The Cost of Glory: What the World Cup's Record Prize Fund Reveals About FIFA's Priorities The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already broken records off the field, but Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain is not just about on pitch drama.
The record breaking $871 million prize fund reflects FIFA's shifting priorities and its attempt to balance national federations' interests with those of players.
FIFA nearly doubled the prize pool for this expanded 48 team tournament, a move hailed as a victory for smaller nations that will benefit from increased financial support.