The 2026 World Cup will become the biggest tournament in football history. The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Moreover, 48 teams will compete in the event. Defending champions Argentina will return to protect their title.

This edition will be the largest World Cup by number of teams. In comparison, only 32 teams played in 2022. This year, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao will make their first appearance in tournament history. As a result, the competition will bring fresh energy and new storylines.

Prize money will also reach a record level. This year, FIFA has set aside $871 million for the tournament. That figure is almost double the amount awarded at the previous World Cup. Therefore, the 2026 edition will also become the richest event in World Cup history.

Each team will receive $2.5 million to prepare for the tournament. In addition, every qualified team will earn $10 million. That means each nation will collect at least $12.5 million before playing a match. After that, teams will receive more money based on how far they advance.

The 2026 World Cup champions will receive $53.5 million. By comparison, 2022 winners Argentina earned $42 million. Meanwhile, the runners-up will take home $36.5 million. The third-place team will earn $32.5 million, while the fourth-place finisher will receive $30.5 million.

Furthermore, teams finishing from fifth to eighth place will each receive $22.5 million. Teams ranked ninth through sixteenth will collect $18.5 million. Nations finishing seventeenth to thirty-second will earn $14.5 million. Teams placed thirty-third to forty-eighth will receive $12.5 million. Finally, the 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches, making this World Cup bigger in every way.