The FIFA Council has approved a record financial contribution for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, under which it will distribute $727 million among all participating national teams, 50% more than for Qatar 2022, and the champion will win $50 million. The largest portion, $655 million, will be paid as a prize pool among the 48 teams, with the champion receiving $50 million, the runner-up $33 million, the third-place team $29 million, and the fourth-place team $27 million. Teams finishing fifth to eighth will receive $19 million each; ninth to sixteenth, $15 million each; 17th to 32nd, $11 million each; and 33rd to 48th, $9 million each. Additionally, each qualified team will receive $1.5 million to cover preparation costs, guaranteeing all participants at least $10.5 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted in a statement that "the World Cup will also be a pioneer in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community." The FIFA Council also approved the creation of a fund for post-conflict recovery in Israel-Palestine, in line with its goal of promoting football's unifying values. This measure follows an announcement by President Infantino at the Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh on October 13 last year, in which he outlined FIFA's intention to create a support mechanism for regions affected by conflict. This financial instrument, which will be open to third-party contributions and subject to strict oversight, will complement actions already implemented under the "FIFA Forward" program and other FIFA initiatives. The Council also confirmed that from 2026, pioneering male and female U-15 "festivals" will be held, open to all its member associations, as part of its commitment to promoting youth football. The first edition will feature male teams next year, and the second in 2027 will feature female teams. From 2028, all associations will be invited to participate in two separate competitions. To align with the development needs of U-15 players, matches will be shorter in duration and played on smaller pitches, with teams consisting of seven to nine players. "We have been very active in promoting competitions and youth football, and this is a natural and very joyful step."
