The FIFA Council approved a record financial contribution for the 2026 World Cup for the United States, Mexico and Canada, in which it will distribute US$727 million among all participating teams, 50% more than for Qatar 2022, and the champion will earn US$50 million.
FIFA announced on Wednesday the Council’s decisions at the meeting held ahead of the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, including the financial distribution of the 2026 World Cup that comes with that total figure.
This is how the million-dollar prize for the 2026 World Cup will be distributed
The lion’s share, $655 million, will be paid out as prize money among the 48 teams, with the champion getting $50 million, the runner-up $33 million, the third place team $29 million and the fourth place team $27 million.
Those ranked fifth through eighth will receive 19 million and those ranked ninth through sixteenth will receive 15 million.
Those ending between 17 and 32.11 million; those ending between 33 and 48.9 million.
In addition, each qualified team will receive 1.5 million to cover preparation costs.
This guarantees all 2026 World Cup participants at least 10.5 million.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino stressed in a statement that “the World Cup will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global soccer community.”
Israel-Palestine post-conflict recovery fund approved
The FIFA Council also approved the creation of an Israel-Palestine post-conflict recovery fund.
In line with its goal of promoting the unifying values of soccer.
The move follows the announcement made by President Infantino at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on October 13.
In which he advanced FIFA’s intention to create a support mechanism for regions that have experienced conflict.
This financial instrument, which will be open to contributions from third parties and subject to strict supervision, will complement the actions already implemented within the framework of the FIFA Forward Program and other FIFA initiatives.
U-15 Festivals from 2026
The Council also confirmed the pioneering U-15 men’s and women’s “festivals” open to all its member associations as of 2026.
This is part of its commitment to promote youth play.
The first edition will be contested by men’s teams next year and the second edition in 2027 will be contested by women’s teams.
From 2028, all associations will be invited to participate in two separate competitions.
To align with the developmental needs of the U-15 players, matches will be shorter in length and played on smaller fields, with teams composed of between seven and nine players.
“We have been very active in promoting competitions and youth development, and this is a natural and very joyful step.”
“Having U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance around the world and yet another example of how FIFA reinvests in the game,” Infantino opined.
With information from EFE
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