The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will mark a turning point not only in sports but also economically. On the eve of the Club World Cup final in Doha, as reported by the Argentine News Agency (NA), the FIFA Council approved a record financial contribution for the participating teams during a key meeting that also addressed youth development and governance issues. According to the organization, $727 million will be distributed among the countries participating in the 2026 World Cup, an unprecedented figure in the tournament's history. The increase in prize money reflects the tournament's commercial growth and the global impact of football, while also seeking to strengthen the participating federations and expand investment in the development of the sport worldwide. "The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be innovative in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community," FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted when announcing the measure. In this way, the 2026 World Cup will not only be the first with 48 teams but also the most lucrative in history. Of this total, $655 million will be exclusively earmarked for sports prizes for the 48 participating teams, representing a 50% increase over the last World Cup. The prize distribution includes a progressive scale based on final position: the champion will receive $50 million, while the runner-up will get $33 million. Third place will earn $29 million, fourth place $27 million, teams finishing fifth to eighth will receive $19 million, ninth to sixteenth will get $15 million, 17th to 32nd will receive $11 million, and teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place will earn $9 million. Additionally, each qualified team will receive an extra $1.5 million for preparation costs, ensuring a minimum income of $10.5 million for all participating associations.
