FIFA raises World Cup prize money amid cost concerns
FIFA has approved a 15 per cent increase in prize money for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision was taken at a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday.
The move follows sustained lobbying by participating nations, which had raised concerns about the significant organisational costs associated with this edition of the tournament, from transport to taxation. In response, FIFA raised the total prize pool from 727 million dollars to 871 million dollars, the governing body announced on Tuesday.
Each of the 48 participating nations will receive a participation bonus of 10 million dollars, up from 9 million, along with a preparation allowance of 2.5 million dollars, compared to 1.5 million previously. The team lifting the trophy on 19 July in New York stands to receive 50 million dollars. Compared with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the prize fund for the 2026 edition is 50 per cent higher.
Belgian federation backs the raise
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has welcomed the decision. RBFA president Pascale Van Damme, herself a member of the FIFA Council that approved the measure, said it shows that "FIFA recognises the real logistical and financial challenges facing federations today."
"These financial interventions provide essential leverage for a sustainable international football model," Van Damme said. "They give federations the ability to continue investing in sporting development, talent development and social impact, and to do so in a responsible and forward-looking manner."
The RBFA said the additional FIFA funds will help support its strategic ambitions, with a continued focus on sporting performance, social responsibility and the sustainable development of Belgian football. The money will be invested transparently, Van Damme pledged.
The extra funds will come at a welcome moment for the RBFA, which has recorded heavy losses in recent financial years. In 2023, the federation posted a record loss of nearly 11 million euros, followed by an additional loss of 1.28 million euros in 2024.
PHOTO © William WEST / AFP
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