Several European football federations are concerned they may lose money by sending their national teams to the 2026 World Cup, according to an investigation by the Guardian and PA Media. Despite record prize money of £539 million approved by Fifa last December, rising costs and tax issues could erode profits or lead to losses for some associations.
About 10 FAs have shared their misgivings, most recently at Uefa's annual congress in Brussels. The concerns have been raised informally with senior Fifa officials, with one FA executive describing some as 'embarrassed' by the situation. Teams qualifying receive $9 million (£6.7 million) plus $1.5 million in preparation costs, unchanged from 2022. However, the daily allowance per delegation member has been cut from $850 to $600, potentially reducing income by $500,000 for a team staying a month.
Some FAs expect to earn significantly less in the US, Canada, and Mexico than in Qatar. One regular tournament participant told the Guardian it would incur a substantial loss if eliminated in the group stage or early knockout rounds. A key grievance is the lack of a tax exemption agreement with the US, unlike Canada and Mexico. State taxes vary widely, with California's top rate at 13.3% and New Jersey's at 10.75%, creating financial disparities based on match locations.
Additional cost drivers include extensive travel demands, unfavourable exchange rates against the dollar, higher ticket prices, and the tournament's extended 39-day duration. While FAs acknowledge responsibility for player bonuses, they argue it is impractical to reduce packages promised for Qatar. Some see potential long-term benefits from exposure to the North American market. Fifa was contacted for comment.
