Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLuis Andres Henao & Graham DunbarSunday 19 July 2026 18:04 BSTArgentina train ahead of World Cup final against SpainThe winner of the World Cup will receive $51 million with the runner−up getting $34 million as part of a record $871 million total prize fund for the 2026 tournament.FIFA expanded the payout for the 2026 World Cup, adding over $100 million after European federations lobbied for increased support to cover extensive travel and lodging costs across the three host countries.All 48 participating teams are guaranteed at least $12.5 million, comprising $10 million for qualifying and playing in the group stage, plus an additional $2.5 million for pre-tournament training and expenses.Beyond the prize money, FIFA also covers significant logistical costs for each federation, including business-class return flights, board and lodging for a 50-person delegation, and domestic travel within the host nations.The prize money is paid directly to the national federations, not the players, with each federation determining its own distribution; for instance, US Soccer will split 80% of its winnings equally between its men's and women's national teams.In fullThe World Cup winner will earn $51 million under expanded purseMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in