NFF set to lose billions as prize fund hits nearly ₦1 trillion for expanded 48-team tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles have emerged as among the biggest losers in global football news this week, after FIFA unveiled a record prize pot worth approximately ₦990 billion (USD 655 million) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – funds Nigeria will not benefit from due to its failure to qualify.
World football’s governing body confirmed that the 2026 World Cup prize money pool will be a 50 % increase over the 2022 edition, with financial rewards distributed to all participating nations at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under the new payout structure approved by the FIFA Council, USD 655 million (about ₦990 billion) will be shared among the 48 teams; up from USD 440 million in 2022 — with a break-down as follows:
🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 Prize Money Breakdown
- Champions: $50 million
- Runners-up: $33 million
- 3rd Place: $29 million
- 4th Place: $27 million
- 5th–8th: $19 million
- 9th–16th: $15 million
- 17th–32nd: $11 million
- 33rd–48th: $9 million
Plus, each qualified nation will receive $1.5 million to cover preparation costs ahead of the tournament.
This financial framework guarantees that every nation that makes the World Cup. Even those exiting in the early rounds will receive at least USD 10.5 million (about ₦15.2 billion).
Nigeria’s Loss: NFF and Super Eagles Miss Out
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were unable to secure automatic qualification after finishing second in their group behind South Africa and ultimately lost to DR Congo on penalties in the continental playoff, sealing their second consecutive absence from the World Cup finals.
As a result, both the NFF and the players will miss out on the minimum guaranteed payments that all 48 qualified teams will receive a significant financial hit given the federation’s reliance on World Cup revenue streams to fund development, grassroots programmes and administrative costs.
The NFF had even petitioned FIFA over DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players in the playoff, a controversial move that continues to attract attention in international football circles though a final decision is still pending.
The record prize pot reflects FIFA’s decision to boost financial incentives as part of the expanded 48-team World Cup model, which has attracted both praise and criticism globally. While all participants are earning more than ever before, nations like Nigeria that fall short of qualification are feeling the effects more acutely.
For the NFF and millions of Super Eagles supporters, this represents not only a missed sporting opportunity but also a significant economic setback that could impact the federation’s operations and future plans.
Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.