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FIFA distributed a record-breaking $871 million among the 48 nations that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the biggest prize fund in the competition’s history.

Apart from expanding the tournament to 48 participating countries, the 2026 edition also became the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three nations.

As a result, several teams were required to travel across borders for fixtures, leading to increased transportation and logistical costs.

According to CNBC, every one of the 48 participating nations was guaranteed at least $12.5 million for taking part in the tournament.

The guaranteed payment consisted of $10 million for qualifying and competing in the group stage, while an additional $2.5 million was provided to cover pre-tournament preparations and related expenses.

However, the final amount each country received depended on how far it progressed during the competition. Spain, who lifted the trophy, collected $51 million, representing an increase of $9 million over the $42 million awarded to Argentina after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Finalists Argentina received $34 million, while third-placed England and fourth-placed France earned $30 million and $28 million, respectively.

Belgium, Norway, Morocco and Switzerland, all of whom reached the quarter-finals, each pocketed $20 million. Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Egypt, Colombia and four other countries eliminated in the Round of 16 were rewarded with $16 million apiece.

Germany, Cape Verde, Japan, Ecuador and 12 other nations that advanced to the Round of 32 each received $12 million, while countries knocked out in the group stage collected $10 million.

The upward review in the prize fund followed appeals from several football federations, especially those in Europe, which argued that the previous payment model could leave teams covering some tournament costs unless they advanced deep into the competition.

Despite the improved financial rewards, countries that played matches in the United States were still subject to certain tax obligations that did not apply to fixtures held in Canada or Mexico.

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