Fifa has announced it will raise prize money for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico by 50 percent.
The move comes after criticism over the tournament’s ticket prices. Most of the record $727 million payout will go directly to participating teams.
The World Cup winners will receive $50 million, while runners-up will get $33 million. Teams eliminated in the group stage will earn $9 million.
Each qualified team will also receive $1.5 million for preparation costs, ensuring all associations take home at least $10.5 million.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the payments demonstrate that the tournament “will be groundbreaking in financial support for the global football community.”
Record Prize Money Follows Ticket Criticism
The announcement came a day after Fifa introduced a small number of $45 tickets for all 104 matches.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, said: “The record prize fund shows there is no shortage of money in the World Cup. Fifa can still prevent destroying what makes it special.”
He urged the organization to act immediately. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the partial reversal but also encouraged Fifa to make tickets more affordable.
New Fund Supports Post-Conflict Regions
Fifa’s council approved creating a fund to help regions after conflicts. Infantino announced this initiative at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on October 13, 2025.
The fund will accept third-party contributions and remain under strict oversight. It complements existing programs like the Fifa Forward Programme and other initiatives.
Fifa aims to promote football’s unifying values while directly supporting regions affected by conflict.
