FIFA to increase prize money for the 2026 World Cup

The Guardian reports on this.

The details of the funding increase are to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on April 28.

As The Guardian notes, this is FIFA’s response to concerns raised by several associations regarding high organizational costs, as well as travel expenses and taxes—particularly in the U.S.—which could lead to financial losses even if a team performs well in the tournament.

In December 2025, FIFA announced a record prize fund of $727 million for the 2026 World Cup. It was anticipated that each of the 48 participating national teams would receive at least $10.5 million, and the winner $50 million. However, following discussions with a number of soccer associations over the past few weeks, this amount will be further increased.

In addition, funding for soccer development for all 211 FIFA members is expected to increase compared to the planned $2.7 billion, which was already set to be distributed over the next four-year cycle.

It is noted that an additional financial burden is the tax burden in various U.S. states.

"Although FIFA has tax-exempt status, it has not been able to secure tax exemptions for the 48 participating teams, as was the case in previous tournaments. National associations must pay a range of taxes on their income, the rates of which vary significantly," writes The Guardian.

For example, there is no state income tax in Florida, whereas in New Jersey, where the final will be held, it reaches 10.75%, and in California, where matches will be hosted by Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is 13.3%.