Atlas Lions to Gain From FIFA’s World Cup Prize Increase

Rabat – Morocco could see their financial rewards at the 2026 World Cup increase, as FIFA reviews prize money and participation fees for all 48 qualified nations.

Several federations have expressed worries about the high expenses linked to the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Travel, operations, and tax costs in particular have raised fears that even successful teams could face financial losses.

A recent report by The Guardian suggests FIFA is responding to these concerns by re‑evaluating its prize structure. A meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver on April 28 is expected to finalize the proposals, ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled to take place two days later.

FIFA announced in December a record prize pool of $727 million, with each team guaranteed at least $10.5 million and the winners set to collect $50 million. 

The new plan could raise these figures further, with additional bonuses for reaching the knockout rounds. According to British media, teams advancing to the last‑16, quarterfinals, and semifinals would receive progressively higher payments.

FIFA’s financial position

FIFA projects revenues of up to $13 billion for the current four‑year cycle ending with the 2026 World Cup. Officials argue that the organization’s strong financial health allows it to increase both prize money and development funding for its 211 member associations.

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed ongoing talks with national federations, saying the 2026 tournament will be “groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community.”

Morocco’s campaign

Morocco, drawn in Group C, will play its seventh World Cup this summer. The Atlas Lions open against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York, then face Scotland on June 19 in Boston, before closing the group stage against Haiti at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

For Morocco, higher prize money would ease the financial burden of competing abroad while rewarding their progress on the pitch. 

With FIFA set to confirm changes this week, the Atlas Lions could benefit from a more generous payout structure as they prepare for another historic campaign.

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