The 2026 FIFA
World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July
19, will feature record-breaking prize money for participating teams. A total
of 48 teams will compete in 104 matches - the first time the tournament has
expanded to this size.
FIFA has allocated $655 million in
performance-based prize money, the largest prize fund in World Cup history. The
champions will receive $50 million, while runners-up will earn $33 million.
Third place will receive $29 million, and fourth place $27 million. Teams
reaching the quarterfinals will earn $19 million, those in the Round of 16 will
receive $15 million, and teams eliminated in the Round of 32 will get $11
million each. Even teams knocked out in the group stage will secure $9 million
per team.
Beyond performance pay, each
participating team will receive a fixed participation fee of $2.5 million,
while teams that qualify for the tournament will earn an additional $10
million. This raises the total financial package to approximately $871 million.
The tournament features 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32. The event will be staged across 16 venues in 16 host cities.
