Winning the esteemed World Cup title next week will not only immortalize a team’s name in football history, but also line their pockets with a significant cash prize.
This year, FIFA has boosted financial rewards to an unprecedented $1.25 billion, setting a new record for the largest prize pool ever in the tournament’s history.
A staggering $938 million is earmarked for performance-based prize money, which marks an increase of nearly 50 percent compared to the $630 million distributed at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The further a team advances, the greater the financial reward they will receive.
This year, the champions, who could be Spain, England, or Argentina, stand to earn US$50 million, equivalent to about $71.7 million. The second-place team will not walk away empty-handed, with a US$33 million ($47.3 million) reward.
Each of the 48 teams receives a guaranteed minimum payment of US$12.5 million ($17.9 million).
That comprises a US$10 million ($14.3 million) qualification payment and a US $2.5 million ($3.6 million) preparation allowance to help cover travel, accommodation and logistics.
The money is paid out regardless of a team’s performance, with the performance-based prize money added on top.
Australia, which placed 22nd after being eliminated in the Round of 32, earned US $11 million ($15.8 million) in performance prize money, in addition to their minimum payment.
FIFA also compensates clubs that release their players for the World Cup through its separate $508 million Clubs Benefits Programme.
The prize pool has grown significantly over the years, increasing nearly fivefold since 2002.
Where does the money go?
While the sums are huge, FIFA isn’t exactly tight for cash.
According to the Reuters news agency, the football governing body was projected to surpass $15.8 billion in revenue in the four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.
In April, FIFA increased the financial distributions by 15 per cent due to the World Cup’s commercial success.
“FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all our member associations in an unprecedented way,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at the time.
“This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game.”
FIFA pays the money to the national football federations of each country, which then determine how much players, coaches and support staff receive. Players typically receive between 20 and 30 per cent of the total.
While it is up to the federation how they spend their money, the funds can be invested in grassroots football, new facilities and development pathway programs.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.