Money rain at the World Cup: FIFA increases prize money to 871 million dollars
FIFA has increased the total prize money to be distributed to the 48 countries participating in the 2026 World Cup by 15 percent, raising it to 871 million dollars.
İHA
As preparations continue ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council has made critical decisions. At the meeting held before the 76th FIFA Congress, which will take place in Vancouver, Canada—one of the host countries—changes regarding both financial distribution and game rules were approved.
At the meeting, the total budget allocated to the 48 countries participating in the tournament was increased by 15 percent. Accordingly, the amount of prize money FIFA will distribute to the countries has risen to 871 million dollars. While the preparation allowance given to teams was increased from 1.5 million dollars to 2.5 million dollars, the participation fee for the knockout stages was raised from 9 million dollars to 10 million dollars. Additionally, it was decided that the supplementary payment provided to federations would be 16 million dollars.
On the other hand, changes were also made to the card rules to be applied in the tournament. According to the new regulation, yellow cards will be reset after the group stage and knockout rounds.
The rule changes were not limited to this. In line with the decisions taken by IFAB, players who leave the pitch to protest referee decisions or cover their mouths while communicating with their opponents will be punished with a direct red card.
Furthermore, the meeting approved the participation of the Afghan Women's Refugee Football Team in FIFA organizations.