FIFA has raised the World Cup winners' prize to a staggering £37 million, a near £6 million increase from the amount awarded to Argentina in 2022. The hike serves as a fresh reminder for England of what might have been after their semi-final exit.
Prize Money Breakdown
If Spain wins the final against Argentina, 45 per cent of the £37 million—about £17 million—will be distributed among the players. According to reports from Cope and ABC, each player would receive approximately £640,000 gross, or £324,000 after tax. A similar arrangement would have been in place for England had they ended their 60-year wait for a major tournament title.
The runners-up will receive a consolation prize of £28 million. In Spain's case, 40 per cent (roughly £9.8 million) will go to the players, equating to £374,000 gross and £196,000 net per player.
Comparison with Euro 2024
The deal, negotiated by Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan, marks a significant increase from Euro 2024. After defeating England in the final, Spanish players received about £366,000 gross, little more than half of what they would earn for winning the World Cup.
In total, approximately £741 million will be distributed among the 48 competing teams in the largest and longest World Cup ever. Each national association that participated received a guaranteed £8 million payout just for taking part.
For context, the Champions League-winning club nets about £21 million, though total payouts can exceed £85 million for the season.
England's Consolation and Tuchel's Future
Following their semi-final defeat, England will face France in Miami on Saturday for the bronze medal. The loss has intensified pressure on head coach Thomas Tuchel, who insists he remains the right person to lead the team to Euro 2028 in the UK. He stated, "Yes, 100 per cent. There is still enough to improve, and I am more than happy to do that."
Tuchel added, "I said after the Norway game that I see a disconnect from what I see in training on a football level and within the games. I think we can impose ourselves more on the ball. I still think we can show how good football players we are. I think that is still in us, as I see it in training and in every camp. And here also at the World Cup. I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer and need to step up to the next level to get the big prize."
