FIFA’s Finances Swell as World Cup Revenue Skyrockets

FIFA is experiencing unprecedented financial growth, with its 2023-26 revenue cycle projected to reach a staggering $13 billion. This surge is primarily attributed to the expanded 2026 Men’s World Cup, which is set to generate an estimated $9 billion of that total. The figures, detailed in an analysis by The Athletic, highlight FIFA’s financial recovery and expansion since past scandals.

The governing body’s finances are closely tied to the quadrennial World Cup. In years without the tournament, FIFA typically incurs losses, but the World Cup revenue more than compensates for these. The current cycle’s projected revenue represents a more than 70 percent increase compared to the previous four-year period.

Key facts
| Item | Amount |
|—|—|
| Projected Revenue (2023-26) | $13 billion |
| Estimated World Cup Revenue (2026) | $9 billion |
| Reserves at end of 2025 | $2.7 billion |
| Bonds, Investments, Deposits | Nearly $6 billion |

Where the Money Comes From

The primary driver of FIFA’s income remains the global popularity of football. Television rights sales, hospitality rights, and ticket sales account for approximately 68 percent of the projected $13 billion revenue. These revenue streams have consistently made up more than half of FIFA’s total income in recent cycles.

Even when excluding the significant contribution from the expanded Club World Cup, revenues from 2023 to 2025 have already surpassed those of previous cycles. FIFA’s single-year revenue record of $5.769 billion in 2022 has already been exceeded, with $7.783 billion in revenues contracted for but not yet recognized by the end of 2025.

Broadcasting revenue forms a substantial portion of this income, totaling $3.621 billion over the past three years, or $4.621 billion if the Club World Cup rights are included. While European broadcasters were once the dominant payers for TV rights, their contribution has decreased. In the 2019-22 cycle, their share fell to 31 percent, with Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region becoming increasingly significant contributors.

Challenges and Spending

Despite its immense revenue, FIFA operates as a not-for-profit entity with ambitious spending plans. The organization intends to spend $12.9 billion against the $13 billion revenue, leaving only $100 million to bolster reserves. However, FIFA has consistently exceeded its budget surpluses in recent cycles, booking $1.2 billion in surpluses in the past two cycles alone.

FIFA’s reserves stood at $2.7 billion at the end of 2025, and the organization holds nearly $6 billion in bonds, investments, and deposits. This financial strength stands in stark contrast to its struggles with bribery and corruption a decade ago.

The article notes that while FIFA president Gianni Infantino states that “every dollar goes back to the development of football,” the exact allocation and impact of these vast sums on grassroots development and the sport’s broader ecosystem remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny. The article also points to a lack of transparency regarding the breakdown of broadcast rights revenue by region in FIFA’s current budget.

The substantial financial influx from the 2026 World Cup and FIFA’s overall financial health are critical developments for the global football community. The distribution of these funds and their impact on the development and accessibility of the sport worldwide are key considerations for fans, players, and administrators alike.

Source: The Athletic Football – The BookKeeper — Exploring FIFA’s finances: Where the money comes from and where it goes – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7330307/2026/07/09/fifa-finances-bookkeeper-analysis/

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