FIFA confirmed that the total World Cup prize fund will reach $655 million, marking an increase of nearly 50 percent from the $440 million shared among teams at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will also mark a major expansion in the competition. For the first time, 48 teams will participate, up from 32 in the previous edition.
At the last World Cup, the Argentine Football Association earned $42 million after Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the final against France national football team, which was decided on penalties.
France collected $30 million as runners up in 2022. Under the revised prize structure for 2026, the losing finalists will receive $33 million. The third placed team will earn $29 million, while the remaining semi finalists will take home $27 million.
Teams knocked out in the group stage will each receive $9 million. In addition, all 48 participating nations will be paid an extra $1.5 million to cover preparation costs ahead of the tournament.
