UEFA Is About to Ask FIFA for Billions and European Teams Are Terrified Their World Cup Costs Will Swallow Their Prize Money
Here's the thing that should make you pay attention: the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, but right now, nobody actually knows how much money European teams are going to pocket. And some of them are genuinely worried they'll spend more than they earn just showing up to play.
According to The Athletic, UEFA, which governs soccer across Europe, is actively lobbying FIFA to increase the prize fund and help cover costs for European teams competing in this summer's tournament. Several European national associations asked UEFA to make this push on their behalf. The thing is, FIFA has promised to reinvest proceeds back into global soccer development, but the organizations have zero clarity on what their actual cut will be. That uncertainty is creating real anxiety.
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The financial details are expected to get hammered out when the FIFA Congress convenes in Vancouver at the end of May. Here's what we know so far: each team will receive $1.5 million designated as "preparation costs," plus an allowance to cover food, travel, and lodging for a traveling party of about 50 people. But for some teams, that's not going to be enough if their costs to participate end up being higher.
Neither UEFA nor FIFA offered any comment when The Athletic reached out to them about the negotiations.
The Tournament Kicks Off in Less Than Two Months
The 48-team World Cup is a joint North American effort, and it starts fast. Play begins June 11 with two matches in Mexico City. The next day, competition shifts north with matches in Toronto and Los Angeles. The whole tournament culminates with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
So yeah, the clock is ticking. UEFA has about two months to get this figured out before teams are supposed to start showing up. And if European associations don't get clarity and more cash before then, you're going to hear about it.
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