FIFA to distribute $355 million to clubs for 2026 World Cup player release

FIFA will pay $355 million to clubs whose players participate in the 2026 World Cup and its qualifiers.

FIFA's Club Compensation Plan FIFA will allocate $355 million (£265 million) to clubs whose players are released for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This includes payments for both the tournament itself and the qualifying matches leading up to it. The compensation is part of FIFA's Club Benefit Programme, created to cover clubs losing players for extended periods. Since the 2010 World Cup, clubs have received payments for releasing players to national teams, with $209 million distributed to 440 clubs from 51 nations during the 2022 World Cup. ## Breakdown of Payments Out of the $355 million total, $250 million (£187 million) is designated for the tournament, $100 million (£75 million) for qualifying matches, and $5 million (£3.75 million) for club football development after administrative costs. Payments are calculated per player per day, with the amount depending on how long players remain at the tournament. For the 2022 World Cup, the rate was $10,950 (£8,150) per player per day, but this year's rate has been reduced by over half. ## Qualifying Match Compensation Clubs will receive $2,362 (£1,765) for every qualifying match a player participates in while listed in the matchday squad. The qualifying payments are separate from the tournament-day fees, which are $5,000 (£3,730) per player per day from their release date until the day after their team's final match. The 2026 World Cup is longer than previous editions, featuring 48 teams instead of 32, which impacts the total compensation. ## Minimum and Maximum Payouts The shortest possible tournament participation is 14 days, covering the group stage for teams in Group A. FIFA set the mandatory release date for clubs as May 25, and the final payment day is the day after a nation's last match. Players whose teams are eliminated in the group stage will earn at least $160,000 (£119,500) for their club. Teams reaching the final could see payments of up to $285,000 (£212,900) per player, assuming a 57-day involvement. ## Transfers and Contract Expirations Payments are adjusted if players change clubs or have expiring contracts during the World Cup. For players whose contracts expire before the tournament, their original club receives compensation only until June 30. When a player moves to a new club after a contract expires, the original club keeps payments until June 30, and the new club takes over from July 1. If a player transfers mid-contract, their original club receives payments up to the transfer date, and the new club handles payments afterward. ## Free Agent Restrictions Players without an active club contract during the World Cup or qualifiers do not generate payments for any team. This rule applies whether the player is a free agent at the start of the tournament or becomes one during the competition. The policy ensures payments are only made to clubs with an active contractual relationship with the player. FIFA and European Football Clubs agreed on this structure after accounting for administrative expenses.