FIFA announced on Wednesday that the total prize fund for the 2026 World Cup will reach 558 million euros, representing an increase of around 50 percent compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The reigning world champion remains Argentina, which three years ago won the trophy after a dramatic final against France, decided on penalties.
Each national team that qualifies for the 2026 World Cup will receive 1.28 million euros to cover preparation costs, before departing for the USA, Canada and Mexico.
In total, FIFA will distribute around 619 million euros to the teams participating in the tournament to be organized in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
Kosovo and Albania will play in March for the chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but also for the millions they could receive.
Kosovo plays Slovakia and then in the final against Romania or Turkey, while Albania plays Poland in the semifinals and then the winner of the Ukraine-Sweden pair.
With 1.2 million euros for qualification and 7 million euros minimum for participation, for teams that occupy places from 33 to 48, that is, those eliminated in the group stage, Kosovo and Albania, would have a minimum of 8.2 million euros.
Prize distribution (in euros)
World Champion – 42.6 million euros
Runner-up – 28 million euros
Third place – 24 million euros
Fourth place – 23 million euros
Countries 5–8 – 16 million euros
Countries 9–16 – 13 million euros
Countries 17–32 – 9 million euros
Countries 33–48 – 7 million euros
/Telegraph/