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The FIFA Council has approved a record-breaking financial distribution for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, confirming that USD 727 million will be shared among Participating Member Associations, a 50% increase on the total paid out at Qatar 2022™.
Meeting in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ final, the Council took a series of key decisions focused on financial governance, youth development and post-conflict recovery, with excitement continuing to build following the World Cup 2026 final draw held in Washington DC on 5 December.
Of the total distribution, USD 655 million will be allocated as prize money among the tournament’s 48 teams. The World Cup champions will receive USD 50 million, while the runners-up will earn USD 33 million. Third and fourth place will be rewarded with USD 29 million and USD 27 million respectively, with teams finishing between fifth and eighth receiving USD 19 million. Sides placed ninth to 16th will take home USD 15 million, those ranked 17th to 32nd USD 11 million, and teams finishing between 33rd and 48th USD 9 million.
In addition, each qualified nation will receive USD 1.5 million in preparation costs, guaranteeing every Participating Member Association a minimum payment of USD 10.5 million for taking part in the expanded tournament.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The Council also confirmed the launch of pioneering FIFA U-15 festival-style tournaments, open to all 211 FIFA Member Associations. The first edition will take place in 2026 for boys’ teams, followed by a girls’ tournament in 2027. From 2028 onwards, Member Associations will be invited to enter both boys’ and girls’ teams in separate competitions.
Designed to meet the developmental needs of young players, the U-15 festivals will feature shorter matches, smaller pitches and teams of between seven and nine players per side.
“In recent years, FIFA has stepped up its efforts to boost youth football, the results of which are plain for all to see,” Infantino said. “Having FIFA U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world.”
In a further governance decision, the FIFA Council approved the creation of a post-conflict recovery fund, aimed at supporting football development in regions affected by conflict. First announced by Infantino at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace in October 2025, the fund will be open to third-party contributions and subject to strict oversight.
The new mechanism will complement existing support provided through the FIFA Forward Programme and other FIFA initiatives, reinforcing football’s role as a unifying force worldwide.
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