FIFA World Cup 2026 winner to receive record $50m as tournament prize pool reaches $655m

FIFA has allocated a record prize pool of $655 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament winners set to receive $50 million ahead of Sunday's final between defending champions Argentina and Spain.

The total prize fund marks a 50% increase from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making it the largest financial distribution in the tournament's history.

Under the prize structure announced by FIFA, the runners-up will earn $33 million, while the third-placed team will receive $29 million and the fourth-placed side $27 million.

The final will be played at the New York–New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina will aim to win a fourth World Cup title after previous triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022. Spain, meanwhile, are seeking their second World Cup crown.

Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals, while Argentina advanced after defeating England 2-1.

FIFA distributes World Cup prize money to each participating nation's football association rather than directly to players. The respective governing bodies decide how the funds are shared among players, coaches and support staff, with any remaining amount typically invested in football development programmes.