FIFA Boosts Club Compensation to $355 Million for 2026 World Cup and Qualifiers

FIFA has revealed an increase in its Club Benefits Programme, now providing $355 million to clubs that release players for the 2026 World Cup and, for the first time, for World Cup qualifiers. This marks a 70% increase compared to the $209 million shared after Qatar 2022.

The upcoming tournament will include 48 teams, up from 32, with nearly 200 nations participating in the qualification matches. FIFA has not yet shared details on how the funds will be allocated among clubs around the world.

President Gianni Infantino called this move a “groundbreaking and globally inclusive edition,” while Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), praised the initiative as recognition of clubs’ roles in supporting national teams.

During Qatar 2022, clubs earned $10,000 per day for each player they released for national duty during preparation and competition. Manchester City was the highest beneficiary, receiving nearly $4.6 million, which was more than the total amount given to all clubs in Africa combined. European teams received a total of $158.9 million, making up 76% of the distributed funds.

This programme began in 2010 as a result of an agreement between FIFA and the ECA, and it was expanded for the tournaments in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. The programme has now been renewed again for 2026.

FIFA anticipates record revenues exceeding $10 billion for the enlarged tournament. While the increase in compensation is notable, some critics believe it still does not adequately cover the financial pressures faced by major clubs that develop most of the World Cup talent.