Rabat – FIFA is preparing to increase both the prize money and participation fees for the 48 teams competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
In December, FIFA announced a record prize pool of $727 million, with each team guaranteed at least $10.5 million and the winners set to collect $50 million.
Since then, talks have continued with national associations to adjust the figures further. The proposals are expected to be confirmed at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on April 28, ahead of the FIFA Congress two days later.
European football’s governing body UEFA has been lobbying for higher payments, citing the high costs of travel, operations, and taxes in the US. Several federations raised concerns about the financial burden of participating in the expanded tournament.
FIFA sources, however, insisted the decision to raise prize money was not a reaction to UEFA’s lobbying.
They said the move was based on FIFA’s own revenue projections, which are expected to exceed $11 billion during the competition.
FIFA describes itself as a not‑for‑profit body. President Gianni Infantino recently defended high ticket prices, stressing that all revenue is reinvested into football.
Earlier this year, FIFA cut more than $100 million from its operating budget, asking departments at its Miami headquarters to make savings.
These cutbacks have already affected host cities. The official Fan Fest planned for Liberty State Park in New Jersey was cancelled, while Seattle reduced its program.
Only Philadelphia and Houston are still set to deliver the full 39‑day festival originally promised.
Official statement
A FIFA statement confirmed discussions with associations worldwide to increase contributions for qualified teams and expand development funding for all 211 member federations.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” the statement said, adding that FIFA is in its “strongest ever financial position” to support the game through its FIFA Forward programme.
The final details will be announced after the Council and Congress meetings. For competing nations, the increase in prize money and fees offers relief as they prepare for the most ambitious World Cup in history.
