2026 World Cup prize money: South Africa in for bumper harvest

Published on by

2026 World Cup prize money: South Africa in for bumper harvest

South Africa are set to earn big following their qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana will be among the 48 teams in North America next summer and FIFA has set aside a bumper reward for all participating teams with the amount increasing based on how far they go in the tournament.

As per FIFA’s reward scheme for the 2026 tournament, all participating teams are guaranteed at least $9 million (R150 million) in prize money while there is an extra $1.5 million (R25 million) that will be paid to every side to boost their preparations.

South Africa can earn more past group stage

As the teams progress in the tournament, the amount will keep growing, with $11m (R184m) going to teams that will finish between 17th and 32nd place, ninth to 16th place attracting $15m (R251m) and $19m (R318 million) for fifth to eight place.

If Bafana Bafana make it to the semi-final, they will be guaranteed at least $27m (R451m), which will go to the fourth-placed team, while third place will attract $29m (R485m).

Winning the tournament will fetch the world champions $50m (R836m) while finishing second will come with a cheque of $33m (R552m). The amount is a 50 per cent increase on the prize money shelled out to World Cup teams at the 2022 Qatar World Cup by FIFA.

Who will Bafana play at 2026 World Cup?

Bafana Bafana 2025
Image – SAFA Media

South Africa are therefore guaranteed $10.5 million (R175 million) even before kicking a ball thanks to their qualification to the tournament for the first time since 2002.

Hugo Broos’ men will open the 2026 tournament with a match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 before taking on a European side that will come from the playoff involving Denmark, Czech Republic, North Macedonia and Republic of Ireland, and complete group stage action against South Korea.

South Africa have never gone past the group stage at their three previous World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010 but there is hope that Broos’ team can change that in North America.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

You May Also Like