Not only do the 32 nations competing at the Women's World Cup get the prestige of being involved in the biggest event in women's football, they also stand to gain financially in the way of prize money offered by FIFA.
With prize money first being made available in 2007, the amount awarded to teams competing at the tournament has increased at each edition, with figure on offer this time around 300% higher than that which teams received at the 2019 World Cup.
This is beneficial not just to the players, but more importantly to the less established nations that are playing, with the likes of Haiti and Zambia standing to gain crucial funds to be invested back into their football programs.
The Sporting News breaks down the key details of the prize money on offer at the Women's World Cup, and how it compares to the men's tournament.
MORE: Which teams have qualified for the Women's World Cup?
Total prize money at the 2023 Women's World Cup
In March this year, Gianni Infantino confirmed that the prize money offered to teams at this year's World Cup would rise to $110 million (£91m/AU$165m).
It is double what was originally on offer ($60m) and as mentioned above is a significant increase to the $30m seen at the last Women's World Cup.
Infantino also announced that an extra $31m would be offered to participating member associations as part of an allocation of money designed to assist in the tournament preparation for each team.
The moves were praised by FIFPRO, the worldwide organisation representing professional footballers, stating the move showed "the intent of the players and FIFA to work proactively towards greater equity and equality in the industry".
#FIFPRO, its member unions, and the players welcome FIFA’s announcement regarding conditions and prize money for the 2023 Women’s World Cup following a letter signed by #FIFPRO and 150 players from 25 national teams calling for change. pic.twitter.com/entKDTiy2u
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) March 16, 2023
How much prize money will the Women's World Cup winners get?
It was recently announced that the prize money offered to the winners of the Women's World Cup would be $4.29 million to the team, as well as $270,000 to each player on the winning team, meaning the winners get a total of $10.5m from FIFA.
This marks a slight increase in the $4m that the USA received as a team for winning the World Cup in 2019, but with the player bonus taken into account, it is a large upgrade from previous editions of the tournament.
It is a significant increase from the first tournament where prize money was offered; that year, Germany only received $1m in prize money for their run to lifting the trophy.
| World Cup year | Total prize money | Winner's share |
| 2007 | $5.8 million | $1 million |
| 2011 | $5.8 million | $1 million |
| 2015 | $15 million | $2 million |
| 2019 | $30 million | $4 million |
| 2023 | $110 milllion | $10.5 million |
World Cup 2022 prize money breakdown: How much will each team make?
Each team will receive a minimum of $1.56 million for reaching the group stage, with teams in the knockout stages receiving more prize money and the amount on offer increasing as teams get closer to the final.
This starts with $1.87m given to every team qualifying for the Round of 16 and rising to a minimum of $3m for the two teams playing in the final on August 20.
Below is the prize money amounts for each stage of the tournament (excluding bonuses per player).
| Stage | Prize money |
|---|---|
| Group stage | $1.56 million |
| Round of 16 | $1.87 million |
| Quarterfinal | $2.18 million |
| Fourth place | $2.45 million |
| Third place | $2.61 million |
| Runner up | $3 million |
| Winner | $4.29 million |
How much money do players make at the Women's World Cup?
This World Cup is also the first Women's World Cup to have a portion of prize money set aside for each individual player participating in the tournament.
On June 8, FIFA announced a new guarantee that would see players earn a minimum amount of money ($30,000) for playing in the finals; like the team prize money, the amount each player receives increases as their team progresses in the tournament.
The average wage for a women's player is only $15,000 per year, so the prize money offering specifically to all players will have a hugely positive impact on all players, especially those from less established nations or clubs.
"The amounts allocated under this unprecedented new distribution model will have a real and meaningful impact on the lives and careers of these players," Gianni Infantino said when announcing the changes.
| Stage | Prize money per player (USD) |
|---|---|
| Group stage | $30,000 |
| Round of 16 | $60,000 |
| Quarterfinal | $90,000 |
| Fourth place | $165,000 |
| Third place | $180,000 |
| Runner up | $195,000 |
| Winner | $270,000 |
How does Women's World Cup 2023 prize money compare to the 2022 World Cup?
Despite the prize money increases being a step in the right direction, it is still a drop in the ocean compared to that received by teams participating in the men's World Cup.
FIFA offered $440 million in prize money at last year's finals in Qatar, with Argentina receiving $42m in their run to becoming champions.
FIFA stated it wishes to make the prize money offered at both World Cups equal by 2027 — just one tournament cycle away — as part of their effort to bring about equality in pay between the men's and women's games.
Infantino also criticised broadcasters for what he deemed substandard offers to show Women's World Cup games in certain territories.
"FIFA is stepping up, but unfortunately this is not the case for everyone across the industry," Infantino said.
"Broadcasters and sponsors have to do more in this respect, for FIFA, for the confederations, for the member associations, for everyone. FIFA is receiving between 10 and 100 times inferior offers for the Women's World Cup than for the Men's World Cup.
"The news I have for those broadcasters or sponsors who don't want to offer similar amounts than for the Men's World Cup is simply that we're not going to sell women's football and a Women's World Cup at these prices."
On the eve of the 2023 final between Spain and England, Infantino then suggested it was up to women in the game to force the issue and "convince us men what we have to do and what we don't have to do" when it comes to prize money.
"With men, with FIFA, you will find open doors. Just push the doors," he said.
"This World Cup generated over $570 million in revenues, and so we broke even. We didn't lose any money and we generated the second highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage.
"And I say to all the women — and you know I have four daughters, so I have a few at home — that you have the power to change. Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights."
