FIFA Discusses Higher Payments for 2026 World Cup Teams

Apr 27, 2026, 10:52

Introduction

FIFA is currently discussing an increase in prize money and financial aid for the 48 nations taking part in the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Main Body

The proposal for more funding follows requests from UEFA on behalf of several European football associations. These organizations claimed that high costs for logistics, operations, and taxes—especially in the United States—justify the need for extra financial support. In December, FIFA set a prize fund of $727 million, which gave $50 million to the winner and at least $10.5 million to each team, plus $1.5 million for preparation. FIFA now aims to increase these amounts for all qualified teams and provide more development money for its 211 member associations. This is possible because FIFA expects its revenue to exceed $11 billion for the 2023-2026 period, following the financial success of the previous Club World Cup. However, while player funding is increasing, some operational spending is being cut. According to The Athletic, FIFA reduced its World Cup operating budgets by more than $100 million. As a result, celebrations in many host cities have been reduced, and only Houston and Philadelphia in the U.S. will keep their original 39-day event plans.

Conclusion

FIFA expects to officially approve the increased funding during its meetings in late April. The organization plans to use its strong financial position to help national associations cover their operational costs.

Vocabulary Learning

funding (n.)

money provided for a specific purpose / 为特定目的提供的资金為特定目的提供的資金

Example:The proposal for more funding follows requests from UEFA.

increase (v.)

to make or become larger or greater / 使或变得更大或更高使或變得更大或更高

Example:FIFA is currently discussing an increase in prize money.

justifies (v.)

to show something is right or reasonable / 证明某事正当或合理证明

Example:The high costs justifies the need for extra financial support.

operational (adj.)

related to the running of a business or system / 与业务或系统的运行有关與業務或系統的運行有關

Example:Operational spending is being cut to save money.

revenue (n.)

income from business activities / 来自商业活动的收入來自商業活動的收入

Example:FIFA expects its revenue to exceed $11 billion.

Sentence Learning

In December, FIFA set a prize fund of $727 million, which gave $50 million to the winner and at least $10.5 million to each team, plus $1.5 million for preparation.

Relative Clause: This clause provides additional information about the prize fund, specifying how the money was distributed.關係子句: 此子句提供了關於獎金分配方式的補充資訊。

However, while player funding is increasing, some operational spending is being cut.

Contrast: The sentence uses the conjunctions "however" and "while" to show that two opposing developments are happening at the same time.對比: 句中使用「however」與「while」表示兩件相對立的事實同時發生。

As a result, celebrations in many host cities have been reduced, and only Houston and Philadelphia in the U.S. will keep their original 39-day event plans.

Passive Voice: The verb phrase "have been reduced" is in the passive form, indicating that the action is performed on the celebrations rather than by a specific subject.被動語態: 動詞短語「have been reduced」採用被動語態，表示行動的受詞是慶祝活動，而非特定主語。

These organizations claimed that high costs for logistics, operations, and taxes—especially in the United States—justify the need for extra financial support.

Subordinate Clause: The clause introduced by "that" explains the reason why extra financial support is needed.從屬子句: 以「that」引入的子句說明為何需要額外財務支持。