Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz could be in line for a significant financial windfall should they qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with at least US$10.5 million guaranteed for each participating nation.
The payout structure was confirmed following a meeting of the FIFA Council in Doha, Qatar, earlier this week, where members approved a record-breaking financial distribution tied to the expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In total, FIFA will distribute US$727 million in contributions from the 2026 World Cup, the largest figure in the competition’s history. The bulk of that amount — US$655 million — will be shared among the 48 qualified teams as prize money, representing a 50 per cent increase compared to the previous edition of the tournament.
Under the approved structure, the World Cup champions will earn US$50 million, while the runners-up will receive US$33 million. Third place will be rewarded with US$29 million and fourth place US$27 million.
Teams finishing between fifth and eighth will collect US$19 million each, while those placed ninth to 16th will earn US$15 million. Nations exiting the tournament between 17th and 32nd place will receive US$11 million, with teams ranked 33rd to 48th pocketing US$9 million.
In addition, each qualified team will receive a further US$1.5 million to assist with preparation costs, ensuring that all participating member associations are guaranteed a minimum payout of US$10.5 million.
The Reggae Boyz are scheduled to meet New Caledonia on March 26, 2026 in the first round of the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, with the final against DR Congo set for March 31, 2026, at the same venue.
The winner of the Intercontinental Playoffs advances to the World Cup and will be placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
