World Cup 2026: New Rules and Historical Increase in Revenues

The FIFA Council announced on Wednesday morning an unprecedented increase in financial resources allocated to the teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, reaching nearly $871 million, which represents a 15% rise from previous editions. This announcement comes just 44 days before the tournament kicks off, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In an official statement released following the FIFA Council meeting held on Tuesday evening, the organization specified that this increase will be distributed among the 48 participating teams. The allocations for preparation will jump from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, while qualification bonuses will increase from $9 million to $10 million. Additional support exceeding $16 million will also be provided to cover delegation costs and match tickets.

In this context, FIFA President Gianni Infantino asserted that the international organization is currently in its best financial position ever, enabling it to support member associations at an unprecedented level and reinvest its resources in the global development of football.

The meeting also saw the adoption of new modifications to the laws of the game to be implemented during the 2026 World Cup. These changes include issuing red cards to players who leave the field in protest against referee decisions, imposing sanctions on players who cover their mouths while speaking in moments of dispute, and wiping yellow cards after the group stage, then again after the quarter-finals.

Furthermore, the FIFA Council approved a governance rule change to allow the Afghan refugee team to participate in official competitions, aiming to support teams unable to officially represent their countries.

Regarding upcoming competitions, Armenia and Georgia have been selected to host the U20 World Cup in 2029, while the United States, specifically Miami, will host the final stage of the 2027 Women’s Champions Cup.

It was also decided that the U17 World Cup 2026 will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.

FIFA also announced the dates for several major tournaments, including the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, the 2027 Gold Cup from June 19 to July 11, and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations from June 19 to July 17.

On the administrative front, it was decided that the election for the FIFA presidency for the 2027-2031 term will take place during the 2027 Congress, with the electoral process set to commence on April 30, 2026.

Lastly, the Council approved the initiation of consultations aimed at requiring clubs to field at least one player under the age of 20 or 21 in their starting lineup, as part of supporting young talent.