A new record of compensation for clubs
FIFA has announced that it will allocate €307.7 million in compensation to clubs that lend their players to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This figure represents a 70% increase compared to the previous tournament held in Qatar in 2022.
The upcoming World Cup will feature an expanded participation of 48 teams, which has also led to a significant increase in the amount allocated to clubs. FIFA will not only reward those who lend players for the main event but also clubs whose players participated in the qualifiers. For this latter group, €87 million has been set aside, which is approximately €2,000 per player per match.
Clubs whose players reach the final stage of the tournament will receive an even greater compensation: around €4,300 per player per day. However, there remains a balance of €4.3 million, intended for the development of club football under an agreement between FIFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC).
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, highlighted the importance of the programme by stating that “thousands of clubs contribute every day to the development of players.” He also emphasized how this initiative aims to acknowledge their fundamental role in the success of international football. Meanwhile, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of the EFC, underscored that this financial aid will benefit both large and small sports entities.
Although the figures are impressive at first glance, many experts warn about the real limitations clubs face when lending players. The risk of injuries during the tournament is a constant concern; a serious injury could sideline a player for the entire season. Additionally, the time spent at the World Cup means less time for holidays and recovery for the players.
Nonetheless, clubs continue to bear much of the financial burden related to their squads. They are the ones who pay high salaries and invest millions in signings each year.
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