Who will succeed Argentina on the World Cup list? It is still far too early to know. On the other hand, the 48 nations involved in the tournament organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico already know that they will receive large sums of money. FIFA has in fact published a press release in which it announces that a total envelope of €620 million will be redistributed among all participants. An amount which represents an increase of 50% compared to that donated in 2022 during the World Cup in Qatar.
“The FIFA Council met ahead of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ final in Doha, Qatar, and made important decisions regarding youth football development and governance issues. Amid growing excitement following the final draw which took place on 5 December 2025 in Washington DC, the FIFA Council has approved a record financial contribution of US$727 million to be distributed following the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. The majority, $655 million, which represents an increase of 50% compared to the previous edition, will be paid in the form of prizes to the 48 participating teams.
A minimum of €8.95 million guaranteed
The country that wins the World Cup will pocket $50 million (€42.65 million), or $8 million more than Qatar. The unsuccessful finalist will receive $33 million (€28.1 million). In 2022, the French team received $30 million. The nations which rank third and fourth will receive respectively 29 (€24.7 million) and 27 million dollars (€23 million). The countries which are between 5th and 8th place will cash a check for 19 million dollars (16.2 M€).
Then, a check for 15 million dollars (€12.8 million) will be promised to the teams ranked between 9th and 16th place. 11 million dollars (9.3 M€) are promised from 17th to 32nd place. Finally, the bottom of the class (33rd to 48th place) will receive $9 million. (€7.7 million). Note that the amount of 1.5 million dollars (1.28 M€) paid to the 48 participants to cover preparation costs has not changed since the 2022 edition. Ultimately, each qualified country is guaranteed to receive a guaranteed minimum of 10.5 million dollars (8.95 M€).
