Bafana Bafana will bank big after FIFA confirmed a total prize pool of $655 million for the expanded 48-team tournament, a 50 % increase from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Each qualified nation will receive $1.5 million in preparation funding, meaning every participant will score a minimum of $10.5 million, approximately R175 million, before the tournament even begins.
A LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP
Bafana Bafana sealed their place at the USA, Canada and Mexico finals on 14 October with a convincing 3-0 win over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium. Thalente Mbatha broke the deadlock before Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa’s goals put the game to bed.
The victory also confirmed Hugo Broos’ side as Group C winners with 18 points. Nigeria and Benin finished just behind in third and fourth place on 17 points each, while Lesotho (12), Rwanda (11) and Zimbabwe (5) completed the standings.
Also read: How Bafana Bafana won bronze at AFCON 2024
The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup qualification in 15 years, and their first earned through competition in 23 years. Their previous appearance came in 2010 as hosts, with the last qualification on merit dating back to the 2002 finals in Korea and Japan.
Beyond the guaranteed income, the prize money could increase significantly depending on how far South Africa progress. FIFA has confirmed that the champions will earn $50 million, runners-up $33 million, third place $29 million and fourth place $27 million, with substantial rewards also allocated for knockout-stage finishes.
BAFANA BAFANA TO AFCON 2025 IN MOROCCO
Meanwhile, South Africa turn their focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, starting with Angola on Monday, 22 December at 19:00. Matchday two will be against Egypt on Friday, 26 December, with kick-off set for 17:00, before taking on Zimbabwe on Monday, 29 December at 18:00.