Ghana stands to earn at least $10.5 million for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA approved a record $727 million prize-money package for the first edition of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Ratified by the FIFA Council, the prize-money pool represents a 50 per cent increase from the total awarded at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, reflecting the scale of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the new structure, $655 million will be distributed as performance-based prize money among participating nations. Teams finishing between 33rd and 48th will receive $9 million, while those ranked 17th to 32nd will earn $11 million. In addition, every qualified nation will receive $1.5 million to cover preparation costs, ensuring a guaranteed minimum payout of $10.5 million for each team that reaches the finals, regardless of results.
At the top end, the World Cup winners will take home $50 million, with runners-up earning $33 million. Third and fourth-placed teams will receive $29 million and $27 million respectively, while quarter-finalists (5th–8th) will earn $19 million each. Teams eliminated in the round of 16 (9th–16th) will pocket $15 million.
The expanded financial model highlights FIFA’s commitment to broader revenue distribution as the World Cup grows in size and global reach. For Ghana, qualification represents not only a major sporting achievement but also a significant financial boost—worth at least $10.5 million before a ball is even kicked.
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