Sh6.5bn, medals, rings: Inside the rewards for Spain's World Cup triumph

Spain will pocket a record Sh6.59 billion ($51 million) after beating Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making them the biggest beneficiaries of FIFA's richest prize fund in tournament history.

The victory, secured with an extra-time winner on Sunday, July 19, handed La Roja their second World Cup title, adding to their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

According to FIFA, the champions will also receive gold medals and, for the first time in World Cup history, bespoke championship rings inspired by the North American tradition of honouring title-winning teams.

The rings will be customised for the winners, making Spain the first national team to receive the unique keepsake.

Runners-up Argentina will take home approximately Sh4.39 billion ($34 million), while third-placed England will receive Sh3.88 billion ($30 million).

France, who finished fourth, are set to earn around Sh3.62 billion ($28 million).

FIFA's prize structure also guarantees substantial payouts for every nation that qualified for the tournament, ensuring no team leaves empty-handed.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featured a record 48 teams and the largest prize pool in the tournament's history.

FIFA increased the overall prize fund to about Sh112.58 billion ($871 million) after several football federations, particularly in Europe, argued that the initial allocation did not adequately cover the increased travel, accommodation and logistical costs associated with the three-host format.

Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will each receive approximately Sh2.58 billion, while those knocked out in the Round of 16 will earn about Sh2.06 billion.

Nations eliminated in the Round of 32 are entitled to around Sh1.55 billion, while countries that exited in the group stage will still pocket roughly Sh1.29 billion.

In addition, every participating federation received funding for pre-tournament preparations and training camps before the competition began.

Beyond the prize money, FIFA also covered several operational expenses, including business class return flights for each delegation, accommodation for a 50-member team contingent from five days before their opening match until one day after elimination, domestic transport across the three host nations, and dedicated team vehicles throughout the tournament.

The prize money is paid to each country's football federation, which then decides how it is distributed among players, coaches and staff.