With the FIFA World Cup 2026 final just a few days away, Spain and defending champions Argentina are set for a spectacular match on 19 July. In addition to football’s most important prize, both teams are bidding for big bucks, gold medals, and unique championship prizes.
Argentina aims to secure its crown, and Spain would have the chance to break its record and become the new world champions. But Argentina continues to be the reigning FIFA World Cup champions until the final whistle.
England and France will face each other in the third-place play-off of the World Cup on 18 July before the main decider. The fourth will not get a medal for reaching the tournament’s final weekend, while the winning team will be awarded bronze.
A massive $727 million prize fund was reportedly awarded for the 48 national teams that got to the expanded 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This is a significant rise from the financial offering for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Each of the qualified football associations received $1.5 million in advance of the competition. The payment was to help with the preparation, which involved training camps, travel, and tournament setup.
The eventual World Cup winners will not only get a monetary prize but more. The winners will then pick up the iconic trophy, collect the gold medals, and receive special gold medal rings. Losing teams will receive silver awards, with the actual tournament awards based on the finish.
All eyes will now be on Spain and Argentina. Spain is aiming to write a fresh chapter in its football history, and Argentina is on a mission to defend its title. It will be the fun of one team with the trophy, the medals, and a big paycheck, but the other team will be the heartbreakers at death’s door.
