FIFA has approved more than $100 million in additional funding for the 48 federations competing at the 2026 World Cup, after several associations warned that the original financial structure would leave them out of pocket.

The governing body's ruling council, meeting in Vancouver — one of the tournament's host cities — agreed on Tuesday to raise the minimum payment to each federation by $2 million, bringing the floor to $12.5 million per team.

What changed and why

Pre-tournament preparation funding will rise from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, while each federation's base prize money increases by $1 million to $10 million. The adjustments come after a number of associations, particularly from Europe, told FIFA that the existing payment structure would see them run a deficit unless their side advanced deep into the knockout rounds.

Teams playing matches on United States soil face additional complexity: tax obligations apply there that are not levied in Canada and Mexico, adding another layer of cost pressure that several federations flagged to FIFA.

Prize money and revenue picture

The overall prize fund of $655 million — announced in December — remains unchanged. The eventual champion will collect $50 million. For context, Argentina received $42 million for winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar, when the total prize pool across that 32-team competition stood at $440 million.

FIFA is projecting revenue of at least $11 billion from the expanded 48-team tournament, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What FIFA already covers

Under existing World Cup regulations, FIFA is obliged to provide business-class return flights for each federation, along with board and lodging for a delegation of up to 50 people. Hotel costs are covered from five nights before a team's opening game through to one night after elimination.

FIFA also funds domestic travel for up to 50 delegation members and supplies a dedicated fleet of vehicles, including an equipment truck.

Federations remain responsible for adequate insurance — covering injury, accident, disease, and travel — as well as incidental hotel costs and accommodation for any delegation members beyond the covered group.