The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured a record prize fund of $871 million (£662 million), making it the most lucrative tournament in the competition’s history.
FIFA had initially announced a prize pool of $727 million (£552 million), representing a 50 per cent increase from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a December report on the FIFA website noted.
However, in April, the governing body approved a further increase by raising the base participation prize and preparation fee, taking the total prize fund to $871 million.
The prize money was divided into performance-based rewards and non-performance-based financial support.
PUNCH Online reports that the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada and Mexico and concluded on Sunday, July 19, with Spain defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final to lift their second World Cup title.
