Also more money for youth football
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The world football association FIFA will pay out record bonuses at the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA Council approved expenditure totaling 727 million US dollars (the equivalent of around 620 million euros). Of this, $655 million will go towards success bonuses based on final placements. According to the world association, this means an increase of 50 percent compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The world champion receives a winner’s bonus of 50 million US dollars, the losing finalist can at least console himself with 33 million US dollars. Argentina received $42 million for its triumph in Qatar in 2022. The worst World Cup starters (places 33 to 48) receive $9 million from the pot. In addition, each of the 48 participating teams will receive $1.5 million to cover preparation costs, FIFA said.
Next summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will “also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a press release. FIFA also announced that youth football should also be further promoted. The FIFA Council confirmed the introduction of new festival-style U15 tournaments for boys and girls. They are open to all 211 FIFA member associations. In light of global political tensions, the FIFA Council also approved the establishment of a post-conflict reconstruction fund.