Spain will receive a record prize after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as football’s governing body confirmed a significantly increased payout structure for the tournament.
FIFA said the champions will earn about $50 million, while runners-up Argentina will take home $33 million, part of a total distribution of roughly $871 million to all 48 participating teams.
The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features the largest prize fund in World Cup history, reflecting the competition’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.
Spain’s prize surpasses the $42 million awarded to Argentina for winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
All teams receive guaranteed payments
Every team that qualified for the tournament earned at least $12.5 million, including a participation fee and preparation funding.
Prize money then increased based on performance:
- Winners: $50 million
- Runners-up: $33 million
- Third place: $29 million
- Fourth place: $27 million
- Quarter-finalists: $19 million
- Round of 16: $15 million
- Round of 32: $11 million
- Group stage exit: $9–10 million
FIFA also provided additional financial support to cover team preparation, travel, and logistics.
Why the prize fund increased
The higher payout follows calls from several football associations, particularly in Europe, for more funding to offset rising costs linked to travel and hosting matches across three countries.
Despite the large sums, the money is paid to national football federations, which decide how it is shared with players and staff.
