Uzbekistanโs national football team is set to earn at least $10.5 million for its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA approved a record prize fund for the tournament.
The International Federation of Association Football has confirmed that a total of $727 million will be distributed among teams competing at the 2026 World Cup, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media. This represents a 50 percent increase compared with the prize money allocated for the 2022 tournament in Qatar and marks the largest financial distribution in World Cup history. Payments will be determined by teamsโ performance.
According to English journalist Ben Jacobs, the decision was endorsed by the FIFA Council, which approved the record financial contribution for the expanded tournament. All participating national teams will receive a base payment of $1.5 million to support preparations, while teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place will earn an additional $9 million.
As a result, every national team at the tournament, including Uzbekistan, is guaranteed a minimum payout of $10.5 million. Prize money rises significantly as teams progress further in the competition.
Teams finishing between 17th and 32nd place will receive $11 million, while those ranked 9th to 16th will earn $15 million. Quarterfinalists placed 5th to 8th will be paid $19 million. The fourth-placed team will collect $27 million, third place will receive $29 million, and the runner-up will earn $33 million. The World Cup champions will take home $50 million.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Uzbekistanโs national team is scheduled to face Colombia on June 17, Portugal on June 23, and one of the qualifying teamsโDR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledoniaโon June 27 in the group stage.
