FIFA has just announced a groundbreaking $355 million club benefit program for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, setting a new record for payouts to football clubs around the world. This initiative ensures that clubs whose players participate in the tournament will receive financial compensation for their contribution. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams and more matches being played, the demand on players will be higher — and FIFA is acknowledging that with this historic move. The Club Benefits Program will provide funds to thousands of clubs globally, rewarding them not just for their star players, but also for youth development and support. Clubs in Europe, South America, and even smaller nations stand to gain. But how will it actually work, and who gets what? Let’s break down the key details.
What Is the FIFA Club Benefit Program?
The FIFA Club Benefit Program is designed to financially compensate football clubs for releasing players to participate in the FIFA World Cup. This initiative acknowledges the vital role that clubs play in nurturing talent and maintaining player fitness throughout the year. The compensation is calculated based on the number of days a player is with their national team during the tournament — starting from official release dates until one day after their team’s final match. For the 2026 World Cup, clubs will receive approximately $10,950 per player, per day. This means a club with 5 players participating for 20 days could earn over $1 million. This payout is shared among all clubs the player has been registered with in the past two years, ensuring fair distribution across development levels. The program is managed by FIFA and funded directly from tournament revenues, showing a firm commitment to club-level support.
Why the 2026 World Cup Will Bring Bigger Payouts
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, increasing the number of matches and extending the tournament duration. This not only enhances global viewership but also puts more strain on players. In response, FIFA has allocated a record $355 million payout to clubs worldwide — a significant jump from the $209 million disbursed during the 2018 and 2022 editions. With more players likely to be involved from various continents, the club benefit system will now reach even lower-tier and grassroots clubs. This larger fund ensures equitable benefit sharing, and clubs from Africa, Asia, and North America are expected to gain higher representation and payouts. FIFA’s objective is not only to acknowledge elite clubs but also to reward the smaller outfits who play an instrumental role in a player’s development. This makes the 2026 edition not just a tournament, but a financial opportunity for hundreds of clubs across the globe.
How Clubs Can Apply and Track Payments
FIFA has made the application process for the Club Benefits Program 2026 straightforward. All clubs must register through the FIFA Professional Football Landscape (PFL) platform and submit player registration data for the last two years. This ensures every eligible club gets its fair share of the benefit. FIFA will verify club-player associations and automatically calculate the payable amount based on official match day data and player release periods. After the tournament, FIFA will disburse the funds directly into the clubs’ registered bank accounts. Additionally, clubs can log in to the portal to track payment status, dispute discrepancies, and view detailed breakdowns. FIFA has also committed to providing a support team for clubs unfamiliar with the process, especially those in developing football nations. The system has been designed to be transparent, fair, and global, ensuring that clubs big and small benefit equally from their contribution to the beautiful game.
What This Means for Smaller Clubs Worldwide
While the big-name clubs may take home millions, this new initiative could be game-changing for small clubs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Often operating with limited resources, many of these clubs play a crucial role in discovering and nurturing young talents who eventually rise to the global stage. Through the FIFA club compensation system, even a few thousand dollars can significantly improve facilities, coaching staff, and youth programs. It also incentivizes these clubs to continue investing in player development with a long-term view. For example, a small Ghanaian or Peruvian club that trained a player three years ago — even if he now plays for a top-tier team — may still be entitled to a portion of the payout. This holistic model encourages grassroots participation and helps bridge the economic gap in global football. With a record $355 million on the table, the 2026 tournament could uplift club football in more ways than one.
| Program Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | $355 million |
| Per Player Payout | Approx. $10,950/day |
| Eligible Period | From player release to 1 day after final match |
| Eligible Clubs | All clubs registered with the player in last 2 years |
| Application Portal | FIFA Professional Football Landscape (PFL) |
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FAQs
How much can a club earn per player?
Clubs may earn up to $300,000+ depending on player duration in the tournament.
Can small or youth clubs apply?
Yes, if the player was registered in the last 2 years, they qualify.
Is registration required to receive payment?
Yes, clubs must register on the FIFA PFL platform.
When will the payments be made?
Payments will be made after the World Cup concludes in 2026.
