2026 World Cup teams to receive record-breaking prize money

For the 48 nations participating in next year’s World Cup, it will be a lucrative windfall whether they win a game or hoist the trophy for winning the tournament.

The FIFA Council approved the financial contribution each nation will receive, with a record $727 million distributed to participating teams. The Council also announced Wednesday, Dec. 17, the launch of a FIFA U-15 festival-style tournament open to all 211 FIFA members in 2026, as well as a post-conflict recovery fund to help nations that have experienced conflict.

For compensation, the largest share of the distributed money ($655 million) goes directly to the teams as prize money, a 50% increase from the funds awarded during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

‘The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

Each nation is guaranteed $10.5 million for participating, including $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.