What is the prize money for the 2026 World Cup?

The World Cup stands as football’s most prestigious title, and the current edition has broken records for prize money in the competition's history. Even before the tournament began, each participating team received £1.12 million to cover preparation costs.

According to FIFA, every national team taking part will automatically receive £7.85 million. With the expanded format, FIFA’s total payout will reach roughly £544 million, a 50% increase from the 2022 World Cup.

The winner of the 2026 World Cup will receive around £37.4 million, the largest prize ever awarded to a world champion. By comparison, Argentina earned around £31.4 million in 2022, while France took home approximately £28.4 million in 2018.

2026 World Cup prize money breakdown

• 1st place: £37.4 million
• Runner-up: £24.7 million
• Third place: £21.7 million
• Fourth place: £20.2 million
• 5th–8th place: £14.2 million
• 9th–16th place: £11.2 million
• 17th–32nd place: £8.2 million
• 33rd–48th place: £6.7 million

Changes for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is being held across three countries for the first time: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This edition also marks the first tournament with 48 national teams, resulting in a group stage consisting of 12 groups of four. Despite the expansion, only a select few teams are seen as genuine title contenders.

With 104 matches to be played throughout the tournament, the top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

The tournament will also run longer than previous editions, expanding from 30 to 38 days, and the final will take place on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City.

Matches will be played across 16 stadiums – double the number used at the 2022 tournament in Qatar – with 11 venues in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.