Manchester United is also projected to rank among the top recipients as FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme sets aside $355 million for qualifying and finals-related player release payments.
FC Barcelona is expected to receive about €2.89 million from FIFA under the 2026 World Cup Club Benefits Programme, while Manchester United is projected to collect roughly $2.6 million and rank in the top ten recipients, roughly tied with Real Madrid. Manchester City is estimated to lead the payout table with about $4.4 million. FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 cycle totals $355 million, about 70% more than previous World Cup editions. The scheme compensates clubs when contracted players leave for international duty, with roughly $250 million reserved for the finals, $100 million for the qualifying stage and $5 million for administrative and assessment costs. FIFA pays clubs about $5,000 per player per day during the finals period, starting from the mandated release date of May 25, while final figures will be confirmed later in the year after assessments of participation days and club submissions. Barcelona’s projected payment would be lower than the €4.43 million it received after the 2022 World Cup, reflecting a broader redistribution across a larger tournament and compensation pool. The 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams from 32, drawing in more players and clubs. United reportedly has around 13 players selected for World Cup squads, and Premier League clubs as a group are expected to collect $34.2 million from FIFA’s various initiatives.