FIFA has confirmed that $355 million will be distributed to clubs releasing players for the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant 70 percent increase from what was paid during the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The revised benefit scheme, finalized in partnership with the European Club Association (ECA), comes with a major expansion. For the first time, it will cover not only players who make it into the 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but also those involved in the qualifying rounds.
Back in 2022, when the competition featured 32 teams, FIFA allocated $209 million across 440 clubs from 51 different member associations. With the 2026 edition set to be the biggest in World Cup history, FIFA says the expanded payout underscores its commitment to ensuring that clubs worldwide are rewarded for their role in releasing players for the global showpiece.
