the prize money offered at the recent Club World Cup. The total prize fund for the World Cup, held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reached $655 million, marking a 50% rise from the previous edition in Qatar.
Canada, despite not advancing past the group stage, earned $9 million in prize money during the Qatar tournament. This financial boost is significant for Canada Soccer, which reported a revenue of $37.5 million Cdn in 2024. Additionally, as a co-host, Canada will benefit from a legacy contribution from the event, part of which will be used to establish a national training center.
During the FIFA Council meeting preceding the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, it was announced that a record $727 million US will be distributed throughout the expanded 104-game showcase event. Of this amount, $655 million will be allocated as prize money among the participating teams. The runner-up will receive $33 million, the third-place team $29 million, and the fourth-place finisher $27 million, with prize money decreasing to $9 million for teams finishing 33rd to 48th.
Furthermore, each qualifying team will be granted $1.5 million to cover preparation expenses. This announcement follows criticism of FIFA for high ticket prices at the World Cup co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the event as a groundbreaking financial contributor to global football.
FIFA has earmarked $152 million for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a significant increase from previous tournaments. Of this amount, $110 million will be allocated as prize money for the 32 participating teams. With the expanded 2026 edition, FIFA’s projected revenue for 2023-26 is expected to reach a record $13 billion, surpassing the initial budget approved by the FIFA Congress in 2023.
According to FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, a large portion of the revenue generated, around 80 to 85%, will be reinvested into the 211 member associations. He emphasized that the tournament benefits 211 countries over the next four years.
