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Indian sports wrap, April 22: Tamil Nadu wins UTT junior & youth C’ship  UTT Junior & Youth C’ship: Abhinand anchors TN’s title win against MaharashtraTop seed Tamil Nadu stamped its authority with a 3-1 win over Maharashtra to clinch the Under-19 boys’ team title at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships on Wednesday.Tamil Nadu’s charge was led by the rock-solid P B Abhinand, who delivered commanding wins over Neil Mulye and Kushal Chopda, sealing the title in style in the reverse singles.Maharashtra leaned heavily on Chopda — a tactic that carried it to the final but exposed its lack of depth. Mulye showed fight, but the duo couldn’t match Tamil Nadu’s balance when it mattered.The difference was Tamil Nadu’s all-round strength, highlighted by SK Mehan’s straight-game win over Ishan Khandekar, which firmly tilted the tie in their favour.Earlier, Tamil Nadu beat Assam in the semifinals, while Maharashtra got past West Bengal.
Results:

Under-19 Boys (Final): Tamil Nadu bt Maharashtra 3-1 (M.R.Balamurugan lost to Kushal Chopda 11-9, 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 9-11, P.B. Abhinand bt Neil Mulye 11-5, 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, S.K. Mehan bt Ishan Khandekar 11-4, 12-10, 11-7, Abhinand bt Kushal 11-6, 11-6, 11-8).

Semifinals: Tamil Nadu bt Assam 3-2 (Abhinand bt Divyaj Rajkhowa Roy 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5, Balamurugan lost to Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 12-14, 6-11, 9-11, Mehan bt Swapnanil Dutta 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, Abhinand lost to Priyanuj 6-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, Balamurugan bt Divyaj 11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 5-11, 11-8).

Maharashtra bt West Bengal 3-1 (Neil bt Punit Biswas 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, Kushal bt Oishik Ghosh 11-6, 11-9, 11-8, Ishan lost to Rupam Sardar 9-11, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, Kushal bt Punit 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8).
– PTIGOLFLeading Indians in fray at Singapore Open golfAs many as 11 Indians, including Karandeep Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chawrasia, and Jeev Milkha Singh, will tee off at the Singapore Open on Thursday, aiming to secure spots in the 154th edition of The Open Championship, golf’s oldest Major, later this year.The 57th edition of the tournament is part of the International Series and offers a prize purse of USD 2 million, with the top two players — if not already exempt — earning spots in The Open Championship, scheduled for July.Kochhar, in sublime form in recent months, will be one to watch. He is joined by 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, six-time winner SSP Chawrasia, and two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh.Also in the fray are three-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur, former champions Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan, along with a promising young contingent featuring Pukhraj Singh Gill, Sachin Baisoya, Shaurya Bhattacharya, and Shubham Jaglan.The Singapore Open was last played at Sentosa Golf Club in 2022, when Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana beat Tom Kim of Korea.Kochhar, who has been in close contention twice already this year, finishing fourth at the Philippine Golf Championship and fifth at International Series Japan, will look to capitalise on his rich vein of form.“This is one tournament I look forward to, especially just in terms of the golf course. I think it’s an amazing golf course and I love playing here. Hopefully I can play well,” said Kochhar.“I think it’s a great track. It’s a long golf course. It’s on the longer side for sure. But the conditions are great. I think it’s going to be a hot, hot week,” he added.– PTIPublished on Apr 22, 2026  #Indian #sports #wrap #April #Tamil #Nadu #wins #UTT #junior #youth #Cship

Indian sports wrap, April 22: Tamil Nadu wins UTT junior & youth C’ship

UTT Junior & Youth C’ship: Abhinand anchors TN’s title win against Maharashtra

Top seed Tamil Nadu stamped its authority with a 3-1 win over Maharashtra to clinch the Under-19 boys’ team title at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships on Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu’s charge was led by the rock-solid P B Abhinand, who delivered commanding wins over Neil Mulye and Kushal Chopda, sealing the title in style in the reverse singles.

Maharashtra leaned heavily on Chopda — a tactic that carried it to the final but exposed its lack of depth. Mulye showed fight, but the duo couldn’t match Tamil Nadu’s balance when it mattered.

The difference was Tamil Nadu’s all-round strength, highlighted by SK Mehan’s straight-game win over Ishan Khandekar, which firmly tilted the tie in their favour.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu beat Assam in the semifinals, while Maharashtra got past West Bengal.

Results:

Under-19 Boys (Final): Tamil Nadu bt Maharashtra 3-1 (M.R.Balamurugan lost to Kushal Chopda 11-9, 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 9-11, P.B. Abhinand bt Neil Mulye 11-5, 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, S.K. Mehan bt Ishan Khandekar 11-4, 12-10, 11-7, Abhinand bt Kushal 11-6, 11-6, 11-8).

Semifinals: Tamil Nadu bt Assam 3-2 (Abhinand bt Divyaj Rajkhowa Roy 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5, Balamurugan lost to Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 12-14, 6-11, 9-11, Mehan bt Swapnanil Dutta 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, Abhinand lost to Priyanuj 6-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, Balamurugan bt Divyaj 11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 5-11, 11-8).

Maharashtra bt West Bengal 3-1 (Neil bt Punit Biswas 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, Kushal bt Oishik Ghosh 11-6, 11-9, 11-8, Ishan lost to Rupam Sardar 9-11, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, Kushal bt Punit 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

– PTI

GOLF

Leading Indians in fray at Singapore Open golf

As many as 11 Indians, including Karandeep Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chawrasia, and Jeev Milkha Singh, will tee off at the Singapore Open on Thursday, aiming to secure spots in the 154th edition of The Open Championship, golf’s oldest Major, later this year.

The 57th edition of the tournament is part of the International Series and offers a prize purse of USD 2 million, with the top two players — if not already exempt — earning spots in The Open Championship, scheduled for July.

Kochhar, in sublime form in recent months, will be one to watch. He is joined by 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, six-time winner SSP Chawrasia, and two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh.

Also in the fray are three-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur, former champions Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan, along with a promising young contingent featuring Pukhraj Singh Gill, Sachin Baisoya, Shaurya Bhattacharya, and Shubham Jaglan.

The Singapore Open was last played at Sentosa Golf Club in 2022, when Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana beat Tom Kim of Korea.

Kochhar, who has been in close contention twice already this year, finishing fourth at the Philippine Golf Championship and fifth at International Series Japan, will look to capitalise on his rich vein of form.

“This is one tournament I look forward to, especially just in terms of the golf course. I think it’s an amazing golf course and I love playing here. Hopefully I can play well,” said Kochhar.

“I think it’s a great track. It’s a long golf course. It’s on the longer side for sure. But the conditions are great. I think it’s going to be a hot, hot week,” he added.

– PTI

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Indian #sports #wrap #April #Tamil #Nadu #wins #UTT #junior #youth #Cship

UTT Junior & Youth C’ship: Abhinand anchors TN’s title win against Maharashtra

Top seed Tamil Nadu stamped its authority with a 3-1 win over Maharashtra to clinch the Under-19 boys’ team title at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships on Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu’s charge was led by the rock-solid P B Abhinand, who delivered commanding wins over Neil Mulye and Kushal Chopda, sealing the title in style in the reverse singles.

Maharashtra leaned heavily on Chopda — a tactic that carried it to the final but exposed its lack of depth. Mulye showed fight, but the duo couldn’t match Tamil Nadu’s balance when it mattered.

The difference was Tamil Nadu’s all-round strength, highlighted by SK Mehan’s straight-game win over Ishan Khandekar, which firmly tilted the tie in their favour.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu beat Assam in the semifinals, while Maharashtra got past West Bengal.

Results:

Under-19 Boys (Final): Tamil Nadu bt Maharashtra 3-1 (M.R.Balamurugan lost to Kushal Chopda 11-9, 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 9-11, P.B. Abhinand bt Neil Mulye 11-5, 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, S.K. Mehan bt Ishan Khandekar 11-4, 12-10, 11-7, Abhinand bt Kushal 11-6, 11-6, 11-8).

Semifinals: Tamil Nadu bt Assam 3-2 (Abhinand bt Divyaj Rajkhowa Roy 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5, Balamurugan lost to Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 12-14, 6-11, 9-11, Mehan bt Swapnanil Dutta 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, Abhinand lost to Priyanuj 6-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, Balamurugan bt Divyaj 11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 5-11, 11-8).

Maharashtra bt West Bengal 3-1 (Neil bt Punit Biswas 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, Kushal bt Oishik Ghosh 11-6, 11-9, 11-8, Ishan lost to Rupam Sardar 9-11, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, Kushal bt Punit 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

– PTI

GOLF

Leading Indians in fray at Singapore Open golf

As many as 11 Indians, including Karandeep Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chawrasia, and Jeev Milkha Singh, will tee off at the Singapore Open on Thursday, aiming to secure spots in the 154th edition of The Open Championship, golf’s oldest Major, later this year.

The 57th edition of the tournament is part of the International Series and offers a prize purse of USD 2 million, with the top two players — if not already exempt — earning spots in The Open Championship, scheduled for July.

Kochhar, in sublime form in recent months, will be one to watch. He is joined by 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, six-time winner SSP Chawrasia, and two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh.

Also in the fray are three-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur, former champions Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan, along with a promising young contingent featuring Pukhraj Singh Gill, Sachin Baisoya, Shaurya Bhattacharya, and Shubham Jaglan.

The Singapore Open was last played at Sentosa Golf Club in 2022, when Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana beat Tom Kim of Korea.

Kochhar, who has been in close contention twice already this year, finishing fourth at the Philippine Golf Championship and fifth at International Series Japan, will look to capitalise on his rich vein of form.

“This is one tournament I look forward to, especially just in terms of the golf course. I think it’s an amazing golf course and I love playing here. Hopefully I can play well,” said Kochhar.

“I think it’s a great track. It’s a long golf course. It’s on the longer side for sure. But the conditions are great. I think it’s going to be a hot, hot week,” he added.

– PTI

Published on Apr 22, 2026

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Deadspin | Luis Garcia Jr.’s 4-hit effort powers Nationals past Braves <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28779825.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28779825.jpg" alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder James Wood (29) hits a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Luis Garcia Jr. had four hits and drove in three runs, Curtis Mead socked a three-run homer and the host Washington Nationals ended the Atlanta Braves’ six-game winning streak with an 11-4 win on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>James Wood hit his eighth homer of the season, walked four times and scored three runs for Washington, which leveled the four-game series at one victory apiece.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Nationals starter Foster Griffin (3-0) allowed three runs on five hits over six solid innings. He walked one and struck out three.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Drake Baldwin and Eli White homered for the Braves, and Mauricio Dubon had two hits.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Atlanta starter Reynaldo Lopez (1-1) allowed four runs in one-plus inning and gave up five hits and three walks while fanning one. Braves pitchers issued 12 walks.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Ronald Acuna Jr. was in the Atlanta lineup and went 1-for-5 one day after being hit by pitch twice, including once on the left hand.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The first six Nationals reached base in a three-run first. Wood walked and Garcia singled him to third, then stole second. Jacob Young lined a single to center, scoring Wood. CJ Abrams and Daylen Lile walked, with Lile getting an RBI. Nasim Nunez singled to score Young with the third run.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Back-to-back two-out doubles by Dubon and Michael Harris II got the Braves within 3-1 in the second.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Wood homered leading off the bottom half, and Lopez was done for the night after Garcia singled.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Baldwin’s solo homer in the third pulled the Braves within 4-2.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>White homered in the fifth to make it 4-3, but the Nationals answered in the bottom half when Brady House singled, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Garcia to make it 5-3.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>In the seventh, the Nationals loaded the bases with two walks and a single. Garcia followed with a two-run double, and another runner came home on a groundout by Young.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Austin Riley’s RBI groundout pulled the Braves within 8-4 in the eighth, but a pair of walks and Mead’s three-run homer put things out of reach in the bottom half.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, and they promoted Dylan Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the roster spot.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Luis #Garcia #Jr.s #4hit #effort #powers #Nationals #Braves

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Deadspin | After halting 8-game skid, Royals chase series win vs. Orioles <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28753242.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28753242.jpg" alt="MLB: Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Michael Wacha has been the brightest light amid a dismal start to the season for the Kansas City Royals. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt might have found a needed rhythm following a rough beginning to his Baltimore Orioles’ tenure. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The two veteran right-handers will match up in the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Wacha (2-0, 1.00 ERA), who will turn 35 in July, is second in the majors in ERA, trailing only Jose Soriano (0.28) of the Los Angeles Angels. Wacha has yielded just three runs, eight walks and 13 hits over 27 innings of his four starts. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>On Friday, Wacha gave up a two-run homer and two other hits over six innings in Kansas City’s 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“He’s difficult against any lineup,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Wacha is 3-3 with a 5.22 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Baltimore. He is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in three starts against the Orioles since joining Kansas City in December 2023.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Royals, however, have some momentum after ending an eight-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 6-5 win to even this series. </p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“We believe in each other, and everyone in here,” star Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “And that’s how we got to go about it. We got to get better every day and try to improve.” </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Michael Massey belted a tying solo homer in the eighth inning and Maikel Garcia scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the ninth for the Royals, who will bid to post back-to-back victories for the first time since April 10-11. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-11"> <p>“It’s a long season. … We have a great team,” Garcia told Royals.TV. “We just keep working, go out there and compete.” </p> </section> <section id="section-12"> <p>Garcia is 4-for-9 in the series, but he’s hitless in four career at-bats vs. Bassitt (0-2, 6.19 ERA). </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Bassitt allowed 10 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his first two starts as an Oriole this season. Since then, though, the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has yielded one earned run in 9 2/3 innings as Baltimore won his next two outings. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Last Friday at Cleveland, Bassitt yielded four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings of the Orioles’ 6-4 victory. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“Overall, good,” he said. “(I’m) able to just execute enough.” </p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Bassitt is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino going a combined 2-for-10 vs. him.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Meanwhile, Massey’s homer served as the first hit and run allowed this season by Baltimore reliever Nico Garcia.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Pete Alonso had two hits Tuesday but is batting just .211 to open his first season with the Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is 3-for-7 with a home vs. Wacha. </p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Baltimore has lost six of its last eight games and is 2-4 on a seven-game road trip. </p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman came off the 10-day injury list Tuesday and hit his first home run of 2026. He’s a career .301 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs against Kansas City. </p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #halting #8game #skid #Royals #chase #series #win #Orioles

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.

The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at $655 million, after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament.

However, FIFA has told Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass $11 billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.

“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.

ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”

The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home $50 million and the runner-up $33 million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn $9 million.

Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations">World Cup prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations  FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at 5 million, after agreeing a record 7 million financial contribution to the tournament.However, FIFA has told        Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass  billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, 5 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home  million and the runner-up  million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn  million.Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to .5 million to cover preparation costs.FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.Published on Apr 26, 2026  #World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations

Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”

The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home $50 million and the runner-up $33 million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn $9 million.

Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations">World Cup prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.

The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at $655 million, after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament.

However, FIFA has told Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass $11 billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.

“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.

ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”

The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home $50 million and the runner-up $33 million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn $9 million.

Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations
Deadspin | Vancouver wins first pick in PWHL draft  Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0.   The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection.  The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot.  With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play.  The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June.  Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals.   The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender.  Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won.  She is from Salem, N.H.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draftWisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0.

The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection.

The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot.

With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play.

The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June.


Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals.

The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender.

Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won.

She is from Salem, N.H.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft">Deadspin | Vancouver wins first pick in PWHL draft  Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0.   The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection.  The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot.  With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play.  The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June.  Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals.   The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender.  Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won.  She is from Salem, N.H.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft

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