FIFA is preparing for an unprecedented increase in the prize pool for the upcoming World Cup, slated to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June 2026. The total prize fund will reach a staggering 896 million dollars (over 3.47 billion zlotys), giving all participating nations a substantial financial incentive as they vie for football's most prestigious title.
This monumental prize pool will be divided among 48 teams participating in the tournament, marking an increase in distribution compared to previous tournaments. Although the exact prize breakdown and awarding criteria for ranks have not yet been officially announced, past performances at prior tournaments suggest significant monetary rewards will be given even for basic participation in the group stages. The last World Cup held in Qatar saw the winning team, Argentina, take home 42 million dollars, while the runners-up, France, earned 30 million dollars.
Each national team participating in the most recent tournament received an amount of 9 million dollars for simply attending, with additional bonuses allocated for progressing further in the competition: 4 million for advancing to the round of 16, another 4 million for reaching the quarterfinals, and the same amount for making it to the semifinals. Poland, which managed to navigate the group stage but was eliminated early in the knockout rounds, ended with a total of 13 million dollars (50 million zlotys), a significant return even in defeat.
As FIFA gears up for the 2026 World Cup, the anticipation for higher stakes continues to escalate. Expectations suggest that each participating team stands to earn even more than in Qatar, thus raising the competitive bar. Teams will also receive additional compensation for clubs whose players are selected for national squads participating in the World Cup, ensuring that the financial implications extend beyond the international level and into club football.
In a more immediate context, Polish national team coach Michał Probierz, who has been at the helm since September 2023, is making strategic changes to his squad ahead of their World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania. Previous to this week's match, Poland faced Scotland in November, coming away with a narrow 1:2 defeat. The upcoming fixture against Lithuania is crucial for establishing the groundwork for their World Cup campaign.
Unfortunately for Probierz, he will not have the services of key players Piotr Zieliński and Nicola Zalewski, both from Inter Milan, who will miss the match due to injuries. Additionally, defender Sebastian Walukiewicz is sidelined with a current injury, limiting the coach’s options as he seeks the best lineup to achieve success in their qualifying efforts.
In response to these challenges, Probierz has opted to shuffle his squad, notably placing Adam Buksa and Jakub Kamiński on the bench after their starting roles in the November match. However, returning to the lineup is veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been out of action due to injury. Moreover, Matty Cash will have another chance to shine after being absent for a year, catching the coach's eye for potential in this fresh match.
Probierz noted in an interview with TVP Sport, “The coach always has a dilemma. We, coaches, are always looking at the players and contemplating after training. Right now, we decided to go with a particular group of players and I believe we made the right choice.” This statement illustrates his confidence in the tactical adjustments he has made ahead of this critical match.
The opening match of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers between Poland and Lithuania will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 20:45, with broadcast available on TVP 1 and TVP Sport. Football fans can also follow a live text commentary through WP SportoweFakty as the Polish team aims to secure a vital win on their path to the upcoming World Cup, where each game increasingly holds the weight of potential financial rewards in the build-up to the historical tournament in 2026.
With a robust qualifying draw featuring notable competitions against teams such as the yet-to-be-determined loser of the quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Spain, alongside Finland, Lithuania, and Malta, Poland's path to the 2026 World Cup will test their mettle and skill in one of football's most competitive settings.
This year, with the stakes higher than ever, the Polish national team and the broader football community eagerly await an exciting journey leading to the 2026 World Cup, where not only glory but also substantial financial prizes await those able to rise to the occasion.
