Despite the record pot
FIFA promises talks in the bonus dispute
April 26, 2026 – 9:18 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
After criticism from Germany and other associations, FIFA is holding out the prospect of increasing World Cup bonuses. Despite a record total pot, most of the 48 teams are threatened with lower payouts than at the last World Cup.
After criticism from Germany and other countries, the world football association Fifa has announced talks about higher bonuses for the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA Council is scheduled to address the issue two days before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver next Thursday.
A FIFA spokesman told the English newspaper The Guardian: “Fifa confirms that it is in discussions with associations worldwide to increase available revenue.” It continued: “This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as development funds for all 211 member associations.”
The total pot for the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada is $727 million – more than ever before. The world champion receives $50 million. But because there are 16 more teams taking part than at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the payouts for most teams are falling.
The German Football Association (DFB) also recently criticized the bonus regulations. DFB managing director Andreas Rettig said: “It is always suggested that the total bonuses are still getting bigger and bigger, but you must not forget that the cake is also divided by 48.” The DFB has set aside $1.5 million for preparation costs and $9 million in entry fees. In addition, the association is concerned about the fluctuating dollar exchange rate and the different taxation in different US states. This makes the DFB “really uncomfortable,” said Rettig.
