FIFA Confirms Increase in 2026 World Cup Prize Money as South Africa Set to Receive Big Pay
- FIFA has released a new update concerning the 2026 World Cup prize money, with South Africa set to receive a big payout
- The football governing body confirmed that the global football tournament will see a massive increase in prize money
- Bafana Bafana would be participating in the competition for the first time since they last hosted it 15 years ago
The football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed a massive increase in the prize money for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by three North American countries: the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
Source: Getty Images
The competition will get underway on June 11, 2026, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in a rematch of the opening fixture from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Both countries were also paired in Group A alongside others during the draw a few weeks ago.
While reacting to the World Cup draw, Hugo Broos explained the reason he was not happy about Bafana Bafana's group, but the South African Football Association has received a new update from FIFA that would make them happy.
FIFA increases World Cup prize money
According to the latest reports, the FIFA Council has sanctioned a 50% boost in prize money for the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that even the lowest-placed teams will earn at least $10.5 million (which is approximately R175 million). The massive increase in the prize money was confirmed during the organisation's meeting in Doha, Qatar.
South Africa is aiming to qualify from the group phase for the first time in the 2026 edition of the global football competition next year, but they are guaranteed a big payday even if they fail to make it to the next round in the competition.
Even if South Africa fails to advance, they are assured a minimum payout of $9 million (R150 million) in prize money, on top of the $1.5 million (R25 million) allocated to each member association for tournament preparation and travel costs.
According to Sky News, the tournament winners will take home $50 million (R836 million), a payout that is double the amount earned by defending champions Argentina after lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Source: Getty Images
The tournament winners will earn $50 million (R836 million), while the runners-up are set to receive $33 million (R552 million). Teams finishing third will take home $29 million (R485 million), with fourth place awarded $27 million (R451 million). Nations placing between fifth and eighth will each collect $19 million (R318 million). Those ranked ninth to 16th will receive $15 million (R251 million), while teams ending the competition in positions 17 to 32 are guaranteed $11 million (R184 million). Countries finishing between 33rd and 48th will pocket $9 million (R150 million).
Broos shares Bafana's AFCON target
Briefly News also reported that Broos has shared Bafana Bafana's target at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December.
The former Cameroon national team coach set the record straight after his team was put under pressure to win the tournament this year.
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Source: Briefly News
