The 2026 World Cup has just begun, and it is already clear that it will break records not only in viewership and attendance, but also in earnings and economic effects.
Football has long ceased to be just a game, today it is profitable business. And rarely have football and the economy been so connected as now, writes Večernji list.
Fifa’s total income from this tournament will amount, according to estimates, to approx 13 billion dollarsincluding television rights, tickets and sponsorships. Most of it remains with the umbrella football association, but all participants will also make good money. Fifa has prepared for all national teams this time 727 million dollars, which is a big jump compared to Qatar 2022, when the prize fund was 440 million dollars.
The winner will earn 50 million, the second-placed national team 33 million, third place 29 million, and the fourth 27 million.
Even the teams that finish in the earlier stage will win 10.5 millionenough to cover the costs of preparation and travel, and some earnings.
The money goes to the federations, which then distribute bonuses to players according to internal agreements and regulations, and invest some in youth facilities and infrastructure. Eye 355 million dollars it is also distributed to football clubs whose players participated in the championship.
Host cities, such as those in USA, Canada and Mexicothey benefit from the tournament through tourists, occupancy of hotels, restaurants and transport. But the costs of the organization – security, logistics and stadium preparations – are often higher than the income, so the local authorities do not always earn as much as expected, and there have already been complaints from some city leaders. However, for people in the cities, it means more work and more traffic in shops and restaurants during the tournament, as well as a short-term increase in employment.
As it usually happens, not everyone will make money, it’s in a tournament as many as 65 thousand volunteers were engaged, but despite the fact that they won’t get any money, the very possibility of attending such a big competition was obviously a very big lure because more than 2 million people from 220 countries.
These are the highest paid players of the 2026 World Cup.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: FIFA)
