Report: UEFA lobbying FIFA to increase World Cup prize fund

Field Level Media
01 Apr 2026, 19:55 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Hannah Foslien-Imagn Images)

European teams are asking FIFA to increase prize money and to greater assist with costs associated with their participation this summer in the World Cup, which is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

UEFA, which governs soccer in Europe, has been asked by several European associations to lobby FIFA on their behalf, according to the report. FIFA has vowed to reinvest proceeds into global soccer, but the organizations do not know what their cut will be.

Some teams have worries that their cost to play in the World Cup could exceed what they earn, or that they won't bring in much money.

Officials with the UEFA and FIFA did not comment when contacted by The Athletic.

The World Cup is a joint North American effort. Play begins June 11 with two matches in Mexico City, then continues the following day with one match in Toronto and another in Los Angeles.

The final of the 48-team tournament is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The matter of payment is expected to be discussed when the FIFA Congress convenes in Vancouver at the end of May, per the report, which also said each team will receive $1.5 million in 'preparation costs' as well as an allowance to put toward food, travel and lodging for a traveling party of about 50 people.

--Field Level Media

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