The 2026 FIFA World Cup led to $871 million being paid to the 48 participating teams, the largest World Cup prize pool of all time.
The 2026 World Cup was held across three countries and was the first-ever to feature 48 participating teams.
As a result, the governing body of football had to shell out almost $1 billion to the 48 participating football federations in terms of prize money and operating expenses.
Spain receive $51 million while USMNT’s World Cup exit led to $15 million payout
According to CNBC, the final confirmed amount going to the winners of the World Cup in prize money is $51 million. The Spanish football federation will receive the money to invest more in grassroots sports while also rewarding those who led to the World Cup triumph.
FIFA gives prize money to all 48 teams regardless of position, with an additional $2.5 million given to the 48 national federations for pre-tournament expenses.
Nations exiting in the group stage, like Uruguay or Iran, received $10 million, while teams eliminated in the Round of 32, like Germany, received $12 million.
Round of 16 exits like the United States were awarded $16 million in prize money, while a quarter-final appearance netted $20 million in prize money.
Fourth-place France received $28 million while third-placed England received $30 million, so that bronze medal game wasn’t entirely worthless.
Argentina received $34 million for losing in the Final. While it pales in comparison to the actual trophy, it does help the country keep investment in youth sports alive for the post-Lionel Messi generation.
Full 2026 World Cup prize money breakdown
- Spain: $51 million
- Argentina: $34 million
- England: $30 million
- France: $28 million
- Morocco, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland: $20 million each
- Paraguay, Canada, Portugal, United States, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Colombia: $16 million each
- Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Netherlands, Croatia, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Senegal, Japan, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Australia, Algeria, Ghana: $12 million each
- Iran, South Korea, Scotland, Uruguay, Czechia, Qatar, Haiti, Turkiye, Curacao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Panama: $10 million each
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