FIFA Raises the Stakes With Massive $727m Prize Pool for 2026 World Cup Tournament

• FIFA has announced a record-breaking $727 million prize pool for the 2026 World Cup, with $655 million to be distributed among the 48 participating teams.
• The tournament winners will earn $50 million, the highest payout in World Cup history, while all qualified teams will also receive $1.5 million each to support pre-tournament preparations.

FIFA has confirmed a total prize pool of $727 million for the 2026 World Cup, with $655 million set to be shared among the 48 participating nations. This marks a significant increase in payouts for the tournament.

The eventual champions will take home $50 million, the largest payout in the history of the competition.

Prize Money Breakdown:
Winners: $50 million

Runners-up: $33 million

3rd Place: $29 million

4th Place: $27 million

5th – 8th Place (Quarter-finalists): $19 million each

Round of 16: $15 million each

Group Stage: $9 million each

In addition to these earnings, every qualifying team will be reimbursed $1.5 million to help cover their preparation costs before the tournament begins.

In other news…. A Nigerian banker, known on TikTok as @ikenga, has shared a viral warning from a customer who is clearly not taking the upcoming 2026 tax reform lightly.

The new law, which starts on January 1, 2026, is actually designed to help many workers by making the first ₦800,000 of annual income tax-free, meaning those earning around ₦100,000 a month won’t pay PAYE tax.

Despite the potential benefits for many, the customer sent a direct and stern message to the banker to ensure his own balance remains untouched.

The message read: “Good evening Mr Ikenga, I hope this new I’m hearing about this tax won’t affect my account. If I find one naira from my account eh, your name go be sorry. No even try near estate gate that whole week. Thank you.”

The post has sparked a wave of funny reactions from people who related to the customer’s protective energy over his money.

One TikTok user, @heissamiey, teased the banker by saying, “He don warn you like that , you go think say Na play 😂,”

@Dammysola & Mum warned, “You better no let it reach his account😂.”

Another commenter, @Better_in_Data, jokingly sided with the customer, adding, “I support your customer no sha near Estate gate😂😂.”