The winners of the 2026 World Cup will take home a record £37 million prize — and an entirely new piece of hardware: a US-style championship ring. FIFA has adopted what it calls an “iconic American sporting tradition”, ensuring the champions will have more than just the trophy to show for their triumph.
The prize pot is a staggering increase of almost £6 million on the £31 million awarded to Argentina after their 2022 victory in Qatar. Under a deal struck by Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan, 45 per cent of the £37 million — about £17 million — will be split among the players if Spain prevail, equating to almost £640,000 per man before tax. For the runners-up, there is a consolation of £28 million.
“World Cup prize money hits £37m with winners also receiving US-style championship rings.”
That scenario is now a reality for Spain, who face Argentina in Sunday’s final. Lionel Messi and his teammates came from behind to defeat England in the semi-finals, a collapse that has heaped pressure on England manager Thomas Tuchel. The German insisted he remains the right man to lead the team into Euro 2028, saying: “Yes, 100 per cent. There is still enough to improve, and I am more than happy to do that.” He added, “I said after the Norway game that I see a disconnect from what I see in training on a football level and within the games, I think we can impose ourselves more on the ball.”
England will face France in Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami, aiming to end their tournament with a bronze medal. For the two finalists, the rewards extend beyond cash. The championship rings, a first for a FIFA tournament, will be presented alongside the trophy in what is expected to be a glittering ceremony.
The enormous sums underline the scale of the 2026 World Cup, the largest and longest in history. In total, about £741 million will be distributed among the 48 competing teams; even just appearing in the tournament guaranteed each national association £8 million. For Spain’s players, the individual payout dwarfs the £366,000 gross they received for winning Euro 2024.
All of which makes the stakes even higher for Sunday’s final — and adds a cruel edge for England, who must watch from the sidelines as two teams play for a pot that could have been theirs.
