Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u200eFIFA has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament winners set to receive a record US$50 million, the highest payout in the competition\u2019s history.
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\u200eThe figure represents a sharp rise from the US$42 million earned by champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the US$38 million awarded to winners in 2018. FIFA confirmed the new prize structure following a FIFA Council meeting held in Doha.
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\u200eThe total prize fund for the expanded 48-team tournament has been raised to US$655 million, a 50 percent increase from the previous edition. The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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\u200eUnder the revised distribution model, the runners-up will earn US$33 million, while teams finishing third and fourth will receive US$29 million and US$27 million respectively. Nations eliminated at the group stage will still take home US$9 million, ensuring broader financial benefits for participating teams.
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\u200eIn addition, all 48 qualified nations will receive a further US$1.5 million each to support preparation costs. This brings FIFA\u2019s total distribution to national federations to US$727 million.
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\u200eFIFA President Gianni Infantino said the increase reflects the organisation\u2019s commitment to rewarding excellence while strengthening football development worldwide.
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\u200e\u201cWe want the FIFA World Cup to reward excellence on the pitch while also strengthening football development across the globe,\u201d Infantino said.
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\u200eInfantino added that the new figures underline the growing value and global impact of the World Cup.
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\u200e \u201cThese figures underline the growing value and global impact of the World Cup,\u201d he noted.
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\u200eEvery participating member association will now be guaranteed a minimum of US$10.5 million, combining participation fees and preparation support, an overall 50 percent increase in funding for national teams.
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\u200e \u201cThis investment ensures that all teams, not just the winners, benefit from taking part in the World Cup,\u201d Infantino added.
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\u200eWhile lifting the iconic trophy remains the ultimate ambition for players and nations, the expanded prize money is seen as a meaningful financial incentive and a major boost to global football development.
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\u200e \u201cThe trophy is the dream, but the increased prize money is a powerful add-on that helps football grow everywhere,\u201d Infantino said.
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\u200eDespite the record-breaking figures, World Cup prize money remains significantly lower than the recently expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which features a US$1 billion prize pool, with winners Chelsea eligible to earn up to US$125 million.
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\u200eInfantino described the 2026 World Cup as a landmark event, highlighting its growing financial contribution to the global game.
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\u200eThe announcement underscores FIFA\u2019s continued commitment to increasing investment in national team football while ensuring wider financial support for participating federations ahead of the historic tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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