Prize money rises by 50% from Qatar 2022 as participating nations set to receive at least USD 10.5 million each
The FIFA Council has approved a record-breaking financial contribution of USD 727 million for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a significant increase in funding to participating Member Associations.
The decision was taken during a FIFA Council meeting held ahead of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ final in Doha, Qatar, as anticipation continues to build following the final draw conducted on 5 December 2025 in Washington DC.
Increased prize money for expanded tournament
Of the total amount, USD 655 million will be distributed as prize money among the 48 participating teams, representing a 50% increase compared to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The prize money breakdown is as follows:
• Champions: USD 50 million
• Runners-up: USD 33 million
• Third place: USD 29 million
• Fourth place: USD 27 million
• 5th–8th place: USD 19 million
• 9th–16th place: USD 15 million
• 17th–32nd place: USD 11 million
• 33rd–48th place: USD 9 million
In addition, every qualified team will receive USD 1.5 million to cover preparation costs, guaranteeing each participating Member Association a minimum of USD 10.5 million.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA introduces global U-15 festival tournaments
As part of its commitment to youth development, the FIFA Council confirmed the introduction of FIFA U-15 festival-style tournaments for both boys and girls, open to all 211 FIFA Member Associations.
The first edition will take place in 2026 for boys’ teams, followed by the girls’ tournament in 2027. From 2028 onwards, all Member Associations will be invited to participate with both boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in separate competitions.
To align with player development at that age level, matches will be shorter, played on smaller pitches, and feature teams of seven to nine players.
“Having FIFA U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world,” added Infantino.
Post-conflict recovery fund approved
The FIFA Council also approved the establishment of a post-conflict recovery fund, aimed at supporting football development in regions affected by conflict.
The fund, first announced by President Infantino at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace in October 2025, will be open to third-party contributions and subject to strict governance oversight. It will complement existing support under the FIFA Forward Programme and other development initiatives.
Olympic football slot allocations confirmed
Following the International Olympic Committee’s approval of FIFA’s proposal for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Football Tournaments, the FIFA Council confirmed the slot allocations:
Women’s Tournament (16 teams):
• AFC: 2.5
• CAF: 2
• Concacaf: 3
• CONMEBOL: 2.5
• OFC: 1
• UEFA: 4
• Host (USA): 1
Men’s Tournament (12 teams):
• AFC: 2
• CAF: 2
• Concacaf: 1
• CONMEBOL: 2
• OFC: 1
• UEFA: 3
• Host (USA): 1
Women’s Club World Cup dates confirmed
The FIFA Council also confirmed that the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™ will take place from 5 to 30 January 2028, following a broad consensus reached through consultations with key stakeholders.
