The FIFA World Cup is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the world of sports. Every four years, 32 countries come together to battle it out for international glory and bragging rights as soccer champions of the world. But while national teams may be competing on the field, their respective federations are also looking to make a splash in their own way.
For each country’s respective soccer federation, a successful World Cup offers not only an opportunity to showcase talent from within its borders but also an invaluable marketing opportunity to promote itself on a global stage. The attention that comes with performing well at such a high-profile event can make for better sponsorship deals and more lucrative television contracts back home in many cases.
In addition, there are prizes and economic incentives granted by FIFA, and in this case, one of the countries that have suffered the most from being eliminated in the group stage is Mexico.
According to ESPN Digital reports, the Mexican National Team gave up the opportunity to earn up to 2.6 million dollars for not advancing to the next round of the World Cup.
Individually, each of the 26 selected lost $100,000, which may not affect the finances of players in European clubs that much.
FIFA’s scale of economic prizes is as follows for the teams that overcome the different rounds, from the Group Phase to the Final. The team that lifts the World Cup on December 20 will take 42 million dollars, the runner-up 30 million dollars, third place, 27, and fourth, 25.
Those who reach the quarterfinals will receive 17 million, those who reach the round of 16 will add 13, and the teams that stayed in the first phase, such as Mexico, will receive 9 million.