KUALA LUMPUR: Who will walk away with a record US$50mil (about RM204.8mil) prize after arguably the most eagerly anticipated football match in recent times?
European champions Spain will face reigning world champions Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, United States, at 3am Malaysian time on Monday (July 20), in a clash that pits the continent's finest against the holders of football's biggest prize.
According to FIFA, the champions will receive US$50mil as part of a record US$727mil (about RM2.98bil) financial distribution approved for the 2026 edition.
The largest share of the package, US$655mil (about RM2.68bil), has been allocated as prize money for the 48 participating teams, representing a 50 per cent increase from the previous tournament.
While Spain are chasing their second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph, Argentina are bidding to add a fourth crown to those won in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
Regardless of who lifts the trophy, both finalists are already guaranteed historic financial rewards.
FIFA’s prize structure shows the runners-up will receive US$33mil (about RM135.16mil), while the third- and fourth-placed teams will earn US$29mil (about RM118.78mil) and US$27mil (about RM110.59mil) respectively.
No team leaves the tournament empty-handed, with every participating member association guaranteed at least US$10.5mil (about RM43.01mil), including a US$1.5mil (about RM6.14mil) preparation grant for each qualified nation.
Teams eliminated in the early stages (33rd to 48th place) will still receive US$9mil (about RM36.86mil) in prize money.
However, while the players battle for a record payday on the pitch, the cost for fans hoping to witness the final in person is just as astronomical.
Bernama checks on FIFA’s official ‘Tickets & Hospitality’ portal found elite hospitality packages such as the ‘Trophy Lounge’ starting from US$29,000 (about RM118,781) per person, while the ‘Champions Club’ package starts from US$19,000 (about RM77,822).
Meanwhile, the ‘FIFA Pavilion’ package is priced from US$17,000 (about RM69,630) per person.
For supporters seeking last-minute standard tickets, Category 1 seats are retailing at US$10,990 (about RM45,014), while premium ‘Front Category 1’ tickets range from US$21,995 (about RM90,089) to US$24,995 (about RM102,377).
Whether it is Spain celebrating a second world title or Argentina adding a fourth star, the champions will leave New Jersey with football's most coveted trophy and the richest payday in FIFA World Cup history. – Bernama
