World Cup: how much does third place in the standings earn?
By OnzeActu · · 7 min read
Third place in the World Cup is not only a matter of sporting prestige: it also brings a good sum of money to the selection which wins in the small final. Deciphering the amounts at stake for this 2026 edition, as well as the financial context surrounding the latest editions of the supreme tournament of world football.
According to News.
Context
The FIFA World Cup, which will take place in 2026, will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. This tournament will mark a new stage in the evolution of football finances, with increased prize money for all participating teams, thus reinforcing the importance of each match, including the small final.
Why it matters
Third place at the World Cup represents a crucial issue, both on a sporting and financial level. In addition to international recognition, the amount awarded to the winning team of the small final can have a significant impact on the football finances of the federations, especially for those which depend more on the income generated by the tournament. This highlights the importance of every match, even those that don't lead to the final.
Key points
- World Cup: how much does third place in the rankings earn?
- Third place in the World Cup is not only a matter of sporting prestige: it also brings a good sum of money to the selection which wins in the small final.
- World Cup third-place prize money: How much does the winner earn? - Yahoo Sports.
The FIFA World Cup attracts attention around the world and inspires millions of fans and players. If everyone only has eyes for the grand final and the most coveted trophy in football, the match for third place, often called the “small final”, is also of very particular interest. Not only does it allow one of the two teams eliminated in the semi-finals to finish on a positive note, but it also offers a generous financial reward.
For the 2026 edition bringing together the United States, Mexico and Canada, FIFA plans to once again increase the tournament's prize money. If the exact amount of the reward awarded to the third-placed team is generally only revealed on the eve of the competition, we can rely on the figures from recent editions to give an order of magnitude.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the International Federation allocated $27 million to the team that finished in third place (Croatia). This sum was part of an overall package of $440 million distributed to all participants, while the winner left with more than $40 million. For its part, the fourth-placed team received $25 million. The difference is not insignificant and can considerably strengthen the finances of National Federations, especially for those with more limited resources.
For example, in 2018, Belgium, third in the World Cup in Russia, received $24 million. Each edition therefore sees a progressive increase in prize money, driven by the growing revenues generated by the tournament at the global level (TV rights, sponsorship, ticketing, etc.).
If the bronze medal does not have the prestige of gold, the match for third place remains a special moment: the opportunity for nations to achieve an unprecedented podium and return home with a nice bonus. Beyond sporting satisfaction, it is also a significant economic issue which often makes it possible to finance football development programs in the country concerned.
For the 2026 edition, we will have to wait for the official announcement from FIFA in order to know precisely the amount granted to the third place in the tournament. But one thing is certain: for the federations and for the players, this meeting is not trivial, both in terms of prestige and financially.
The rest
With the 2026 edition of the World Cup looming, teams are preparing not only to aim for the title, but also to maximize their financial gains. National federations will begin to strategize to optimize their performance, hoping to reach at least third place. Details of the exact prize amounts will be revealed closer to the tournament, but previous editions provide a valuable indication of the financial stakes at stake.
Frequently asked questions
What amount is awarded to the third-placed team at the World Cup?
In the 2022 World Cup, the third-placed team received $27 million.
Why is the reward for third place increasing?
The reward increases due to the increasing revenue generated by the tournament, including TV rights, sponsorship and ticketing.
Who confirmed the increase in prize money for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA has confirmed that it plans to increase prize money for the 2026 edition.
What are the differences in reward between
he teams ranked third and fourth?
The third-placed team typically receives a higher sum than the fourth-placed team, which received $25 million during the 2022 World Cup.
When will the exact amount of the reward for third place be announced in 2026?
The exact amount of the reward for the third-placed team will usually be revealed on the eve of the competition.
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