For the 2026 World Cup, teams get paid through FIFA prize money, not a direct salary to players. The guaranteed minimum for each national team is about $12.5 million , and the champion can earn $50 million.

How the money breaks down

  • Winners: $50 million.
  • Runners-up: $33 million.
  • 3rd place: $29 million.
  • 4th place: $27 million.
  • 5th–8th place: $19 million.
  • 9th–16th place: $15 million.
  • 17th–32nd place: $11 million.
  • 33rd–48th place: $10 million.

What teams get just for showing up

Each team also gets a $2.5 million preparation payment , and FIFA says teams have a minimum guarantee of $12.5 million overall when that is combined with the qualification payout.

Players vs federations

The money goes to the national federation , not straight to individual players. Some federations then share part of it with players as bonuses.

Meta: World Cup teams are paid from FIFA prize money, with 2026 champions earning $50 million and every team guaranteed at least $12.5 million.