FIFA Scrambles To Keep Teams Happy Amid World Cup Cash Complaints

TL;DR

FIFA plans to increase prize money and support costs for all 48 teams participating in the World Cup. Proposals for this funding boost are set to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting on April 28 in Vancouver.

Key points

FIFA plans to increase prize money for World Cup teams
Funding proposals will be discussed at the FIFA Council meeting
World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19
Expected revenue from the World Cup is over $11 billion

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In response to requests by European teams to increase prize money and to assist with costs associated with their participation this summer in the World Cup, the world governing body and World Cup organizer is set to fulfill those wishes ― for all 48 participating countries.

FIFA has had discussions with national associations to boost funding, and the proposals are expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting April 28 in Vancouver.

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The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19, is expected to bring in revenue in excess of $11 billion.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, contacted FIFA after hearing from several of its member associations regarding the costs of participating in the World Cup, including travel, operations and taxes, particularly in the United States.

Canada and Mexico are the other host countries this summer.

FIFA in December announced a record World Cup prize fund of $727 million, with the winner taking home $50 million and each team receiving at least $10.5 million. Since that December announcement, FIFA and national associations have engaged in talks and aim to resolve the issue before April 30, when the FIFA Congress meets.

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Last month, The Athletic reported that FIFA had trimmed more than $100 million from its World Cup operating departments, causing concern for host cities and their plans, which had already been scaled down due to budgeting issues.

Among U.S. host cities, only Houston and Philadelphia are going ahead with their original plans for the 39-day-long festival.

“Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on 28 April 2026, FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.

“This includes a proposed increase of financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of development funding available to all 211 member associations.”