African nations competing in the 2026 World Cup are set to benefit from record prize money, with FIFA announcing a US$727 million pool for the expanded 48-team tournament, highlighting the growing financial stakes for the continent’s teams.
Under the plan, each of the 48 participating countries will receive US$1.5 million to cover preparation costs, guaranteeing a minimum payout of US$10.5 million, while the winners will pocket US$50 million and runners-up US$33 million. Teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place will take home US$9 million, giving African sides an opportunity to boost football development at home, even if they do not reach the later stages.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, represents the first 48-team edition, expanding from 32 nations, which increases the chance for African representation. Currently, FIFA has allocated a record US$13 billion in revenues for the 2022–2026 cycle, more than 70 percent higher than the previous four years, reflecting the commercial growth of football worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the financial arrangements as “groundbreaking in terms of its contribution to the global football community,” a development African football authorities hope will help strengthen domestic leagues, academies and infrastructure.
African teams, traditionally underfunded compared with their European and South American counterparts, could leverage the payouts to invest in youth development and high-performance programmes ahead of the tournament, while also offsetting high preparation costs and rising travel expenses.
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The announcement coincides with concerns over steep ticket prices, with some seats costing up to five times the levels at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which could affect African fans’ attendance despite the continent’s growing global football following.
