How Much USMNT Players Could Earn at the 2026 World Cup

USMNT Earnings for the 2026 World Cup

The U.S. men's national team players have a chance to make significant money during the 2026 World Cup, no matter how far they progress in the tournament.

FIFA recently raised the financial distribution for the event, allocating each federation $12.5 million. This includes $10 million for qualifying and $2.5 million for preparations, both increases from earlier pledges.

Beyond this guaranteed amount, teams earn prize money based on their performance. The champions receive an additional $50 million, runners-up get $33 million, and even teams eliminated in the group stage take home $9 million. The breakdown is as follows:

FIFA pays federations directly, which then decide player payouts. In 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation signed groundbreaking collective bargaining agreements with both the men’s and women’s national teams, ensuring equal pay through 2028. This agreement also covers money from the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT and USWNT players will pool their prize money from both the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s tournaments. Of this pooled amount, 20% goes to the federation, while the remaining 80% is split evenly among 52 players (26 men and 26 women).

Potential Earnings Per USMNT Player in 2026

If "World Cup prize money" includes the initial $12.5 million plus any performance-based earnings, the players stand to gain a hefty sum. Even if the USMNT exits during the group stage, a collective total of $21.5 million will be shared, combining the guaranteed compensation and the consolation prize.

From that total, 80% is divided equally among all 52 players, resulting in roughly $330,500 per player.

Here’s how much each player could earn depending on the team's finish:

For instance, if the USMNT reaches but falls in the round of 32, each player would walk away with about $361,500. A round of 16 exit, historically common for the U.S., translates to roughly $423,000 per player. Advancing to the quarterfinals—something achieved just once in recent history—would push individual earnings near $485,000.

Should the USMNT shock the world and win the tournament, each player could pocket nearly $1 million.

On top of these amounts, the collective bargaining agreement grants USMNT players $10,000 for every World Cup match roster spot, totaling $30,000 through the group stage.

Another first in the agreement: both men’s and women’s national teams share revenue from U.S. Soccer’s World Cup apparel sales and sponsorship deals. Players receive 10% of revenue between $55 million and $75 million, increasing to 15% if revenues exceed $75 million. This sum is split equally between men and women.

These figures mean a major boost for many players’ incomes. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who earns $480,000 annually with the Vancouver Whitecaps, could more than double his yearly salary thanks to World Cup payouts. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, making $795,833 with New York City FC, also stands to benefit greatly.