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The prize for tonight’s World Cup champions, aside from international recognition, includes that iconic trophy, championship rings and a cash prize of $51 million (€44.6 million). The money will be awarded to the country’s team federation, it’s up to them to decide how to pay the players.
FIFA has increased this year’s payout for the winning team For the 2022 Qatar World Cup, winners Argentina received $42 million (€36.7 million).
Tonight’s winner will hoist the world famous, Italian-crafted trophy, but they don’t actually get to take it home. Instead players are given a gold-plated replica each.
For this tournament, players will also receive championship rings for the first time. This is a tradition from the United States, one of this year’s host countries. The rings, featuring an engraving of the World Cup, will be customised “to reflect the identity of the winning team,” according to FIFA.
Overall FIFA has increased spend overall on the tournament, with a final bill of $871 million (€761 million) being paid out to the 48 teams taking part. Flights and hotels are covered for each team including delegations. All teams get at least $12.5 million for competing in the World Cup, including $10 million for qualifying and playing in the group stage, and then $2.5 million for pre-tournament training and expenses.
There are prizes too for the runners up. England, who beat France on Saturday to take 3rd place, will receive $30 million (€26 million). France, in fourth, win $28 million (€24.5 million).
While $51 million may seem a lot, in the world of international football, it’s a small figure. On Tuesday the transfer fee for Croatia’s Luka Vušković’s move to English club Brighton was $61.9 million (€54.1 million).