The world football governing body FIFA has significantly increased the total prize and support funds for the 2026 World Cup, raising overall distributions to nearly $900 million in response to concerns over rising participation costs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that total financial allocations for the 48 teams competing in the tournament across Mexico, Canada, and the United States will now reach $871 million, up from an earlier estimate of $727 million announced in December.
The decision follows a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council ahead of the organisation’s upcoming Congress in Vancouver.
The increase comes amid growing concerns from member associations that the costs of travel, taxation, accommodation, and general team operations could leave some national teams at a financial loss despite qualifying for the tournament.
To address these concerns, FIFA has raised the pre-tournament preparation grant from $1.5 million to $2.5 million per team. It has also increased qualification payments from $9 million to $10 million for each participating nation.
Additional support measures include expanded contributions toward team logistics, delegation expenses, and improved ticket allocations for national squads.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the move, describing it as part of the organisation’s commitment to reinvesting football revenues back into the global game.
“FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all our member associations in an unprecedented way,” he said. “This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game.”
The expanded financial package is expected to ease pressure on smaller football nations while ensuring broader participation in the expanded 48-team format, one of the most significant structural changes in World Cup history.
