FIFA has announced a historic $355 million US distribution to clubs worldwide through the expanded Club Benefits Programme (CBP) connected to the 2026 World Cup. This marks the first time clubs will be compensated for releasing players for World Cup qualifiers, regardless of their participation in the final tournament. The amount represents a substantial increase of nearly 70% compared to the payouts after the 2018 and 2022 World Cup editions.
The initiative is part of a renewed agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) aimed at fostering a more inclusive and fair system for global club football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significant financial contribution made by clubs and players worldwide to both the qualifiers and the final tournament.
Introduced for the 2010 World Cup, the CBP saw 440 clubs from 51 FIFA member associations receive payments in the 2022 program. Payments were calculated on a daily basis for the duration of player involvement with their national squads at the tournament, with Manchester City receiving the highest payment of nearly $4.6 million.
With the inclusion of compensation for qualifiers in the 2026 edition, a substantial increase in the number of benefiting clubs is expected. ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the program as “innovative,” highlighting the crucial role clubs play in the success of national team football.
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will feature a record 48 national teams competing in the tournament.