FIFA increases World Cup 2026 prize money by 50%
What's the story
FIFA has announced a whopping 50% increase in the prize money for next year's World Cup. The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see its winners take home $50 million (£37.4m), as per BBC Sport. The announcement comes after public outcry over ticket prices for the upcoming event. Here's more.
Financial breakdown
Record financial distribution approved by FIFA Council
After a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, it was revealed that a total of $727 million would be distributed among member nations as a result of the World Cup. Out of this amount, $655 million will be given as prize money to qualifying nations. The runner-up will receive $33 million while those finishing between "33rd and 48th place" will get $9 million each.
Preparation funds
Each team to receive $1.5 million for preparation costs
In addition to the prize money, each participating team will also get $1.5 million for "preparation costs." This means that every nation is guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million from the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said this World Cup will be "groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community."
Revenue projections
FIFA expects record revenues from World Cup expansion
FIFA expects to rake in $13 billion between 2022 and 2026, a huge jump from the previous four-year cycle's $7.5 billion. The growth is largely attributed to the expansion of the World Cup and men's Club World Cup held in the US last summer. Despite criticism over high ticket prices, FIFA has announced a limited number of discounted tickets for fans of participating countries.
Accusation
FIFA accused of 'betrayal' over 2026 World Cup ticket prices
FIFA faced a backlash from Football Supporters Europe, a prominent European soccer fans' group, over its ticket pricing strategy for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The group described FIFA's decision as a "monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup." They called on FIFA to "immediately halt" ticket sales for Participating Member Associations (PMAs), which are responsible for selling tickets to their traveling supporters.
FA
FA was urged to lobby FIFA over 'scandalous' ticket prices
Recently, the Football Supporters's Association (FSA) urged the Football Association (FA) to lobby FIFA for a reduction in World Cup ticket prices. The call came after the FSA and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) deemed the pricing structure for next year's tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico as "scandalous." The organizations were seen demanding a halt in sales so they can negotiate with FIFA over its pricing policy.
Prices
FIFA slashes 2026 World Cup ticket prices after criticism
In response to a global outcry, FIFA has announced a reduction in the price of certain 2026 World Cup tickets. The move comes as part of an effort to make the tournament more accessible for fans who have been loyal to their national teams over the years. The cheapest tickets will now be available at $60 for every match in North America, significantly lower than the previously announced prices, which surged to $4,185 for the final.