From Dispatch Room
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs expected to earn thousands of pounds per day during the 2026 FIFA World Cup through FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme.
FIFA recently confirmed that a record $355 million (£260 million+) will be distributed to clubs worldwide for releasing players for both World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself. The programme represents a 70 percent increase from the amount paid during the 2022 World Cup cycle. ([inside.fifa.com][1])
Under the new arrangement, clubs will receive compensation for every day their players spend with their national teams during the World Cup. FIFA has indicated that the minimum expected payment is approximately $5,000 per player per day, with final figures to be calculated after the tournament concludes. Some estimates place the eventual figure even higher depending on total player participation and tournament duration. ([inside.fifa.com][1])
The expanded 48-team World Cup means leading European clubs are expected to have large numbers of players representing their countries. As a result, clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea could receive substantial payouts if their players remain in the tournament for extended periods. ([inside.fifa.com][1])
For the first time, FIFA’s compensation scheme also covers World Cup qualifying matches. A separate $100 million fund has been allocated to reward clubs that released players during the qualification campaign, broadening the financial benefits across the global football ecosystem. ([inside.fifa.com][1])
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the programme is designed to recognize the contribution clubs make in developing and releasing players for international football while ensuring more teams around the world benefit financially from the World Cup’s growing revenues. ([inside.fifa.com][1])
— Newspot Nigeria
