FIFA will miss its stated goal of equal prize money for the Women’s World Cup by 2027, despite recording record revenue from this summer’s men’s tournament. The organization had pledged to move toward pay parity, raising hopes among players and supporters of the women’s game.
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, said in 2023 that equality was the organization’s ambition for the 2027 prize pot, adding that FIFA was stepping up with actions, not just words. While prize money for the next Women’s World Cup is expected to double, the gap between men’s and women’s payouts will remain substantial.
Key Facts
- FIFA will fall short of its goal for equal prize money at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
- Gianni Infantino said in 2023 that equality was FIFA’s target for the 2027 prize pot.
- Prize money for the 2027 Women’s World Cup could double but will still trail the men’s tournament.
- FIFA earned a record $15 billion from this summer’s men’s World Cup.
What Happens Next?
Though FIFA plans to increase the Women’s World Cup prize fund, the per-team payout will remain well below that of the men’s competition. This follows a strong financial showing from the 2026 men’s tournament, which generated a record $15 billion in revenue. The disparity has drawn attention from players, sponsors, and advocacy groups pushing for greater equity in global football.
The decision underscores ongoing tensions within FIFA over resource allocation between the men’s and women’s games. While progress has been made, the gap remains a point of criticism. Equal prize money efforts have gained momentum across sports, with several federations already adopting parity measures.
How Did We Get Here?
The push for equal prize money intensified after Gianni Infantino’s 2023 announcement that FIFA aimed for prize pot equality by 2027. However, the latest developments suggest logistical or financial barriers have intervened. This follows a record-breaking men’s tournament that brought in $15 billion, fueling expectations of proportional investment in the women’s game.
Advocates argue that doubling the women’s prize money, while positive, does not fulfill the original promise of full parity. Players and federations continue to press for accountability, while FIFA maintains it is working toward long-term equality through incremental steps.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- FIFA will not meet its 2027 target of equal prize money for the Women’s World Cup.
- The Women’s World Cup prize money may double by 2027.
- A significant pay gap will remain between men’s and women’s tournaments.
- FIFA generated a record $15 billion from the 2026 men’s World Cup.
- Gianni Infantino stated in 2023 that equality was the goal for 2027.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact amount allocated for the 2027 Women’s World Cup prize pool.
- Reasons behind FIFA’s inability to meet its stated equality target.
- Whether further increases beyond 2027 are planned.
Why It Matters
The push for equal prize money in football reflects a broader movement toward gender equity in sports. As the women’s game grows globally, disparities in funding and compensation risk undermining efforts to build a more inclusive sport. FIFA’s failure to deliver on earlier promises may affect player morale, sponsorship deals, and public perception of the organization’s commitment to equality.
Across tennis, cricket, and other sports, equal pay initiatives have reshaped competitive landscapes. Football’s governing body now faces pressure to align its rhetoric with results. See our sports coverage and politics section for related updates.
What To Watch
Stakeholders will monitor FIFA’s next steps ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Officials have yet to provide a revised timeline or explanation for falling short of the equality goal.