PATTAYA, Thailand – The winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take home a record $50 million (about 1.68 billion baht) after FIFA increased the tournament’s total prize pool to $655 million, 50% higher than the previous edition. The expanded prize money comes as the world’s biggest football tournament reaches its final stages, with defending champions Argentina facing Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
The champions will receive $50 million, up from $42 million awarded to the winners of the 2022 tournament. The losing finalists will earn $33 million, compared with $30 million four years ago.
The third-place team will collect $29 million, while the fourth-place team will receive $27 million. The third-place playoff will see France face England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will each receive $19 million, while those knocked out in the round of 16 will earn $15 million. Teams eliminated in the round of 32 will receive $11 million.
Even teams exiting in the group stage are guaranteed significant payments, with each receiving $10.5 million, including $9 million in prize money and $1.5 million to help cover preparation costs.
FIFA said the increased financial rewards reflect the growing scale and global importance of the 2026 tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Football fans across Thailand, including supporters in Pattaya, are preparing to watch the decisive matches live, whether from home or on large screens at sports bars and entertainment venues around the city. The World Cup 2026 third-place playoff between France and England will be broadcast free on Monomax Sports TV Channel 29 at 4:00 a.m. Thailand time on Sunday, July 19. The grand final between Spain and Argentina will follow at 2:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, with fans waiting to see which team will lift the World Cup trophy and claim the record $50 million prize.
