FIFA is projected to earn $8.9 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup, a 41% increase over the 2022 tournament in Qatar, as the first edition featuring 48 teams across 104 matches reshapes the economics of global football.
A record $871 million prize pool awaits participating nations, with the champion receiving $51 million and every squad guaranteed at least $12.5 million. The expanded format coincides with broader economic projections, including an estimated $41 billion impact on global GDP.
The tournament has also tested U.S. immigration policy. FIFA cleared American forward Folarin Balogun to play following intervention by President Donald Trump, while Iran's squad was forced to base itself in Mexico after visa restrictions and a Somali referee was denied entry.