Manchester United is in line to collect roughly $2.6 million from FIFA for releasing its players to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
The payout comes through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, a mechanism designed to compensate clubs when their contracted players leave for international duty. For the 2026 cycle, the programme’s total pot sits at $355 million, representing a 70% jump from previous World Cup editions. FIFA pays clubs approximately $5,000 per player per day, starting from the mandated release date of May 25.
Where United ranks in the payout hierarchy
According to estimates published by The Athletic on July 21, Manchester United lands in the top ten clubs expected to receive funds, roughly tied with Real Madrid.
Manchester City tops the list with an estimated $4.4 million, nearly double United’s haul.
United reportedly has around 13 players selected for World Cup squads across various nations.
Across the Premier League, the collective take is expected to reach $34.2 million from FIFA’s various initiatives.
How the Club Benefits Programme actually works
FIFA carved the $355 million into two buckets. The larger share, $250 million, is reserved for clubs whose players participate in the finals themselves. Another $100 million covers the qualifying stage, compensating clubs that released players for those earlier matches. The remaining $5 million covers administrative and assessment costs.
Final payout figures won’t be confirmed until later in the year, after FIFA conducts further assessments of actual participation days and reviews club submissions.
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