FIFPRO and national players’ unions have reportedly sought legal advice on possible next steps if players at the Women’s World Cup do not receive prize money on par with men’s players.
FIFPRO has asked FIFA to set prize money proportionally equal across the men’s and women’s tournaments. Its proposal also calls for keeping at least 30% of the women’s tournament prize pool guaranteed to players, adjusted for the number of teams and matches.
The letter says the proposals would establish equal pay for equal work. Players from Spain, England, the United States and the other nations currently ranked in the women’s top 10 reportedly signed it.
In 2023, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization aspired to equal prize money for the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s World Cup winners. Reports indicate FIFA plans to double the women’s tournament prize pool from 2023, though it would remain far below the $871 million awarded to men’s teams at this year’s World Cup.
FIFPRO and FIFA said they have worked together for several years to improve players’ compensation and conditions. They are now developing terms for the 2027 Women’s World Cup that would cover prize money and, for the first time, provide greater financial distributions to national associations and players involved in qualifying.
The organizations said their work aims not only to bring prize money closer to parity, but also to support players and the sustainable growth of women’s football. They described the discussions so far as making positive progress.
The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027. The United States will be seeking to reclaim the title after being eliminated in the round of 16 three years ago, following two consecutive tournament wins.
