The expanded tournament, which featured 48 teams for the first time, was also the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The three-nation hosting arrangement resulted in increased travel and logistical costs for several teams, particularly those required to play matches across different countries.
According to CNBC, every participating nation received a guaranteed minimum payment of $12.5 million, ensuring financial rewards regardless of performance on the pitch.
The guaranteed package included $10 million for qualifying and competing in the group stage, alongside an additional $2.5 million to cover pre-tournament preparations, training camps and related expenses.
Spain Takes Biggest Prize
Prize money increased progressively based on how far each team advanced in the competition, with eventual champions Spain receiving the highest payout.
Spain earned $51 million for lifting the trophy, representing a $9 million increase over the $42 million awarded to Argentina after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Finalists Argentina received $34 million, while England collected $30 million after finishing third. France earned $28 million for securing fourth place.
Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals—including Belgium, Norway, Morocco and Switzerland—each received $20 million.
Countries that reached the Round of 16, including Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Egypt and Colombia, were awarded $16 million in prize money, alongside four other teams that reached the same stage.
Meanwhile, Germany, Cape Verde, Japan and Ecuador, together with 12 other nations that advanced to the Round of 32, each received $12 million.
Teams eliminated during the group stage still collected $10 million in participation prize money.
Expanded Tournament Increased Costs
The significant increase in prize money came after several football federations, particularly in Europe, raised concerns over the financial implications of participating in the expanded tournament.
Many argued that the original payment structure would have left national associations covering substantial travel and operational costs unless their teams progressed deep into the competition.
With matches spread across three host countries, teams faced higher expenses related to transportation, accommodation and logistics compared to previous editions held in a single nation.
However, despite the increased financial rewards, teams that played matches in the United States also encountered tax obligations that did not apply to games hosted in Canada or Mexico, creating additional financial considerations during the tournament.
The record-breaking payout reflects FIFA's commitment to supporting participating nations amid the expansion of the World Cup, while also acknowledging the higher costs associated with staging the tournament across multiple countries.