The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive US$50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from Fifa, world football's governing body announced on Wednesday.

The total World Cup prize fund of US$655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an increase of almost 50 percent from the US$440 million distributed to teams taking part in the last tournament in Qatar in 2022.

However, next year's World Cup – to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 – will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 percent increase from the 32 teams last time.

The Argentine Football Association received US$42 million in prize money after Lionel Messi inspired them to glory three years ago, when they won on penalties in the final against France.

France received US$30 million for their run to the final.

This time, the beaten finalists will pocket US$33 million, with the third-place finishers collecting US$29 million and the other defeated semi-finalists getting US$27 million.

Teams eliminated in the group phase will receive US$9 million, while all 48 participating nations will get an additional US$1.5 million to cover "preparation costs." (AFP)