Swiss FA turns profit after World Cup last 16, with millions more at stake against Colombia

Prize money secures profit

Switzerland's 2-0 win over Algeria in the round of 32 and subsequent qualification for the last 16 have pushed the Swiss Football Association (SFV) into the black. FIFA pays each participant $9 million in starting fees plus a fixed $1.5 million for preparation, and the SFV has now collected between $15 million and $16.5 million in total prize money, depending on the source. The exact breakdown varies: some reports cite $10 million for participation, $1 million for the round of 32, and $4 million for the round of 16 win, while others combine the amounts into $10.5 million in start money and $4.5 million for reaching the last 16.

With this round of 16 qualification, it is already clear that we will finish the World Cup with a profit.

Costs and the California tax question

The campaign costs a double-digit million amount. The 65-person delegation travels with single rooms, exclusive hotel areas, a high-tech training centre, and charter flights. The SFV's outlay so far is around 11 million Swiss francs. FIFA contributes to travel and accommodation, but the association still bears a large share. A charter flight to the US could have cost up to $1 million, though the team used a scheduled flight for the outward journey, reducing the bill.

An unresolved tax issue clouds the final profit figure. The squad spent 28 days based in California, which levies a 12% tax on wages, the highest rate in the United States. Co-host nations Canada and Mexico do not tax World Cup participants. SFV communications chief Adrian Arnold said the tax question remains open, but even if taxes are due, the association will not post a loss.

Even if we still have to pay taxes, we will not be in the red.

Player bonuses tied to performance

Since 2022, Swiss national team bonuses at tournaments are strictly performance-based, negotiated between the player council and the SFV. Had the team been eliminated in the group stage, the players would have received nothing. Reaching the round of 16 earned them a few thousand francs each, a modest sum compared with their club salaries. Further progress would increase those payouts.

What a deeper run would bring

A quarter-final berth, which would be Switzerland's first since 1954, adds another $4 million. A semi-final place brings $8 million more, while reaching the final would lift the total prize money to $33 million. Winning the tournament would yield $50 million. FIFA's overall prize pool for the 2026 World Cup is around $735 million, nearly $300 million more than in Qatar 2022. The SFV's profit from the 2022 tournament was about 3 million Swiss francs, achieved despite a round of 16 exit and lower prize money.

Switzerland face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday at 22:00 Swiss time. A victory would not only make history but also significantly boost the federation's finances for grassroots and elite projects.