What USMNT Players Could Earn at the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. men’s national team players stand to make a significant amount of money in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, regardless of how far they advance in the tournament.
FIFA’s Prize Money Distribution
FIFA recently increased its financial distribution for the 2026 World Cup. Each of the 48 participating nations now receives $12.5 million, which includes $10 million for qualifying and $2.5 million for preparations. This is an increase from the previous pledge of $9 million and $1.5 million respectively.
Beyond this guaranteed payment, teams receive additional prize money based on their performance. The champion takes home $50 million, the runner-up $33 million, with decreasing amounts for other finishing positions. Even teams knocked out in the group stage earn $9 million.
How U.S. Soccer Handles Player Payments
FIFA sends payments directly to each federation, which then decides how much to pay their players. The U.S. Soccer Federation signed groundbreaking collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with both the men’s and women’s national teams in 2022, equalizing their compensation for the first time. These agreements, valid through 2028, include the prize money from FIFA World Cups.
The USMNT and USWNT players agreed to pool their World Cup prize money from the 2026 and 2027 tournaments. The federation keeps 20%, while the remaining 80% is split equally among 52 players—26 men and 26 women.
Estimated Earnings Per USMNT Player
Assuming the term "World Cup prize money" covers both the guaranteed $12.5 million and performance-based rewards, the players stand to earn well, especially if the team advances far. For example, if the USMNT exits at the group stage, the total prize money sums to $21.5 million ($12.5 million + $9 million). Eighty percent of that divides equally between all players from both teams, meaning each player would receive about $330,500.
If the Americans lose in the round of 32, considered a disappointing result, each player earns roughly $361,500. A round of 16 finish—the USMNT’s most common outcome historically—would bring about $423,000 per player.
Making it to the quarterfinals, achieved only once in recent history, could net each player approximately $484,500. And if the USMNT pulls off a stunning victory and wins the World Cup, every player could walk away with nearly $1 million.
The CBA also grants each USMNT player on the matchday roster $10,000 per World Cup match, adding up to $30,000 during the group stage.
Additional Revenue Sharing
Both men’s and women’s teams share a portion of revenue from U.S. Soccer’s World Cup apparel and sponsorship deals, another novel agreement. If revenues range between $55 million and $75 million, players get 10%; above $75 million, they receive 15%. This amount is split evenly between the two squads.
Impact on Player Incomes
This prize money could dramatically boost the earnings of many USMNT players. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, for example, makes $480,000 annually with MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps. The World Cup payout alone might more than double his yearly income. Goalkeeper Matt Freese earns $795,833 with New York City FC, so these bonuses represent substantial gains.
