Hong Myung-bo's team to receive record prize money, with bonuses up to 600 million won

The South Korean national football team is set to receive the largest prize money in the team's history for participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced the updated prize money and support standards, reflecting changes in the tournament's format, including an expansion to 48 teams and the introduction of a 32-team knockout stage.

"This prize money structure reflects the changes in the tournament format, such as the expansion of participating teams to 48 and the establishment of a 32-team knockout stage," the KFA stated. The association emphasized a strengthened "performance-based reward system" where greater rewards are given for advancing further in the tournament, with a significant increase in the overall prize money budget.

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This prize money structure reflects the changes in the tournament format, such as the expansion of participating teams to 48 and the establishment of a 32-team knockout stage.

Each of the 26 players selected for the final squad will receive a base allowance of 50 million won, a 30 million won increase from the 20 million won provided for the Qatar World Cup. Prize money escalates with each round: 100 million won for the Round of 32, 200 million won for the Round of 16, 300 million won for the quarterfinals, 400 million won for the semifinals, 450 million won for third place, 500 million won for the runner-up, and 600 million won for the champion. This structure sees prize money increase by 100 million won for each step up in the knockout rounds.

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The association emphasized a strengthened 'performance-based reward system' where greater rewards are given for advancing further in the tournament, with a significant increase in the overall prize money budget.

Victory bonuses are also tiered. While previously a flat 30 million won was given for any win, the new system differentiates between group stage and knockout stage victories. Group stage wins are worth 30 million won, with draws earning 10 million won. In the knockout stage, victory bonuses accumulate: 50 million won for a Round of 32 win, 80 million won for a Round of 16 win, 140 million won for a quarterfinal win, 200 million won for a semifinal win, and 300 million won for a final victory. If the team advances through the group stage with three wins and reaches the Round of 16, a player could potentially receive 390 million won, combining base allowance, victory bonuses, and stage prize money. Reaching the quarterfinals, a historic achievement for the team abroad, could yield 580 million won.

In addition to financial incentives, the KFA will implement a "Player Family Support Program" to ensure players maintain high motivation and psychological stability. This includes providing two double rooms in hotels at host cities for all 26 players and four first-class tickets per player for each match, allowing families to attend group stage games. To ensure the team's optimal condition, charter flights will be arranged from the pre-tournament training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Guadalajara, Mexico, where the first two group stage matches will be held.

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I am happy to reach the finals in two consecutive tournaments after the World Championship. I always try to keep my mind at ease, and practice as if it were real, and real matches as if they were practice. Consistently exercising in the morning and practicing billiards has become a habit, so I feel less pressure in matches.