FIFA has announced a significant increase in compensation for clubs that release players for the World Cup, including qualifying matches. The world football governing body revealed on Friday, June 5, that the Club Benefits Programme has been raised to $355 million (306 million euros).
Seventy Percent Increase from 2022
This marks a 70 percent rise from the amount distributed for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a plan FIFA had already disclosed last September. While FIFA does not disclose total World Cup revenue, it estimates that total revenue for this year will be 56 percent higher than in 2022. For the four-year cycle leading to 2026, which includes an expanded Club World Cup in 2025, FIFA projects a 72 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous cycle.
Expanded Tournament, Expanded Compensation
The 2026 World Cup is significantly larger than previous editions. The number of teams has grown from 36 to 48, matches from 64 to 104, and the tournament duration from 29 to 39 days. For the first time, clubs will also be compensated for players appearing in World Cup qualifying matches.
The total fund is divided into three parts: $250 million is reserved for compensation for players at the finals. FIFA calculates a minimum payment of $5,000 per player per day spent at the World Cup, though final figures will be confirmed after the tournament. These payments are calculated on a per-player, per-day basis, considering squad inclusion and the duration of each player's involvement.
Another $100 million is earmarked for qualifiers. FIFA will pay $2,362 for each player in a match-day squad for the 905 qualifying games and 10 friendlies for each of the three host nations, which did not need to qualify. The remaining $5 million covers administrative costs, with any balance allocated to the benefit of global club football.
Infantino Highlights Benefits for Football Ecosystem
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated in the press release: "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."
The payments are based on a player's club registration when squads are announced, with provisions for players who switch clubs during the tournament and for replacement players.
