FIFA has released their annual report and earnings on the sport’s progress for 2022. Soccer’s governing body highlighted multiple areas in the report, including the World Cup in Qatar, expansion of multiple tournaments and future financial predictions.

The 2022 World Cup was obviously the biggest moment of the year in the sport. On the pitch, the tournament was a resounding success. Not only was the actual play amazing, but many people tuned in to catch the action. In fact, FIFA highlighted the fact that over five billion people watched the World Cup around the globe. That included over 26 million in the United States.

FIFA predicts $11 billion in earnings from 23-26

The organization also recorded record revenue throughout the last three years as well. FIFA claim that they earned $7.6 billion during the cycle between 2019 and 2022. While this is obviously a massive number, the governing body has higher hopes for the near future. FIFA is expecting to earn $11 billion from 2023 to 2026.

“FIFA’s unprecedented investment in football is the result of our solid financial transparency and stands as a concrete example of how we are aiming to make football truly global,” claimed FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The resounding success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has been key to the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission in relation to our member associations and the world of football, despite the multiple challenges we faced during the past cycle, not least the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Tweaks to existing tournaments help raise revenue

There will be plenty of major soccer tournaments during this upcoming timeframe to help generate more money. The 2023 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Club World Cups, 2023 and 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cups, 2024 Copa America, 2024 Euros, and the 2026 World Cup highlight a packed list of significant soccer tournaments between now and the end of 2026.

Changes have been made to the Club World Cup, Copa America, and World Cup tournaments that will directly affect revenue. All three tournaments will expand to include more nations.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulmer