A breakdown of what each team got from the $871 million 2026 FIFA World Cup prize money

The just over a month-long 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament was undoubtedly the finest display of footballing artistry the world has seen in some time, and provided many financial benefits for the participating teams.

FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, previously announced a record prize fund of $871 million for the 48-team tournament.

It was confirmed that tournament champion Spain would receive $51 million in prize money, while runner-up Argentina would take home $34 million.

The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, features the largest prize pool in World Cup history after FIFA increased the total payout earlier this year by more than $100 million.

The additional funding comes after several European football federations sought financial support to offset higher travel and accommodation costs associated with hosting the tournament in three countries.

The $51 million prize awarded to Spain surpasses the $42 million Argentina received after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, this amount is still below the prize money obtained by the winner of last year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Each team receives payments as all 48 participating countries receive financial support from FIFA in two forms: prize money based on tournament performance and payments to cover preparation costs.

Each federation was guaranteed $12.5 million to participate, consisting of $10 million for qualifying and competing in the group stage, plus $2.5 million to cover training and pre-tournament costs.

Guaranteed preparatory payments were introduced to help avoid disputes between players and national federations over pre-tournament bonuses.

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The prize money then increases depending on how far the team progresses through the competition.

2026 World Cup prize money details
Champion (Spain): $51 million
Second place (Argentina): $34 million
Third place (UK): $30 million
Fourth place (France): $28 million
Quarterfinalists: $20 million each
Round of 16: $16 million each
Round of 32: $12 million each
Group stage teams: $10 million each

The increase in prize money follows calls from several national federations, particularly in Europe, who argued that the initial payout structure would leave many associations at a loss due to the amount of travel required during the tournament.

Teams competing in the United States also face tax obligations that do not apply to Canada and Mexico, adding to overall costs.

FIFA covers travel and accommodation
In addition to the prize money, FIFA also paid for round-trip business class flights for each participating delegation, along with accommodation and meals for the 50-member delegation from five days before the team’s opening match until one day after elimination.

The governing body also covers domestic transportation during the tournament, including a fleet of service vehicles and equipment trucks.

The national federation remains responsible for insurance covering players and staff, incidental hotel costs and accommodation for any additional delegation members beyond the allocated 50 people.

Players do not receive money directly
World Cup prize money is paid directly to each national football federation, not to the players.

How funds are distributed is determined by each federation’s regulations and agreements with its players.