DOHA (QATAR) (ITALPRESS) – Record-breaking prize money. The FIFA Council meeting in Doha has approved an unprecedented financial contribution for the 2026 World Cup: $727 million (around €618 million) will be distributed among the 48 national teams, a 50% increase compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar.
In particular, €557 million will be allocated as performance-based prizes: €42.5 million ($50 million) to the World Cup winners, €28 million to the runners-up, €24.5 million to the third-placed team and €23 million to the fourth. Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will receive €16 million, those knocked out in the round of 16 €12.7 million, and teams eliminated in the round of 32 €9.3 million. Teams failing to progress beyond the group stage will receive €7.6 million.
FIFA will also pay a contribution of €1.27 million to all national teams to cover preparation costs, guaranteeing a total of €9 million to each federation taking part in the World Cup. “The 2026 World Cup will also be revolutionary from the point of view of financial contributions to the global football community,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed.
The FIFA Council also confirmed the introduction of new Under-15 tournaments in a festival format, open to all 211 affiliated federations. The first edition, reserved for men’s teams, will take place in 2026, while the second, in 2027, will feature women’s teams. From 2028 onwards, all federations will be invited to take part with their U15 teams in two separate competitions, with shorter matches, smaller pitches and teams made up of seven to nine players per side.
The establishment of a post-conflict recovery fund was also approved, as announced by Infantino on October 13 during the peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. The fund will serve as a financial instrument to support regions affected by conflict.
With the expansion of participation in the Olympic tournaments starting from Los Angeles 2028, the FIFA Council confirmed the new allocation of slots. For women, the 16 places will be distributed as follows: 2.5 AFC, 2 CAF, 3 Concacaf, 2.5 Conmebol, 1 OFC, 4 UEFA and 1 for host nation USA. For men, the 12 slots will be allocated as follows: 2 AFC, 2 CAF, 1 Concacaf, 2 Conmebol, 1 OFC, 3 UEFA and 1 for the USA as host.
Finally, the launch of the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup was also officially announced, with the first edition set to take place from January 5 to 30, 2028.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
