The new 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup not only expanded the sporting competition. It also modified the economic distribution of the tournament, with a record purse for the participating associations.
According to FIFA, the total prize allocated to the 48 teams amounts to US$655 million, 50% more than in the previous edition. In addition, each qualified team receives US$1.5 million to cover preparation costs.
The teams that are eliminated in the round of 32, placed between 17th and 32nd, receive US$11 million as a sports prize. By adding the fixed contribution for preparation, each federation reaches US$12.5 million for its participation in the tournament.
The amount represents an important income for federations with less economic capacity, especially those that managed to advance from the group stage and compete in the first round of direct elimination.
Where does the money go?
FIFA awards the awards to the member associations, that is, the national federations. Internal distribution depends on each country and the agreements signed with its players.
Part of these funds is usually allocated to bonuses for footballers, coaching staff and support staff. Another part can be invested in development programs, infrastructure, grassroots football and institutional functioning.
As the 2026 World Cup advances towards the round of 16, the teams that survive also increase their income: the teams ranked between 9 and 16 receive US$15 million as a sports prize, in addition to the contribution for preparation.
For the 16 teams that say goodbye in the round of 32, sporting elimination comes accompanied by one of the highest financial compensations in the history of the tournament.