FIFA has announced an increase in the prize money it will award to participating teams at next summer's World Cup, a decision that could impact the women's tournament in 2027 based on previous comments by Gianni Infantino.
It was confirmed this week that the prize money for winning the 2026 World Cup will increase to $50 million (£37m), with the runners-up being awarded $33 million (£24.7m).
In total, $655 million (£490m) will be distributed to those competing at the first-ever 48-team tournament, marking a 50 per cent increase compared to the $440 million prize fund in 2022, when champions Argentina won $42 million in Qatar.
FIFA also confirmed that all 48 teams will get $1.5 million to cover preparation costs, meaning a payout of at least $10.5 million (£7.8m) each is guaranteed.
Advert
The news could have a significant impact on the prize money on offer at the Women's World Cup, after FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously announced the governing body's intention for equal prize money by the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
Back in 2023, Infantino announced FIFA's intention for equal prize money by the 2027 women's World Cup as he confirmed a total payments package of $152 million (£126m at the time) for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
“Our ambition is to have equality in payments for the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s World Cup,” Infantino told the FIFA Congress in Rwanda after he was re-elected to his position as FIFA president.
“This is the objective that we set to ourselves. FIFA is stepping up with actions, not just with words. But unfortunately this is not the case of everyone across the industry."
He continued: “Broadcasters and sponsors have to do more. FIFA is receiving between 10 and 100 times inferior offers for the Women’s World Cup. These same public broadcasters who are paid by taxpayers’ money, they criticise FIFA for not guaranteeing equal pay to men and women.
“You pay us 100 times less, (but) your viewing figures are similar. Maybe 20, 25 per cent less for the women than the men, not 100 per cent. Well offer us 20 times less, offer us 50 times less, but not 100 times less."
Infantino added: “We need to all be on the same side in this fight for equality.”
The decision came after female players lobbied their global union FIFPRO to push FIFA for equal pay.
FIFPRO welcomed Infantino’s comments at the time, saying: "The progress announced today demonstrates the intent of the players and FIFA to work proactively towards greater equity and equality for the industry.”
At the time of writing, FIFA has not officially confirmed its decision to equal World Cup prize money, although Infantino's previous comments suggest FIFA will do all it can to make it happen.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, FIFA, Womens Football
Jack Kenmare