The FIFA has approved a 15% increase in the financial allocations for national teams taking part in the 2026 World Cup, following a Council meeting held in Vancouver.
The total envelope for the 48 participating teams now stands at 871 million dollars, up from the previously announced 727 million. The governing body attributed this rise to the strong commercial success of the men’s tournament.
Preparation funds have been increased from 1.5 to 2.5 million dollars, while participation fees rise from 9 to 10 million. Additional support for delegations and ticket allocations will exceed 16 million dollars.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the organization’s “unprecedented” financial health, allowing greater support for member associations.
Across the 2023-2026 cycle, FIFA expects revenues of 13 billion dollars. The tournament’s prize money had already been raised by 50% compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar. The winner of the final in New York on July 19, 2026, will receive 50 million dollars.
The Council also approved regulatory adjustments linked to the expanded 48-team format. Single yellow cards will be cleared after the group stage and again after the quarter-finals.
FIFA also confirmed that its presidential election for the 2027-2031 term will take place during the 77th Congress in 2027, with the electoral process starting on April 30, 2026.
Additionally, a consultation process has been launched on a proposal requiring clubs to field at least one homegrown U-20 or U-21 player.
Ahead of the Council meeting, the International Football Association Board approved two amendments to the Laws of the Game aimed at tackling discriminatory behavior. Teams causing a match to be abandoned could now forfeit the game.
