FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Prize Money Falls Short of Equality 2026

FIFA will fall short of its equal prize money ambition for the 2027 Women's World Cup, despite generating record revenues from the men's tournament. The women's prize pot is expected to be about a third of the men's $655m, according to sources, a significant increase but far from parity.

FIFA's Broken Promise on Equal Prize Money

In 2023, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the organization's ambition was to achieve equality in prize money for the 2027 Women's World Cup. He said: "FIFA is stepping up with actions, not just with words." That commitment raised hopes across the women's game that the 2027 prize pot would match the men's on at least a per-team basis.

With 48 teams at the men's event and 32 women's teams set to compete in Brazil next summer, a women's pot two-thirds the size of the men's $655m would have been considered parity. Instead, the women's prize money is understood to be about a third of the men's, marking a substantial increase but a missed opportunity for equality.

Record Revenues Highlight the Gap

FIFA made a record $15bn (£11.2bn) in revenue from this summer's men's tournament, underscoring the financial resources available. The decision to not match the men's prize fund has drawn criticism from some quarters, with one senior female source describing it as a "huge missed open goal" by FIFA.

Sky News reported that FIFA would not match the men's prize fund and that the women's pot is being targeted to double from $110m in 2023 to $220m. That would represent a more than seven-fold increase on the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, but still falls short of the equality that many had hoped for.

What the Numbers Say

The table below compares the prize money for recent men's and women's World Cups, illustrating the gap that remains.

While the projected 2027 women's prize pot is double that of 2023, it remains significantly lower than the men's per-team average. The comparison highlights the challenge of achieving true parity.

Reactions from the Women's Game

Some sources with knowledge of the negotiations have privately praised the increase, recognizing the substantial rise from previous tournaments. However, others see it as a failure to capitalize on the momentum for equality.

"It's a huge missed open goal," said one senior female source. The sentiment reflects frustration that FIFA, despite its financial success, has not fully committed to closing the gender gap in prize money.

What to Watch Next

No decision is expected to be confirmed until December's FIFA council meeting, where the final prize money figures will be discussed. The outcome will be closely watched by players, federations, and fans alike.

The debate over prize money is part of a broader conversation about gender equality in football. As FIFA continues to navigate its financial success, the pressure to deliver on its promises will only intensify.

The Broader Context of FIFA Leadership

The prize money shortfall comes amid a period of scrutiny for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino has faced mounting pressure over various issues, including allegations and criticism of his leadership style. As reported in FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Mounting Pressure, the president's position has been challenged by several confederations.

Concacaf countries have considered withdrawing their support for Infantino, according to Concacaf Countries Consider Withdrawing Support for Infantino. This adds to the complexity of the situation, as the prize money decision may further strain relationships.

The question of which confederations still back Infantino is explored in FIFA Leadership Crisis: Which Confederations Support Infantino?. Understanding the support base is crucial to assessing the president's ability to push through reforms.

Some observers have noted a broader rebellion against Infantino's leadership, as discussed in FIFA Rebellion: Why Football Finally Turned on Infantino. The prize money issue may be another flashpoint in this evolving story.

Infantino has also defended himself against media allegations, as covered in FIFA vs Media: Infantino Defends Amid Allegations. The president's handling of these challenges will be key to his legacy.

There have been calls for Infantino's resignation, detailed in FIFA Leadership Crisis: Infantino Faces Resignation Push. The prize money decision could add fuel to those calls.

Recently, Infantino angered Concacaf by hijacking a Caribbean meeting, according to Infantino Angers Concacaf by Hijacking Caribbean Meeting. Such actions may undermine trust and complicate negotiations.

Furthermore, a fifth FIFA vice-president has lost confidence in Infantino, as reported in Fifth FIFA Vice-President Loses Confidence in Infantino. This growing lack of confidence could impact the December council meeting.

Even Israel has withdrawn support for Infantino, according to Israel Withdraws Support for Embattled FIFA President Infantino. The international pressure on Infantino is mounting from multiple directions.

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