FIFA’s Expanded Club Benefits Program Announced
FIFA announced on Tuesday that it will distribute a record-breaking $355 million among clubs worldwide as part of an expanded and World Cup 2026-linked Club Benefits Program. This initiative represents a nearly 70% increase from the $209 million disbursed following the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
First-Ever Compensation for Clubs in Qualification Matches
For the first time, clubs that loan players for qualification matches—not just the final stage—will receive compensation. This initiative is part of a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association, signed in March 2023, aiming to establish a more inclusive and equitable global club football system.
“The enhanced FIFA Club Benefits Program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes a step further by economically acknowledging the immense contribution that so many clubs and their players worldwide make to organizing both the qualification phase and the final tournament,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
History of FIFA’s Club Benefits Program
The Club Benefits Program was first introduced for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In 2022, 440 clubs from 51 FIFA associations received payments under this program. With the 2026 edition, which includes compensations for qualification matches, the number of benefited clubs is expected to rise significantly.
Support from European Club Association
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of the European Club Association, described the program as “innovative.”
“Clubs play a crucial role in the success of national team football,” Al-Khelaifi asserted. “This initiative recognizes all their contributions, from early development to player loans for the most important matches.”
World Cup 2026 Details
The World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will expand from 32 to 48 participating nations, accompanied by a substantial increase in matches—from 64 to 104.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Program? The program aims to recognize and compensate clubs for their significant contributions to organizing both the qualification phase and the final tournament of the World Cup.
- Who will receive compensation under this program? Clubs that loan players for World Cup qualification matches will be compensated, not just those whose players participate in the final tournament.
- When was FIFA’s Club Benefits Program first introduced? The program was first implemented for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
- How many clubs are expected to benefit from the 2026 World Cup program? With the inclusion of compensations for qualification matches, the number of benefited clubs is expected to increase significantly compared to previous tournaments.
- What are the changes in the 2026 World Cup compared to previous tournaments? The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded participation of 48 nations, up from 32, and a substantial increase in the number of matches—from 64 to 104.
