They say revenge is a dish best served cold, and there was no place for it in the hot and humid weather conditions surrounding France and Morocco’s quarterfinal showdown. For the second straight World Cup, the Atlas Lions have been knocked out by Les Bleus with a 2-0 loss. Still, Morocco will be rewarded for its strong performance.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA Council approved a record-breaking amount in financial contributions for soccer’s biggest tournament. Naturally, this meant the winner would take home an even bigger purse in addition to immortal glory. However, it also meant those who fell short would receive a bigger consolation prize. For Morocco, money won’t ease the pain of falling at the hands of France, but it could certainly help.
Having lost to France by a score of 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, Morocco are guaranteed to finish among the top eight teams in the tournament. Thus, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) will receive $19 million (USD). Moreover, under FIFA’s approved prize pool, each qualified team receives a $1.5 million bonus meant to cover preparation costs.
As a result, Morocco will walk away with a total of $20.5 million for its quarterfinal elimination at the 2026 World Cup. How that money will be be distributed among the players on Morocco’s roster, which features several players born overseas, will depend on the terms agreed upon by the RMFF.
Ismael Saibari #11 of Morocco.
How much had Morocco received in 2022?
After finishing in fourth place at the 2022 World Cup (2-1 loss to Croatia in the third-place match), Morocco received $25 million. Their share came from the overall prize pool of $440 million for the World Cup in Qatar. In 2026, Morocco received only $4.5 million less despite playing one fewer game overall. Morocco played six games in 2026, whereas in 2022 they played seven.
Prize pool went up for 2026 World Cup
The record-breaking figure agreed upon by the FIFA Council meant the overall prize pool for the 2026 World Cup would be $655 million. Percentage-wise, that represented a nearly 50% increase compared to the 2022 World Cup, which had already been a record-setting tournament in terms of prize money. One can only guess the 2030 World Cup will see a similar increase in financial contributions.
However, that’s the last thing on Morocco’s mind, as they will be co-hosts of that tournament. The Atlas Lions are automatically qualified for the 2030 World Cup, so their focus from now on will be on making history. Morocco already hold the record for the furthest an African team has ever gone at a World Cup, but they want more.
Perhaps, Morocco can become the first African team to win soccer’s biggest tournament. Since 1930, the list of World Cup champions has never included a national team from the Cradle of Humankind. What better setting for the Atlas Lions than to hoist the trophy at home?
