FIFA is projecting a record $13 billion in revenue for the 2023-2026 period. This figure represents a substantial 72% increase over the previous cycle and is $2 billion higher than the initial budget approved in March 2023. The organization attributes this significant growth to the expanded formats of both the men's and women's World Cup tournaments, highlighting the commercial strength and global reach of its events.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature 104 games, marking a 60% increase compared to the 64 total matches played in Qatar 2022. The expanded format will include 72 group-stage matches. Semifinalists will be required to play eight matches, which is one more than in previous tournaments, as FIFA aims to maximize earnings from the sport's top players. The final is scheduled for July 1.
Despite the projected financial success, the expansion has drawn criticism regarding player welfare. In 2024, the players' union Fifpro Europe initiated legal action against FIFA, citing an "overloaded and unworkable" football calendar. An analysis by FT revealed that 130 outfield players participating in the World Cup have already exceeded workload thresholds considered sustainable by Football Benchmark in the past year. Concerns are heightened as the English Premier League season is set to begin little more than a month after the tournament. As of the current season, France, Portugal, and England lead in accumulated playing time for their World Cup squads, with France's players logging nearly 100,000 combined minutes. The legal case remains ongoing.
