FIFA Council approves $871 million prize fund and governance reforms for 2026 World Cup

The FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver, has ratified a total prize fund of $871 million for the 2026 World Cup. This figure represents a 15 per cent increase from the previously announced $727 million pot. The expansion of the prize money is directly linked to the tournament growing from 32 to 48 teams, necessitating a larger financial allocation to cover preparation costs, qualification expenses, delegation fees, and ticketing subsidies.

Concurrent with the financial approval, the Council ratified amendments to the tournament rulebook regarding player discipline. The changes permit referees to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations or leave the pitch in protest of a decision. These legislative updates were prompted by recent incidents of racial abuse and walk-offs in other competitions, including a delayed match between Real Madrid and Benfica and a chaotic final in the Africa Cup of Nations involving Senegal.

The disciplinary framework also includes a provision allowing yellow cards to be wiped after the group stage and quarter-finals. This adjustment reduces the likelihood of players facing suspensions during crucial knockout matches if they have accumulated a single booking prior to those stages. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) had previously approved these amendments ahead of the World Cup in North America.

In a significant governance development, FIFA officially sanctioned the Afghanistan women's national team to participate in official competitions. This decision clears a regulatory hurdle that previously required approval from a national federation, which was unable to grant it following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The team had previously competed in friendly matches under a FIFA-sanctioned entity known as Afghan Women United since 2025.

While the team is now eligible for official competition, they are currently unable to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil or the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles due to completed qualification cycles. Their first opportunity to compete for a major tournament will be the 2029 Women's Asian Cup in Uzbekistan, with qualification proceedings expected to commence in 2028.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar distributed $440 million across 32 teams, setting a precedent for the current financial structure. The 2026 edition marks the highest prize pot FIFA has ever offered to participating teams, reflecting the increased scale and operational requirements of the expanded tournament.