FIFA World Cup 2026 Prize Money (Distribution)
The FIFA World Cup is not only the most popular & prestigious event of football but also offers the biggest prize in terms of money. Which competition has the highest prize money? It’s definitely the FIFA WC. But How much is FIFA World Cup prize money? Here GoalTheBall depicts the FIFA World Cup Prize Money List for 2026.
How much FIFA World Cup 2026 teams get paid?
In Qatar, the total sum for prize money was US$440m, the highest ever to date. But the upcoming 2026 WC is bringing something much more massive. Sources already revealed that for the 23rd edition where 48 teams will take part for the very first time, the overall prize money will be 896 million US Dollars. That means the budgeted sum is more than twice of 2022 edition’s amount. When Argentina lifted their 3rd World title, they took 42 million USD home. Runner-up France grabbed a US$30m cheque. But with the amount getting higher, we expect the WC winner prize money in 2026 will also be in excess of US$80m at least. Even it can be as high as US$100m!
FIFA World Cup 2026 Prize Money Distribution
| Stage | 2026 FIFA World Cup | 2022 FIFA World Cup |
| Champion | TBC | $42 Million |
| Runner-Up | TBC | $30 Million |
| 3rd Place | TBC | $27 Million |
| 4th Place | TBC | $25 Million |
| Losing Quarterfinalists | TBC | $17 Million ($68m total to 4 teams) |
| Losing RO16 Teams | TBC | $13 Million ($104m total to 8 teams) |
| Losing RO32 Teams | TBC | $9 Million ($144m total to 16 teams) |
| Losing RO48 Teams | TBC | N/A |
| Total | $896 Million | $440 Million |
FIFA also runs the club benefit program as clubs may suffer due to player’s injuries during this mega event. In 2022 Qatar, clubs from 6 confederations received a total of US$209m. We also expect that this sum will be largely increased during the forthcoming edition in North America.
