FIFA set to increase 2026 World Cup prize money

April 27, 2026 3:39 PM

FIFA set to increase 2026 World Cup prize money

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, soccer's global governing body said on Sunday. The proposal must be approved at Tuesday's FIFA Council meeting being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver. In December, FIFA said prize money for this year's World Cup would be 50% higher than for the previous edition at $655 million after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tourname...

US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won’t be allowed

April 24, 2026 9:30 AM

US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won’t be allowed

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but he added the players will not be allowed to bring with them people with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "Nothing from the U.S. has told them they can't come," Rubio told reporters. President Donald Trump also said his administration "would not want to affect the athletes" in comments he made at the White House. The 2026 socc...