FIFA has announced a major expansion of its Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unveiling a record-breaking $355 million fund that will reward clubs around the world for releasing players to both World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself.
The new framework, approved by the FIFA Council as part of a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC), represents a 70 per cent increase from the amount distributed during the 2022 FIFA World Cup cycle.
In a significant departure from previous editions, FIFA confirmed that clubs will now receive financial compensation for players released to FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, a move aimed at broadening the reach of the programme and ensuring that more clubs benefit from the global showpiece.
Under the revised distribution model, $100 million has been earmarked for clubs that released players for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The payment structure will be based on a per-player, per-match formula. FIFA noted that with 905 qualifying matches already played worldwide, the anticipated benefit is approximately $2,360 per player per match.
An additional $250 million will be shared among clubs whose players participate in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Payments will be calculated according to a per-player, per-day basis, taking into account both squad selection and the duration of each player’s involvement in the tournament.
According to FIFA, the minimum expected payment stands at approximately $5,000 per player per day, although final figures will be determined after the conclusion of the tournament.
The remaining $5 million has been reserved to cover administrative costs associated with implementing the programme. Any balance from the reserve fund will be redirected toward global club football initiatives under an agreement between FIFA and the EFC.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a landmark step in recognising the role clubs play in developing players who go on to represent their countries on football’s biggest stage.
“Thousands of clubs around the world contribute every day to the development of players who dream of representing their countries at the FIFA World Cup,” Infantino said.
“Through the FIFA World Cup 2026 Club Benefits Programme, and thanks to the inclusion of all qualifying matches for the first time, more clubs than ever before will receive a share of the financial benefits generated by the FIFA World Cup, recognising their essential contribution to the success of international football.”
Highlighting the scale of the programme, the FIFA president added: “From approximately 1,000 matches combined from qualifiers and the final tournament, this programme will deliver USD 355 million back to club football — an increase of 70% compared to the last edition.”
Infantino also linked the enhanced rewards package to the expansion of the World Cup, noting that the larger tournament format would generate broader benefits across football’s ecosystem.
“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,” he said.
European Football Clubs Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant achievement for clubs of all sizes across Europe and beyond.
“The Club Benefits Programme is an essential part of EFC’s long-term strategic partnership with FIFA and will benefit many hundreds of European and international clubs of all sizes,” Al-Khelaïfi said.
He added that the inclusion of qualification matches marked an important evolution of the programme. “I am very pleased that, for the first time, the financial support will also cover FIFA World Cup qualification matches, ensuring that more clubs than ever before will benefit from releasing their players.”
Al-Khelaïfi stressed the importance of collaboration between clubs and national teams, saying: “Clubs play a fundamental role in the success of international football through the development, employment and release of players, while the national team game continues to support the global growth and visibility of club football.”
FIFA also clarified that eligibility for payments will be determined based on a player’s registration status at the time of release. Special provisions have been included to address situations involving replacement players and mid-tournament transfers, ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
The announcement comes as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 nations and an expanded schedule across three host countries. With the enhanced Club Benefits Programme, FIFA aims to strengthen ties with clubs worldwide while ensuring that the financial rewards generated by international football are shared more broadly across the game.
