FIFA to Give Clubs Record $355 Million for 2026 World Cup

FIFA Increases Payments for Clubs 

FIFA has announced it will pay a record $355 million to soccer clubs around the world for the 2026 World Cup. This marks a 70% increase from the $209 million, which was given after the 2022 tournament in Qatar. For the first time, the payments will also cover clubs that release players for World Cup qualifiers, not just the final tournament. This means that any club that allows a player to join their national team for a qualifier will receive direct compensation, even if the plan does not make it to the finals of a match. FIFA says this is the most comprehensive payment scheme in the Club Benefits Programme’s history. 

More Clubs Will Benefit 

This expanded plan will help hundreds more clubs than the 440 that were paid in the year 2022. Clubs will get money based on the number of days. Their players spent time with national teams. In 2022, Manchester City received the highest payment of almost $4.6 million, followed by FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich. The Premier League earned the most, with its clubs collecting $34.83 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the new program recognises the importance of clubs, making football, from player development to their participation in qualifiers and even the main tournament. 

Partnership with European Clubs 

The program is part of a renewed agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA), signed in March 2023. ECA chairman, Naseer al-Khelaifi, who is also president of Paris Saint-Germain, called this innovation innovative and recognized the role clubs played in national football. The ECA represents over eight00 hundred men’s and women’s clubs across Europe and has been a key player in negotiating better terms for clubs around the world. The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to June 19. It will have 48 teams, up from 32 in Qatar. 

FAQs 

1. How much will FIFA pay clubs for the 2026 World Cup? 

FIFA will pay $355 million, which is the largest amount in history. 

2. Do clubs get paid for qualifiers, too? 

Yes, clubs will get payments, even if the player only takes part in World Cup qualifiers. 

3. Which clubs received the most money in the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

Manchester City received the highest payout in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

4. How many teams will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The tournament will have 48 teams, and 32 will be from the previous World Cup in Qatar.

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