Egypt is on the verge of another historic milestone as the Pharaohs prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with a place in the quarter-finals and a significant financial windfall at stake.
The national team reached the knockout stage for the first time in its World Cup history after defeating Australia on penalties in the Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
By advancing to the last 16, Egypt has already secured $17.5 million in FIFA prize money, consisting of $15 million for reaching the Round of 16 plus $2.5 million allocated to every participating team to help cover tournament preparation costs. The total is equivalent to approximately EGP 857.5 million.
If Egypt defeats Argentina, its total World Cup earnings will increase to $21.5 million, or roughly EGP 1.05 billion, reflecting the higher prize awarded for reaching the quarter-finals.
Egypt booked its place in the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group G with five points, level on points with group winners Belgium but behind on goal difference. The Pharaohs then advanced by overcoming Australia in the Round of 32.
A victory against Argentina would mark another landmark achievement for Egyptian football by sending the team into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Under FIFA's prize distribution for the 2026 World Cup, the tournament winners will receive $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million.
The third-placed team will collect $29 million, with the fourth-place finisher receiving $27 million.
Teams finishing between fifth and eighth will each receive $19 million, while those eliminated in the Round of 16 are awarded $15 million. Nations finishing between 17th and 32nd earn $11 million, and teams placed between 33rd and 48th receive $9 million, in addition to the tournament preparation payment made to all qualified teams.
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