FIFA Announces Record Prize Money for 2026 World Cup

The global football governing body FIFA has announced a record-breaking prize money for the 2026 World Cup.

According to a FIFA statement, a total prize pool of $655 million (approximately PKR 18 billion) will be distributed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Previously, a total prize money of $440 million was distributed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The statement said that the winner of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money, compared to $42 million in the previous edition.

The runner-up team will be awarded $33 million, while the third-placed team will receive $29 million and the fourth-placed team will get $27 million.

Teams finishing 5th to 8th will receive $19 million, while teams placed 9th to 16th will be awarded $15 million each.

Each team finishing 17th to 32nd will receive $11 million, whereas teams placed 33rd to 48th will receive $9 million per team.

In addition, every team that qualifies for the World Cup will be given an extra $1.5 million by FIFA for preparation purposes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams.