Ghana stands to earn a minimum of $10.5 million if the Black Stars appear for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s approval of a record $727 million prize and support package for the expanded tournament.

The decision, endorsed by the FIFA Council, marks a 50 per cent increase over the prize money distributed at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and reflects the scale of the new 48-team format.

The 2026 finals will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Under the approved framework, $655 million will be paid out as performance-based prize money to Participating Member Associations (PMAs).

Teams that finish between 33rd and 48th place will each receive $9 million, while those ranked 17th to 32nd will earn $11 million.

In addition to performance earnings, every qualified nation will receive $1.5 million from FIFA to support pre-tournament preparations.

This guarantees all teams a baseline payout of at least $10.5 million, regardless of how far they progress at the finals.

At the top of the prize ladder, the World Cup champions will receive $50 million, with runners-up earning $33 million. Teams finishing third and fourth will take home $29 million and $27 million, respectively.

Nations reaching the quarter-finals (5th–8th) will earn $19 million, while those eliminated in the round of 16 (9th–16th) will receive $15 million each.

FIFA says the expanded financial structure reflects its commitment to wider redistribution of World Cup revenues, particularly as the tournament grows in size, reach and commercial value.

For Ghana, the implications are significant. Beyond the sporting prestige, qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents a major financial opportunity, guaranteeing at least $10.5 million before a ball is even kicked.