Thursday, July 16, 2026

FIFA to Pay Clubs $209M for Players’ World Cup Participation

  • FIFA will pay clubs with players on World Cup teams a total of $209 million.
  • Some teams pocketed millions this way in 2018.
World-Cup
Shutterstock

Soccer teams will profit handsomely from their players’ presence in November’s World Cup.

FIFA announced it would pay out $209 million in total to clubs over the course of the World Cup. Teams will receive $10,000 per player per day while the player is involved in the Qatar-based tournament.

  • The payments will go to all clubs the player has played for in the two-year period prior to the World Cup.
  • FIFA gave out $8,530 per player per day in the 2018 World Cup, on top of $10 million to each country whose team made the group stage.
  • The 2018 payments went to more than 400 clubs across 63 countries. 

Manchester City earned $5 million from its players’ participation in the 2018 tournament in Russia. The Premier League team will have 17 players in Qatar. Chelsea will have 20.

Going Meta

In addition to the physical world, FIFA is growing its presence in the metaverse.

Soccer’s global governing body agreed to a multiyear deal with metaverse and gaming platform Roblox, which claims 50 million members.

FIFA will launch an immersive gaming environment within Roblox ahead of the World Cup, including content from its FIFA+ streaming service.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Argentina Players Reignite Political Tensions After Beating England

Players and coaches downplayed the Falklands War before the game.

Argentina Stuns England Late to Return to World Cup Final

Messi and Argentina return to their second straight final.
Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; A MLS and Apple TV advertisement for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

MLS Will Attempt to Seize on World Cup Momentum

The league is eyeing the opportunity but still has a long-term view.
July 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; France's Kylian Mbappe looks dejected after the match as France are eliminated from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

France’s World Cup Loss a Big Win for Sportsbooks

France was the biggest World Cup liability for several sportsbooks.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/16/26 – World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

Mark Cuban Gearing Up for Lawsuit Over New Mavs Arena

Cuban seeks to prove Patrick Dumont unlawfully cut him out of opportunities.
July 12, 2026

Seahawks Set NFL Record With $9.612B Sale to Khosla

Vinod Khosla’s wife will “serve as the controlling owner.”
Jerry Colangelo sits courtside as the GCU Lopes play the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Mortgage Matchup Center on Dec. 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
First at FOS
July 15, 2026

Las Vegas Jacks Have Been in the Works for Over a Year

The group paid $2,200 in fees to apply for the two trademarks.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jun 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing William Carrier (28) and defenseman K'andre Miller (19) walk out with the Stanley Cup trophy during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at Raleigh.
July 10, 2026

Dundon Faces Backlash for Engraving Kids’ Names on Stanley Cup

All five names of the owner’s children are on the Stanley Cup.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
July 9, 2026

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
July 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Shuffle Practice Venues As Facility Delay Continues

Chicago has not given a firm opening date for their practice facility.
July 1, 2026

Celtics Send Jaylen Brown to Sixers in Swap of Huge Contracts

Paul George is set to make $54 million next year.