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FIFA agreed in principle to boost 2026 World Cup prize money and participation fees after national associations warned high U.S. travel and operational costs could result in losses.
FIFA has agreed in principle to increase World Cup 2026 prize money and participation fees in response to concerns raised by national football associations. The enhanced funding will be formally approved at a Fifa Council meeting in Vancouver this week. [source]
Several national associations had warned that high costs of travel, operations and tax in the United States would result in financial losses, even if their teams reached the later stages of the tournament. The Guardian first reported these concerns in February. [source]
Sources
- https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/26/fifa-agrees-to-increase-world-cup-prize-money-after-countries-raise-concerns-over-costs — FIFA's agreement in principle to increase World Cup 2026 prize money and participation fees; national associations' cost concerns; Fifa Council meeting in Vancouver; details of financial pressures from U.S. hosting costs
