The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record prize fund of £491 million, a 50% increase from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches has prompted FIFA to boost the financial rewards for participating nations.
The winning team will receive approximately £37.2 million, while the runners-up will earn £24.6 million. Third and fourth-placed sides will bank £21.6 million and £20 million respectively. Losing quarter-finalists will each receive £14 million, and teams eliminated in the Round of 16 will get £11.2 million.
Even teams that fail to progress beyond the group stage will earn £6.7 million, with an additional £1.1 million provided for preparation costs, ensuring no side leaves with less than £7.8 million. The prize money is paid directly to each nation's football association, which then negotiates shares with players, often including appearance fees and performance bonuses.
