FIFA prepares for a major move, aiming to equalize prize money at the men's and women's World Cups

FIFA has officially announced a substantial increase in the prize pool for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a pivotal step toward achieving financial parity with the women's tournament. This decision is expected to directly influence the prize structure for the 2027 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.

According to confirmed information, the winner of the 2026 World Cup will take home $50 million, while the runner-up will receive $33 million. The total prize fund for the tournament, which for the first time will feature 48 teams, will reach $655 million—an increase of 50 percent compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina earned $42 million.

Additionally, FIFA guarantees each participating team $1.5 million to cover preparation costs. As a result, every nation that qualifies for the tournament will receive at least $10.5 million, regardless of their final result.

FIFA president Infantino pointed out that commercial rights offers for the Women's World Cup are often dozens of times lower than their fair value, despite comparable audience figures. In his view, the difference in viewership does not justify such a significant financial gap.

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The FIFA chief also emphasized that the fight for equality requires consolidated efforts from all parties, including broadcasters and partners. These statements came amid mounting pressure from FIFPRO, the international footballers' union, which was recently approached by leading women's footballers calling for equal pay.

Although FIFA has not yet officially equalized the prize pools, Infantino's previous statements make it clear that the organization is determined to do everything possible to achieve this goal in the coming years.