FIFA World Cup 2026 Ends with Record $9 Billion Revenue for Football’s Governing Body
- 20th July 2026
- 04:00 PM
- 3 min read
Summary
FIFA is set to net over $9 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup, its own highest ever figure for the tournament. The expanded 48 team format, running six weeks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, drove the increase. Spain won the final, beating Argentina 1-0.Mumbai | July 20, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has closed as the most lucrative edition in the tournament’s history, with football’s governing body on course to record over $9 billion in revenue for the year, according to its own estimates. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday to win the final, with Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scoring the only goal. Argentina played the closing stages with 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card.
What Drove FIFA’s Record Revenue?
This year marked the first time 48 teams competed at a World Cup, up from 32 four years earlier. The larger format produced 104 matches instead of 64, spread across six weeks rather than four. The extended schedule allowed for more broadcast content, higher ticket volumes and additional commercial slots for advertisers, alongside a larger global audience overall.
Ticket prices for the tournament ranged from $60 to over $10,000, with a median price of admission above $900. Despite concerns over affordability ahead of the event, stadium utilisation in the group stage reached 99 percent occupancy.
The tournament also featured a half time show at the final involving Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira, which extended the interval to more than 27 minutes and drew criticism from commentators and fans.
What Is Planned for the 2030 World Cup?
FIFA has set aside a $6 billion budget for the 2030 tournament, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. The federation has described the event as one it expects to be more attractive to broadcasters. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has floated the idea of expanding the tournament further, to 64 teams, a proposal he has said will be examined following the conclusion of this year’s event.
FIFA plans to distribute $2.7 billion in development funding across its 211 member states between 2027 and 2030 under a programme it calls FIFA Forward 4.0.
What Was Trump’s Involvement in the Tournament?
US President Donald Trump was involved in the tournament, which the United States co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. Trump received 10 tickets valued at $15,000 from Infantino for the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last July, according to his 2025 financial disclosure made public last week. Trump also contacted Infantino regarding a one game suspension issued to USMNT player Folarin Balogun after a red card in a match against Belgium, a decision that was later rescinded.
Outlook
FIFA has indicated it will review the case for further expanding the World Cup format after this year’s tournament, with a decision expected to shape planning for the 2030 edition.
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