FIFA is set to record its highest-ever four-year revenue, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to generate the bulk of the governing body’s income.
According to reports, FIFA has budgeted $13 billion in revenue for the 2023–2026 financial cycle, representing an increase of more than 70 percent compared to the previous four-year cycle.
The significant growth highlights the enormous financial impact of the FIFA World Cup, the organisation’s biggest commercial event.
The report states that $9 billion of the projected revenue is expected to be generated in 2026 alone through the World Cup.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, has attracted record broadcasting audiences, sponsorship deals, ticket sales and commercial partnerships.
FIFA’s financial model relies heavily on the World Cup.
Unlike most major sports organisations, FIFA reportedly operates at a loss in three out of every four years.
However, revenue generated during the World Cup year is enough to offset those losses and produce a financial surplus.
Although FIFA expects to bring in $13 billion during the current cycle, the organisation does not plan to retain most of the money.
As a not-for-profit governing body, FIFA has budgeted $12.9 billion in expenditure, leaving only $100 million to be added to its financial reserves.
A large share of the spending will go toward organising tournaments, supporting football development programmes across FIFA’s 211 member associations, funding infrastructure projects, and increasing investment in women’s football and youth competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stated that the organisation’s goal is to reinvest World Cup revenues into the global development of football.
Through initiatives such as the FIFA Forward Programme, billions of dollars have been distributed to national football associations to improve facilities, grassroots football and coaching worldwide.
The record-breaking financial projections underline the growing commercial power of the FIFA World Cup, which remains the world’s biggest single-sport event.
With an expanded tournament and increased global interest, the 2026 edition is expected to set new records both on and off the pitch.
