Fifa World Cup 2022 prize money: how much does the winning team get in Qatar?

A look at how much the top teams will earn during the finals, including preparation fees

France's Hugo Lloris kisses the trophy as they celebrate after winning the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia. Reuters

France players celebrate following their side's victory. Getty Images

France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates winning the World Cup. Reuters

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic embarrasses France's Hugo Lloris to make it 4-2. Reuters

Kylian Mbappe drives in France's fourth goal. Getty Images

Paul Pogba strokes home France's third. Getty Images

Paul Pogba celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal. Getty Images

Croatia's Danijel Subasic looks dejected after conceding their third goal. Reuters

Antoine Griezmann of France scores his team's second goal from the penalty spot. Getty Images

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates scoring their first goal. Reuters

Croatia's Ivan Perisic scores their first goal. Reuters

Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and Kylian Mbappe of France celebrate their team's first goal, an own goal scored by Mario Mandzukic. Getty Images

Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores an own goal for France's first goal. Getty Images

France president Emmanuel Macron alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Reuters

Conor McGregor in the stands. Reuters

France's Paul Pogba. Reuters

Croatia players pose for a team photo. Reuters

France players pose for a team photo. Reuters

The World Cup trophy on display prior to the final. AP Photo

Singer Will Smith performs during the closing ceremony. Reuters

Former German international footballer, Philipp Lahm and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova present the 2018 FIFA World Cup Original Trophy ahead of the final. Getty Images

Inside the stadium during the closing ceremony. Reuters

Performers during the closing ceremony. Reuters

Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi perform during the closing ceremony. Getty Images

Luka Modric of Croatia warms up prior the FIFA World Cup 2018 final. EPA

A French fan hold up a souvenir scarf as he waits for the start of the final match between France and Croatia. AP Photo

Inside the stadium prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia. Getty Images

France's Kylian Mbappe warms up prior to the final. AP Photo

France fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia. Getty Images

A supporter of Croatia before the start of the final. EPA

Ivan Perisic of Croatia talks with team mates before the final. EPA

The Fifa World Cup is undoubtedly the biggest sporting event on the planet. Nations from all continents fight tooth and nail to just gain the right to participate in the quadrennial event.

The 2018 tournament attracted a combined global viewership of 3.572 billion viewers – that is half the planet's population. According to Fifa, the final between France and Croatia alone attracted a combined global audience of 1.12 billion.

This year, 32 teams will once again fight for the ultimate prize. The venue is Qatar – the first time the finals has been staged in the Middle East.

Hosts Qatar will kick off the tournament at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 20 against Ecuador, with the final on December 18.

What is the prize money?

Fifa has set aside a total prize pool of $440 million for the World Cup 2022. The breakdown is as follows:

Champions: $42 million

Runners-up: $30 million

Third place: $27 million

Fourth place: $25 million

Fifth-eighth place: $68 million ($17 million per team)

Ninth-16th place: $104 million ($13 million per team)

17th-32nd place: $144 million ($9 million per team)

In addition, each team that has qualified will receive $1.5m ahead of the competition to cover preparation costs. In the 2018 edition, winners France took home a cheque of $38m.

How many stadiums are there?

A total of eight venues will host matches during the finals. All venues have air conditioning system, allowing fans and spectators to enjoy the proceedings in comfort. The venues are Lusail Stadium, Stadium 974, Al Thumama Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, and the Al Janoub Stadium.

How long will the tournament last for?

A total of 64 games will be played to decide the winners on December 18. This will be the last edition to involve 32 teams. The next World Cup in 2026 - to be held in United States, Mexico, and Canada – will see 48 teams participating.