FC Barcelona is expected to collect approximately €2.89 million from FIFA for lending its players to the 2026 World Cup, making it the second-highest recipient in the governing body’s Club Benefits Programme. Manchester City sits atop the list.
That number is actually a pay cut. Barcelona pulled in €4.43 million after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The club is sending up to 16 players to the 2026 tournament and getting less money for the trouble.
A bigger pie, smaller slices for the elite
The total pool for FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme jumped to $355 million for the 2026 cycle. That’s up roughly 70% from the $209 million allocated in 2022.
The $355 million breaks down into two main buckets. Around $100 million covers payments related to 905 qualifying matches, with clubs earning approximately $2,360 per player per match. The remaining $250 million is earmarked for the finals tournament itself.
