FIFA is considering an increase in prize money for all 48 nations set to participate in the 2026 World Cup, in what could become one of the most financially rewarding tournaments in football history. The proposal is expected to be discussed and potentially approved at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
The move comes as FIFA projects more than $11 billion in revenue during the 2023 to 2026 financial cycle, reflecting the organisation’s strongest financial position to date. Officials say the increased funds would not only benefit competing nations but also support football development programmes worldwide.
Expanded Tournament Set to Bring Greater Rewards
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 participating teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament is expected to generate unprecedented commercial returns through broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales and merchandising.
With more teams involved, FIFA is under pressure to ensure that the financial rewards are shared more broadly. Increasing prize money would provide stronger incentives for national teams while helping football federations invest in player welfare, training facilities and long-term development after the competition.
The expanded format also means more nations from Africa, Asia, and other regions will have the chance to qualify, making the financial package especially significant for emerging football nations.
FIFA’s Growing Revenue Strength
FIFA said it is currently discussing increased available revenues with football associations across the globe. According to the governing body, the organisation’s financial strength has been boosted by major commercial successes in recent years.
Its 2025 annual report revealed that 93 percent of its total budgeted revenue had already been secured by the end of that year. This was largely credited to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup staged in the United States.
The expected revenue of more than $11 billion for the current cycle would mark a historic achievement, placing FIFA in a stronger position to increase prize funds while continuing to finance football development across its 211 member associations.
What Teams Received Under the Previous Package
In December, FIFA announced a 50 percent rise in World Cup prize money to $655 million, compared with the previous edition. Under that structure, the winning nation was expected to receive $50 million, while the runners-up would earn $33 million.
The 16 teams eliminated in the group phase were each allocated $9 million. In addition, every qualified country was to receive $1.5 million to cover tournament preparation expenses such as training camps, logistics and accommodation.
If the latest proposal is approved, these figures could rise further, offering even greater rewards across every stage of the competition.
Development Funding Also on the Table
Beyond prize money, FIFA indicated that additional development funding for all 211 member associations is also being considered. This would come through its FIFA Forward programme, which aims to improve football infrastructure, coaching standards and grassroots participation worldwide.
Such funding is particularly important for smaller football nations that rely on international support to build pitches, academies and administrative systems. Analysts say combining higher tournament rewards with broader development assistance could help narrow the gap between elite nations and developing federations.
For many associations, direct investment often has a longer-lasting impact than one-off tournament earnings, making the proposal significant beyond the World Cup itself.
Decision Expected in Vancouver
Attention will now turn to Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, where officials are expected to review the proposal. If approved, the 2026 World Cup could set a new benchmark for financial rewards in international football.
The decision would also reinforce FIFA’s strategy of using rising revenues to strengthen the global game while rewarding nations that qualify for its flagship tournament. With more teams, more matches and more commercial power, the 2026 edition is already shaping up to be one of the most important World Cups ever staged.
