Arsenal Among Top Earners in FIFA World Cup Player Payouts
WHO:
Yahoo Sports Canada - Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, FIFA, The Athletic
The New York Times - Manchester City, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, FIFA, UEFA, Braintree Town
WHAT:
Yahoo Sports Canada - Only three clubs will earn more than Arsenal from FIFA’s World Cup payouts: Manchester City ($4.4 million), Barcelona ($3.9 million), and Bayern Munich ($3.4 million).
The New York Times - Crystal Palace is estimated to earn $2.7 million from the World Cup payouts, making them the third-highest earners in the Premier League.
The New York Times - Sunderland is estimated to earn $2.2 million from the World Cup payouts, ranking them sixth-highest in England and 13th overall.
The New York Times - The 2026-27 Premier League crop is projected to receive $34.2 million from the Club Benefits Programme.
The New York Times - A total of 451 clubs are expected to receive a payout from the 2026 World Cup, up from 440 in 2022.
The New York Times - Braintree Town is estimated to receive around $171,000 (£127,000) from the World Cup payouts due to their player Tommy Smith being included in the New Zealand squad.
Yahoo Sports Canada - FIFA will pay out $355 million (£265 million) to clubs that release players for participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Yahoo Sports Canada - Arsenal is owed $3.3 million (£2.46 million) from FIFA's World Cup payouts.
The New York Times - The $355 million payout represents a 70% increase from the $209 million paid to clubs in the previous two World Cups.
The New York Times - Manchester City is estimated to earn $4.4 million (£3.3 million) from the World Cup payouts.
The New York Times - Arsenal's earnings would have been approximately $500,000 higher if they had not participated in the Champions League final.
The New York Times - Crystal Palace is estimated to earn $2.7 million from the World Cup payouts.
The New York Times - Sunderland is estimated to earn $2.2 million from the World Cup payouts.
The New York Times - FIFA will allocate $100 million to clubs that released players for qualifiers.
WHERE:
Yahoo Sports Canada - The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The New York Times - Braintree Town is located in England.
WHEN:
The New York Times - Clubs have until September 10 to review a preliminary list of relevant players on FIFA’s platform.
The New York Times - Member associations must review the list by October 31.
WHY:
Yahoo Sports Canada - The increase in payouts is due to the largest World Cup in history and the expanded number of participating teams.
HOW:
Yahoo Sports Canada - FIFA pays clubs based on the number of days players are at the World Cup, approximately $5,000 per day, per player.
The New York Times - The $100 million for qualifiers will be apportioned at $2,362 per player, per match.
(UPDATED July 21, 2026 20:24 UTC)
Only three clubs will earn more from FIFA’s World Cup payouts than Arsenal, with Manchester City leading at $4.4 million, followed by Barcelona at $3.9 million, and Bayern Munich at $3.4 million. Crystal Palace is set to earn $2.7 million, making them the third-highest earners in the Premier League, while Sunderland is estimated to receive $2.2 million, ranking them sixth in England and thirteenth overall. Additionally, a total of 451 clubs are expected to receive payouts from the 2026 World Cup, and the 2026-27 Premier League crop is projected to benefit from $34.2 million through the Club Benefits Programme.
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(UPDATED July 21, 2026 19:28 UTC)
FIFA has announced a substantial payout of $355 million to clubs that release players for the 2026 World Cup, marking a 70% increase from the previous two tournaments. Among the beneficiaries, Arsenal is set to receive $3.3 million, while Manchester City is estimated to earn $4.4 million, and Crystal Palace and Sunderland are expected to receive $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Clubs have until September 10 to review a preliminary list of players eligible for these payouts, with member associations required to finalize their reviews by October 31.