The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be bigger and better than ever. It will also be the most cash-rich edition of the tournament, with prize money increasing by nearly 50%. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, and the tournament will run from June 11 to July 19. Earlier editions featured 32 teams, but this time they will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top sides advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.
With more teams in the fray, the prize pool has also expanded significantly. The total prize money now stands at $655 million, a sharp rise from $440 million in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.