FIFA has decided to implement a significant increase in the prize money awarded to teams participating in the 2026 World Cup.
According to The Guardian, FIFA has tentatively agreed to increase the prize money and participation fees, with the matter to be formally approved at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver this week.
FIFA’s decision comes in response to concerns raised by several national federations regarding the high costs of travel to North America, as well as the high taxes in the United States in particular, which could ultimately lead to financial losses for national federations even if their teams reach the final stages of the World Cup.
The exact amount of the prize money increase has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be substantial, given that FIFA anticipates generating $13 billion in revenue from the tournament.
It was previously announced that the total prize money for the FIFA World Cup would be $727 million, with each participating team receiving $10.5 million, while the winner would earn $50 million.
It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup will feature the largest Arab participation in history, with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and Jordan all competing.
