The Evolution Of FIFA World Cup Prize Money

For the teams competing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the tournament isn't just about prestige, honor and immortality on the pitch. It's also about progressing in order to land as much of the World Cup's lucrative prize money as possible. Over the past three decades, prize money has grown steadily and this year, it's going to be at record levels once again.

Total prize money this year stands at $791 million, of which $400 million will be distributed to the 32 teams based on performances and finishing position. The rest of the money will be handed out as part of preparation for the tournament, as benefits to players' parent clubs and as compensation to clubs who lose their players due to injury. The winners will take home $38 million, an increase on 2014's $35 million. The runner-up will receive $29 million and third place will get $24 million.

FIFA announced the financial rewards on offer late last year. The following infographic provides an overview of the growth of prize money between 1982 and 2018. During Italia '90, the prize pot amounted to $54 million and in Korea and Japan in 2002, it had increased to more then $150 million.

Find all our World Cup related charts here.