The 2026 FIFA World Cup set a new financial record with a total prize pool of $871 million (£662 million), the highest ever awarded in the tournament’s history.
FIFA had originally allocated $727 million (£552 million), a 50 per cent increase from the 2022 edition in Qatar. However, the governing body later approved an additional increase in April by raising participation and preparation payments, pushing the overall prize fund to $871 million.
The expanded tournament, which featured 48 teams for the first time, was staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Spain claimed their second World Cup title after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final, while England secured third place with a 6-4 victory over France.
The tournament lasted 39 days and featured a record 104 matches.
Performance-based prize money was distributed according to how far each team advanced:
- Champions – $51 million
- Runners-up – $34 million
- Third place – $30 million
- Fourth place – $28 million
- Quarter-finalists – $20 million
- Round of 16 – $16 million
- Teams finishing 17th to 32nd – $12 million
- Teams finishing 33rd to 48th – $10 million
A total of $703 million was allocated based on performance.
The remaining $168 million was shared among all 48 participating nations to support tournament-related expenses.
Each team received $2.5 million in preparation funding, alongside additional financial contributions to cover logistics, travel, administration and other operational costs.
With the guaranteed participation payment included, every nation earned at least $12.5 million for competing at the tournament.
