FIFA Unveils Record-Breaking $655M Prize Pool for 2026 World Cup

 

ZURICH – In a move that underscores the massive expansion of global football, FIFA has officially announced a staggering $655 million (approx. 7,999 Crore BDT) prize money pool for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This represents a massive 50% increase in budget compared to the 2022 Qatar edition.

The 2026 tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be the largest in history with 48 competing nations.

The Grand Prize: A New Milestone

The eventual champions of the 2026 World Cup will take home a cool $50 million (approx. 610.61 Crore BDT). To put this in perspective, 2022 winners Argentina earned roughly 512.91 Crore BDT, marking a significant pay jump for the next world conquerors.

Prize Money Breakdown

The wealth is being distributed across all stages of the tournament, ensuring even early exits are met with substantial financial rewards:

| Finishing Position | Prize Money (Approx. BDT) |

|---|---|

| Champions | 610.61 Crore |

| Runners-up | 402.99 Crore |

| Third Place | 354.15 Crore |

| Fourth Place | 329.73 Crore |

| Quarter-finalists | 232.03 Crore |

| Round of 16 | 183.18 Crore |

| Round of 32 | 134.33 Crore |

| Group Stage Exit | 109.91 Crore |

Guaranteed Minimums for Every Nation

FIFA is also ensuring that every participating nation is well-supported before the first whistle blows. Each of the 48 teams will receive 18.32 Crore BDT specifically for preparation costs.

This means that even if a team loses every match in the group stage, they are guaranteed to leave the tournament with at least 128.23 Crore BDT in total earnings.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 12, promising to be the most lucrative and expansive sporting event the world has ever seen.