FIFA has confirmed it will increase the prize money on offer to the 48 teams at this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, following feedback from national associations worried about high operational costs.
Concerns Over Costs
The Press Association and the Guardian reported in February that some European nations feared they could lose money by participating in the North American tournament, with officials expecting costs to be significantly higher than in Qatar four years ago.
FIFA has since engaged in dialogue with national associations globally and is now set to increase prize money for competing nations, as well as development funding flowing from the World Cup to all 211 member associations. Discussions are ongoing, but an improved package is expected to be approved at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver on Tuesday.
FIFA's Statement
A FIFA spokesperson told the Press Association: "Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on 28 April 2026, FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues. This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of development funding available to all 211 member associations."
The spokesperson added: "The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be ground-breaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme. Subject to discussions, further details will be provided in due course."
Record Prize Money Already Approved
FIFA had already approved record prize money of 727 million US dollars (equivalent to £537 million) last December, to be split among the 48 finalists, including 50 million US dollars (£37 million) for the winning team. However, European association officials indicated to PA in February that despite that record pot, concerns remained over higher costs compared to Qatar, including a lack of guarantees around tax, which varies from state to state in the US.
FIFA has now taken the initiative by holding talks with associations across all continents in the run-up to the finals, which begin on June 11.
