The team that wins the third-place play-off match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive $29 million in prize money from FIFA for its performance. The team that loses that match, finishing fourth, will receive $27 million. FIFA has already determined the prize money distribution for every stage of this massive 48-team tournament, clarifying exactly how much the top four teams will earn based on their final rankings.
Details on Prize Money for Third Place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The third-place play-off match is the final game for the two teams that lose in the World Cup semi-finals. Although they do not make it to the final, they still have a significant stake in the match; beyond securing a spot on the podium, the winning team receives a larger financial reward.
According to FIFA, the team that wins the third-place match will receive $29 million in prize money. The team that loses the match and finishes fourth will receive $27 million.
There is a $2 million difference between the third and fourth-place prizes. While both teams exit the tournament at the same stage, the outcome of the play-off determines who receives the higher payout and who wins the bronze medal.
Some reports have mentioned a higher figure for the team finishing in third place.
Prize money for the top four teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup FIFA has released the complete prize money structure for the teams finishing in the top four positions of the tournament.
| Champion | $50 Million |
| Runner-Up | $33 Million |
| Third Place | $29 Million |
| Fourth Place | $27 Million |
The winning team will receive the largest prize money after lifting the World Cup trophy. The runner-up team will earn $33 million, while the two teams that lose in the semi-finals will receive either $29 million or $27 million, depending on the outcome of the third-place play-off. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, and FIFA has increased the total prize money compared to previous tournaments.
However, the performance-based payments for the top four teams remain distinct from the preparation funding provided to participating nations. Consequently, the official prize amount for the third-placed team stands at $29 million.
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