FIFA to Pay Clubs a Record Amount for Players Participating in the World Cup

For the first time, FIFA will pay compensation to clubs whose players participate in both the qualification and final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The total amount of these payments is expected to reach a record $355 million.

Following the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, FIFA distributed $209 million among 440 clubs. This payment system is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented:

“The expanded Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a significant step forward. It recognizes the substantial financial contributions made by many clubs and players around the world to the staging of both the qualifiers and the final tournament.”