FIFA announced a 15 per cent increase in funding for World Cup teams while approving a landmark decision to allow Afghan women footballers to return to international competition.
The measures reflect both financial strength and a commitment to inclusion.
All 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will benefit from the funding hike. Preparation money rises from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, while qualification money increases from $9 million to $10 million. Delegation expenses and ticket allocations also receive significant boosts. FIFA confirmed that additional income will be shared among all 211 national federations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation’s strong financial position enables reinvestment into the game. He emphasised that the new distribution model supports member associations in unprecedented ways.
In another major decision, FIFA cleared Afghan women footballers to compete internationally again. The ruling comes under the Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, endorsed last year. Afghan women players, exiled since the Taliban’s return in 2021, will now have a pathway back to official FIFA competitions.
Afghanistan’s women’s national team has not played an official match since before the Taliban imposed restrictions on women’s education, work, and sport. FIFA’s move follows the creation of Afghan Women United, a FIFA-supported team offering organised opportunities for exiled players.
The financial boost and inclusion decision were finalised at a FIFA Council meeting ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
