FIFA has allocated US$355 million to compensate clubs that release players for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches and finals, with payments expected to be completed before the end of the year, the global football governing body announced on Monday.
The funds will be distributed through the Club Support Scheme, an agreement established with European Football Clubs (EFC) to provide financial support to teams whose players represent their national sides during the World Cup cycle.
Under the program, clubs that release players for World Cup qualifiers will receive US$2,362 per player for each match in which the player is involved. Clubs whose players participate in the finals will receive a minimum of US$5,000 per player per day.
FIFA said the final amounts will be determined after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, taking into account the players’ actual participation. Only clubs that had registered the players during the official release period will be eligible to receive compensation.
For the qualifying stage, payments will apply only to players included on official match rosters, consisting of the 11 starting players and up to 12 substitutes. Players without a club will not generate payments under the scheme.
The total allocation includes US$100 million for clubs involved in the qualifying phase and US$250 million for clubs whose players participate in the final tournament, which runs until July 19. An additional US$5 million will be used to cover administrative costs and support the wider interests of club football.
FIFA said payments will be transferred in gross amounts to national football associations, which will then be responsible for distributing the funds directly to eligible clubs. The transfers will be subject to applicable taxes, with no additional compensation or deductions.
The 2026 program represents a 70% increase compared with the compensation scheme used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It also introduces payments for clubs that release players during the qualification stage, expanding financial support beyond the final tournament.
The initiative is part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to recognize the role of clubs in developing, training and making players available for international competitions. The program provides financial compensation to clubs that contribute players to national teams during major tournaments.
The 2026 World Cup will therefore include an expanded version of FIFA’s club compensation system, covering a wider range of teams involved in preparing players for the international competition.
