The FIFA World Cup 2026 final kicks off at 12.30 am IST on July 20, with defending champions Argentina taking on Spain at the New York–New Jersey Stadium. While the winner will lift football's biggest trophy, both finalists have already secured the tournament's largest financial rewards from FIFA's record-breaking prize fund.

The 2026 edition carries a total prize pool of $655 million, a 50% increase from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the expansion to 48 teams.

England take third, France finish fourth

England and France, beaten in the semi-finals by Argentina and Spain respectively, have already completed their campaigns.

England finished third and will receive $29 million (about ₹279 crore) in prize money.

France ended fourth, earning $27 million (around ₹260 crore). The difference between third and fourth place is $2 million. 

Argentina and Spain guaranteed at least $33 million

The final will determine who claims the biggest prize of the tournament.

Both Argentina and Spain have already guaranteed themselves $33 million by reaching the title clash. That amount goes to the runners-up.

If Argentina win, they will secure a fourth FIFA World Cup title and receive $50 million.

If Spain win, they will lift their second World Cup trophy and also collect $50 million as champions.

The gap between the winners' and runners-up prize is $17 million.

How FIFA prize money is shared

FIFA transfers the prize money to each country's football association rather than paying players directly.

The national football associations decide how the money is distributed among players, coaches and support staff. Any remaining amount is typically used for football development programmes and other initiatives in that country.

The Argentina-Spain final is the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever staged, bringing down the curtain on the first 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.