How much prize money does the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place winner get? Full payout explained
FIFA has confirmed the prize money structure for the 2026 World Cup, with the third-place winner receiving $29 million and the fourth-place team receiving $27 million. These figures are distinct from the preparation payments provided to all qualified nations.
Why it matters
The transparency of tournament payouts is significant for the financial planning of national football associations and highlights the economic scale of the event.
The team that wins the third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take home $29 million in official FIFA performance prize money. The losing team in that match, which finishes fourth, will receive $27 million. FIFA has already confirmed the prize-money distribution for every stage of the expanded 48-team tournament, making it clear how much the top four teams will earn based on where they finish.FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place prize money explainedThe third-place playoff is the final game for the two teams that lose their World Cup semifinals. While they miss out on a place in the final, there is still plenty to play for. Along with finishing on the podium, the winning team also receives a bigger financial reward.According to FIFA, the team that wins the third-place match will earn $29 million in official performance prize money.
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