New Delhi: In a major financial boost for participating nations, FIFA has approved more than $100 million in additional funding for teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing rising costs of hosting the global showpiece across North America.The decision was made at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, one of the host cities for the 48-team expansion tournament to be held jointly in the United States, Canada and Mexico starting on June 11.
Big payouts to ease financial stressFIFA confirmed that the minimum guaranteed payment to each of the 48 participating federations will rise to $12.5 million – an increase of $2 million. Additionally, the base prize money has been increased from $1 million to $10 million per team.Support for pre-tournament preparation has also been significantly increased, with funding increasing from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. The global body will allocate an additional $16 million in subsidies to help cover delegation-related costs.The move comes after concerns from a number of federations, particularly in Europe, that the first financial model could lead to losses unless teams advance deep into the knockout stages.Rising costs across North AmericaHosting a tournament in three countries brings unique logistical and financial challenges. For example, teams playing in the United States may face certain tax obligations that do not apply in Canada or Mexico.Travel and accommodation costs have also increased, with teams required to manage additional costs such as insurance, hotel incidental charges, and delegations beyond the core 50 members funded by FIFA.Record revenue, record prize poolFIFA is projecting at least $11 billion in revenue from the 2026 edition, making it the most profitable World Cup ever. The total prize pool, previously announced at $655 million, will see the eventual champions earn $50 million – a significant increase from the $42 million Argentina’s national football team will receive after victory in 2022.What FIFA covers – and what it doesn’t.Under tournament regulations, FIFA already pays for business class return flights, accommodation for the 50-member delegation, and domestic travel, including dedicated vehicles and logistical support.However, the federations remained responsible for insurance, additional staff costs, and various incidental costs—factors that pushed for increased funding.
