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FIFA boosts 2026 World Cup champion’s prize amid ticket controversy
FIFA has announced a record prize fund for the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament winner set to earn 50 million dollars, marking an unprecedented increase in the competition’s history. The decision, revealed during a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, comes as the organization faces a mounting backlash over soaring ticket prices for the upcoming event across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The total prize pool will reach 727 million dollars, of which 655 million will be shared among the 48 participating teams according to their results. This represents a substantial rise from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina earned 42 million dollars after winning the final against France. The runner-up in 2026 will collect 33 million dollars, while third and fourth place teams will receive 29 million and 27 million respectively. Quarterfinalists will take home 19 million, and group stage participants will earn a minimum of 9 million dollars each, in addition to a 1.5 million preparation allowance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted that the expanded prize structure reflects the organization’s robust financial outlook. Revenue for the 2023–2026 cycle is projected to reach 13 billion dollars, nearly doubling the previous four-year total.
However, the announcement has been overshadowed by public outrage over ticket pricing. Following criticism from fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, FIFA introduced a limited number of 60-dollar tickets for all 104 matches. Critics argue that the allocation is minimal and fails to make the tournament accessible. According to The Guardian, the cheapest ticket for the final initially cost over 4,000 dollars, while fans following their national team from the first match to the final would have paid nearly 7,000 dollars.
Although the new pricing tier aims to address concerns, fan organizations warn that the vast majority of supporters will remain priced out of one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.
