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Ahmad al-Sharaa  ·  2026-07-17 00:00

FIFA sets record $655 million World Cup prize fund, winner to get $50 million

Zurich, July 17 (SANA)The winner of the 2026 FIFAWorld Cupwill receive $50 million as football’s governing body prepares to distribute a record prize fund among the 48 participating teams.

FIFA has allocated $655 million in prize money for the tournament, according to figures released last December, marking a 50% increase from the previous World Cup held in Qatar in 2022.

The Athletic reported details ofFIFA‘s financial rewards structure, with payments increasing based on teams’ progress through the tournament.

The losing finalist will receive $33 million, while the winner of the third-place playoff will earn $29 million and the fourth-placed team $27 million.

Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals — Morocco, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland — will each receive $19 million, while the eight teams knocked out in the round of 16 will collect $15 million each.

The 16 teams eliminated in the round of 32 will receive $11 million each. All 48 participating teams are guaranteed at least $10.5 million, including $9 million for teams eliminated in the group stage and $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

FIFA expects the expanded 48-team tournament to generate more than $10 billion in total revenue, with the prize fund accounting for about 6.5% of the competition’s projected financial returns.