Hong Myung-bo’s South Korean national team, headed to the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, has already secured a significant distribution payout worth roughly $12.5 million (about 18.5 billion KRW) before the tournament even kicks off.
FIFA announced on April 27 in Vancouver that it will increase total distributions to the 48 participating teams from $727 million to $871 million (about 1.2866 trillion KRW).
The boost comes after FIFA, which had pledged its largest-ever financial support, agreed to additional increases in response to participating nations’ concerns about higher operating costs driven by longer travel between host venues and rising inflation.
The biggest change targets preparation costs. FIFA raised the preparation grant—intended for pre-tournament training camps and team travel— from $1.5 million to $2.5 million (about 3.7 billion KRW). The group-stage participation payment was also lifted to $10 million (about 14.8 billion KRW).
That means South Korea, drawn into Group A with Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic, is guaranteed at least $12.5 million (about 18.5 billion KRW) simply for qualifying for the final tournament.
Performance bonuses are also substantial. The tournament champion will take home $50 million; teams earn $11 million for reaching the round of 32 and an additional $15 million for advancing to the round of 16.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “Thanks to FIFA’s strong financial position, we can provide unprecedented support. This decision is a clear example of how FIFA reinvests its revenues into the development of football.”
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