For the first time since 2006, the Socceroos reached the Round of 16 at a World Cup.
After only qualifying for Qatar 2022 via the playoffs, Australia weren't expected to do much damage in a tough Group D containing France, Denmark and Tunisia.
The Socceroos were indeed brushed aside 4-1 by the reigning champions in their opening game but that only seemed to ignite Graham Arnold's side.
Australia would go on to beat Tunisia 1-0, their first World Cup victory in 12 years, before backing up with the same result against Denmark on Thursday morning (AEDT).
Despite Tunisia also defeating France 1-0, the Socceroos did enough to claim second spot in Group D - one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup so far.
They were also valiant in defeat against Argentina, making La Albiceleste work very hard for their 2-1 win
Aside from being a massive achievement in itself, Australia's progression to the knockout stages also comes with a significant financial benefit with even more prize money up for grabs moving forward.
MORE: Which teams have qualified for the Round of 16?
Socceroos 2022 World Cup prize money
As things stand, the Socceroos will receive $19.15 million (US$13m) for reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar.
Australia were set to earn $13m (US$9m) for simply making the group stages but have now given that a healthy boost.
The Socceroos next face Argentina in the Round of 16 where another shock victory would see their prize money total jump up to just over $25m (US$17m).
As far as games go, Australia's match against Argentina can't get much more lucrative for the green and gold.
QUALIFIED for the #FIFAWorldCup Round of 16 for the second time ever!
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 30, 2022
No better time than our CENTENARY year! 🫶💯#GiveIt100 #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/GLtSJhmr3n
How much will each team earn at the 2022 World Cup?
FIFA allocated a total of US$42m in prize money for the 2022 World Cup - an increase of US$4m compared to 2018.
Prize money is then distributed in larger amounts to sides depending on how far they progress in the tournament.
This is how it's being broken down for Qatar 2022:
| 2022 Finish | Prize money |
|---|---|
| Group stage | $9m |
| Round of 16 | $13m |
| Quarterfinals | $17m |
| Fourth place | $25m |
| Third place | $27m |
| Runner-up | $30m |
| Winner | $42m |
How much money do players make at the World Cup?
As the key part of any successful team, players also benefit financially from featuring at a World Cup.
While base salaries differ between national teams and for different players, they do get a share of whatever prize money their team walks away with.
FIFA allows each team to decide what share players receive, and Germany promised to give each of their players a near $400,000 bonus had they lifted the title on home soil in 2006.
In 2022, it's been reported that Australia will pay each of its players AU$226,000 with an extra $290,000 to be paid if they reach the knockout stages.
Other nations are likely to offer a bit more or less than this amount to their players, depending on each federation's financial situation.
