FIFA has announced a substantial financial package for clubs involved in the 2026 World Cup. The world football body will distribute $355 million in player compensation.
This represents a 70 percent jump from what clubs received after Qatar 2022. FIFA says the increase reflects the tournament's expanded format and higher projected revenues.
Next year's World Cup will be the largest ever held. The tournament grows from 32 teams to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Match numbers will nearly double, jumping from 64 to 104 games. The competition will also run longer—39 days instead of the previous 29 days.
Of the $355 million pool, $250 million targets the World Cup finals directly. Clubs will receive payment based on each player's daily participation in the tournament.
FIFA estimates a minimum of $5,000 per player per day. Final amounts will be confirmed once the competition concludes.
Compensation calculations account for squad selection and how long each player stays involved. Players who transfer during the tournament will see payments reflect their new club registration.
In a major shift, clubs now get paid for World Cup qualifying matches too. FIFA has set aside $100 million for this qualification phase.
Roughly $2,362 will go to clubs for each player selected in qualifying match squads. The 905 qualification matches worldwide will benefit from this new arrangement.
Ten international friendlies involving the three host nations are also covered. These automatic qualifiers will generate additional compensation for their clubs.
The remaining $5 million covers programme administration costs. Any leftover funds will support global club football development initiatives.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the expanded benefits framework. He noted that the larger World Cup format creates advantages for the entire football ecosystem.
"This is another benefit from the expanded FIFA World Cup, providing more support across the entire football ecosystem to the clubs that provide all the players who compete to shine on the global stage," Infantino said.
Clubs receive payment based on player registration when final squads are announced. Special provisions exist for players who change clubs mid-tournament and replacement call-ups.
The compensation scheme underscores FIFA's commitment to benefiting club football globally. Stakeholders across continents will share in the tournament's expanded financial success.
