FIFA announced increased payments to clubs that release players for the 2026 World Cup. The global governing body will pay more than €9,000 per day for each player under its expanded Club Benefits Programme.
Spanish journalist Melchor Ruiz of El Partidazo de COPE reported the new daily compensation rate. Clubs will receive this amount for every day their players spend with national teams, starting from training camps until the team exits the tournament.
The payment structure benefits clubs with players who advance deeper in the competition. Longer participation translates into higher totals. FIFA previously set aside $355 million for the programme, a significant rise from $209 million paid after the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
FIFA extended the scheme to include compensation for players released for World Cup qualifiers for the first time. This change broadens the pool of eligible clubs worldwide, including those outside Europe.
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June to July 2026. FIFA officials stated that the programme recognises the contribution clubs make to the success of the tournament.
European clubs, which supply many international players, stand to gain substantial sums. The payments help offset the cost of player absences and potential injuries. Smaller clubs also benefit as the fund distributes resources more widely.
FIFA tied the $355 million allocation to its agreement with the European Club Association. The increased package aims to maintain good relations between clubs and national teams ahead of the expanded finals.
The exact distribution formula depends on player participation days and team performance. FIFA will release full details closer to the tournament.
