Briefly
- FIFA has increased its financial payout for this year’s World Cup to a record $1.25 billion.
- The winner will take home US$50 million, while the runner-up will take home US$33 million.
The team that lifts World Championship next week’s trophy won’t just etch their name in football history – they’ll be flush with money.
FIFA increased the financial payout for this year’s World Cup to a record $1.25 billion, making it the largest prize fund in the competition’s history.
Some $938 million will be paid out in prize money from the competition, nearly 50 percent more than the $630 million offered in Qatar in 2022.
The further a team advances in the tournament, the greater the payout.
This year’s champions, who will be Spain, England or Argentina, will take home US$50 million ($71.7 million). The runner-up will receive US$33 million ($47.3 million).
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Each of the 48 teams receives a guaranteed minimum payment of US$12.5 million ($17.9 million).
This amount includes a US$10 million ($14.3 million) qualifying payment and a US$2.5 million ($3.6 million) training allowance that will help cover travel, accommodation and logistics costs.
Money is paid out regardless of the team’s performance, with prize money based on performance added on top.
Australiafinishing in 22nd place after being eliminated in the round of 16, earned US$11 million (US$15.8 million) in prize money for the performance in addition to the minimum payout.
FIFA also compensates clubs that release their players to the World Cup through a separate $508 million Club Benefits Program.
The prize fund has grown significantly in recent years, increasing almost fivefold since 2002.
Where does the money go?
Although the sums are huge, FIFA is not short of money.
Soccer’s governing body revenue is forecast to top $15.8 billion over the four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026, according to news agency Reuters.
In April, FIFA increased financial payments by 15 percent due to the commercial success of the World Cup.
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“FIFA is proud to be in the strongest financial position ever, which allows us to help all our member associations in an unprecedented way,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said at the time.
“This is another example of FIFA’s resources being reinvested back into the game.”
FIFA pays money to each country’s national football federation, which then determines how much players, coaches and support staff will receive. Players usually receive between 20 and 30 percent of the total amount.
Although how the money is spent varies from federation to federation, funds can be invested in grassroots football, new facilities and development programs.
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