- FIFA approved a record $727m World Cup payout.
- Winners will earn $50m, runners-up $33m.
- Group-stage exits will still receive $9m.
- All teams are guaranteed at least $10.5m.
FIFA has unveiled one of the biggest financial commitments in the history of football after its council approved a record $727 million (£544.8m) distribution linked to the World Cup.
Under the new structure, the team that lifts the World Cup trophy will walk away with $50 million (£37.4m). The runners-up are set to receive $33 million (£24.7m), while teams knocked out at the group stage will still earn $9 million (£6.7m).
Beyond performance-based rewards, FIFA has also confirmed that every qualified nation will receive $1.5 million (£1.1m) to cater for preparation expenses.
This means all participating member associations are guaranteed at least $10.5 million (£7.8m) from the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the scale of the payouts reflects the organisation’s intention to spread the benefits of the World Cup across the global football family.
He noted that the tournament will be “groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” particularly for smaller football nations.
The announcement comes just a day after FIFA introduced a limited number of £45 tickets for all 104 World Cup matches, following heavy criticism over high ticket prices.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move but urged FIFA to go further to ensure fans can afford to attend the tournament.
In the same council meeting, FIFA also approved the creation of a post-conflict recovery fund, aimed at supporting football development in regions affected by conflict.
The body said the initiative aligns with FIFA’s goal of promoting unity through football and follows President Infantino’s pledge at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace in October 2025.
The fund will be open to third-party contributions and will operate under strict oversight, complementing existing programmes such as the FIFA Forward initiative.
With record payouts, cheaper tickets, and new social initiatives, FIFA says the upcoming World Cup will leave a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
