New World Cup champions to receive record $51 million prize

The 2026 World Cup champions will be crowned tonight, and along with international recognition, they will take home a record cash prize of $51 million (€44.6 million). The money will be awarded to the national team's federation, which will decide how to distribute it among the players.

FIFA has increased the payout for the winning team compared to the previous tournament. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup, winners Argentina received $42 million (€36.7 million).

Trophy and championship rings

The winners will lift the world-famous Italian-crafted trophy, but they will not get to keep it. Instead, each player will receive a gold-plated replica. For the first time this tournament, players will also receive championship rings—a tradition from the United States, one of this year's host countries. The rings will feature an engraving of the World Cup and will be customised "to reflect the identity of the winning team," according to FIFA.

Overall prize fund

FIFA has increased its overall spending on the tournament, with a total of $871 million (€761 million) being paid out to the 48 participating teams. Flights and hotels are covered for each team, including delegations. All teams receive at least $12.5 million for competing, including $10 million for qualifying and playing in the group stage, and $2.5 million for pre-tournament training and expenses.

Prizes are also awarded to the runners-up. England, who beat France on Saturday to take third place, will receive $30 million (€26 million). France, in fourth, will receive $28 million (€24.5 million).

While $51 million may seem like a lot, in the world of international football, it is a small figure. On Tuesday, the transfer fee for Croatia's Luka Vušković's move to English club Brighton was $61.9 million (€54.1 million).