FIFA announced on Tuesday a 15% increase in the total prize money for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The decision was confirmed during a FIFA Council meeting, according to official sources.
The exact total prize fund has not been disclosed, but the increase applies to all 48 participating federations. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar had a total prize pool of $440 million, with the winner Argentina receiving $42 million.
In addition to the financial boost, FIFA introduced a new rule to curb time-wasting by goalkeepers. The rule, which will take effect at the tournament, requires goalkeepers to release the ball within eight seconds of gaining possession, with the opposing team awarded a corner kick if the time limit is exceeded.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32, and will be played across 16 cities in the three host nations. The tournament schedule and match venues were finalized earlier this year.
