Thursday briefing: FIFA reveals record prize money for 2026 World Cup as winner set to pocket $50 million

FIFA has announced record prize money for the 2026 World Cup, marking a 50 per cent increase on the last edition of the tournament in Qatar.

In total, $727 million will be distributed among member nations, with $655 million set to be paid out as prize money to the 48 participating teams. This was approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha.

The champions of the next World Cup will receive $50 million, while the runner up will be paid $33 million, and the third and fourth-placed t