FIFA has approved a 15 per cent increase in total prize money for the 2026 World Cup scheduled to hold in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June. The decision was made during a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver, where the world football governing body increased the money up to £645m.
FIFA’s decision comes after some teams participating in the mundial complained about the costs of preparations, which include travel, accommodation and other associated taxes.
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino, released a statement to confirm the money increase: “At a Special Meeting of The International Football Association Board (IFAB) in 🇨🇦 Vancouver, some key decisions were taken to protect the integrity of our game and ensure mutual respect continues to govern football at all levels.”
“We unanimously agreed that at the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card. Further, at the discretion of the competition organiser, the referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play.”
“I thank all stakeholders for your time, valuable inputs and alignment on these important matters which have been managed in a consultation process led by FIFA. These amendments will be implemented at the upcoming 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸 FIFA World Cup 2026 and all other competition organisers will be able to decide whether to implement the changes before they enter into force on 1 July 2026.”
With the new prize increase, each participating country will receive £7.4m – from £6.6m – and a preparation fee of £1.8m, which is £700, 000 more than before. However, FIFA has not made any reported plans for supporters, who are already burdened by huge cost of tickets, travel and acomodation.
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