The champion of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be awarded 50 million US dollars, approximately 770 crore 7 million Nepali rupees. The FIFA Council has set a total prize pool of 655 million US dollars for the 2026 World Cup, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the previous Qatar World Cup. Each participating nation will receive 1.5 million US dollars as preparation expenses, with an additional 10 million US dollars awarded to teams qualifying for the tournament.
Defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to contest the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both teams are close to lifting the World Cup trophy. The winner of the 23rd edition will be announced on Monday morning. Along with the trophy, the champion team will earn millions in prize money, denominated in US dollars, which converts to billions of Nepali rupees.
With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, there has been a significant increase in prize money and payouts to participating teams. The FIFA Council has approved a record prize fund of 655 million (65 crore 50 lakh) US dollars for the 2026 World Cup. The winners will receive 50 million (5 crore) US dollars, which at Thursday’s exchange rate of 154.14 NPR amounts to approximately 770 crore 7 million Nepali rupees.
When Argentina won the Qatar World Cup, they received 42 million US dollars in prize money. The runner-up took home 33 million (3 crore 30 lakh), third place earned 29 million (2 crore 90 lakh), and fourth place received 27 million (2 crore 70 lakh) US dollars. Not only winners but all participating teams in the World Cup receive prize money. All 48 teams will get cash awards.
Quarterfinal exit teams will earn 19 million (1 crore 90 lakh), round of 16 exit teams will get 15 million (1 crore 50 lakh), and round of 32 exit teams will be awarded 11 million (1 crore 10 lakh) US dollars. Even teams eliminated in the group stage will receive 9 million (90 lakh) US dollars. In addition to prize money, teams qualifying and playing in the tournament are provided additional funds. Every qualified nation gets 1.5 million (15 lakh) US dollars for preparation costs and an additional 10 million (1 crore) US dollars upon qualification for the competition.
