FIFA is preparing to boost prize money and participation fees for all 48 teams competing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with final approval expected at a council meeting in Vancouver on April 28.
The move follows months of discussions between FIFA and national associations, as football’s governing body looks to expand financial support ahead of the first 48-team World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Back in December, FIFA announced a record $727 million prize pool, guaranteeing each participating nation at least $10.5 million, while the eventual champions would earn $50 million. Those figures are now expected to rise further as negotiations continue ahead of the FIFA Congress on April 30.
Pressure for increased funding had been mounting, particularly from UEFA, which raised concerns about the escalating costs of competing in North America — including travel, logistics and taxation, especially within the U.S. However, FIFA sources maintain the decision to increase funding is independent and tied instead to projected tournament revenues exceeding $11 billion.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly emphasized that the organization, as a not-for-profit entity, intends to reinvest all revenues back into football. The governing body says it is in its strongest financial position to date, enabling expanded distributions not only to World Cup participants but also to its 211 member associations through development programs.
The financial uplift comes despite internal cost-cutting measures. Earlier reports indicated FIFA reduced more than $100 million from its World Cup operating budget, prompting departments — particularly at its Miami headquarters — to streamline spending.
Those reductions have already had visible effects across host cities. Plans for large-scale fan events have been scaled back, with a major fan festival in Liberty State Park cancelled, while cities like Seattle trimmed their programs. Among U.S. hosts, only Philadelphia and Houston are set to deliver the full 39-day festival initially envisioned.
Even with those adjustments, FIFA insists the 2026 tournament will set a new benchmark — not just in scale, but in its financial impact on the global game.