FIFA to Revise 2026 World Cup Prize Pot Upward — UEFA Members Warned of Net Losses Despite $727M Record

FIFA announced on April 27 that it will revise upward the $727 million prize pot for the 2026 World Cup, with final figures to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on April 29, ahead of the April 30 Congress. The revision follows formal warnings from multiple UEFA member associations that competing in the United States could result in net financial losses despite the record prize money — citing high US travel costs, operational expenses, and the US tax framework applicable to non-US entities. Teams were guaranteed a minimum $10.5 million participation fee, with the champion to receive $50 million under the original allocation. Inside World Football, citing sources within the FIFA administration, reported the revision was driven by federations raising concerns about the real cost of a US-based tournament. The increased figures will be voted on at the April 30 Congress — three days away — with 45 days remaining to kickoff.