USMNT Player Pay for 2026 World Cup

How Much Will USMNT Players Make in the 2026 World Cup?

The U.S. men’s national team is set to earn a significant amount during the 2026 World Cup, no matter how far they advance in the tournament.

FIFA recently boosted its financial distribution for the event, allocating $12.5 million to each national federation. This includes $10 million for qualifying and an extra $2.5 million for preparation costs, both increases from earlier promises.

On top of this guaranteed payout, teams receive additional money based on their performance. The champion takes home $50 million, while the runner-up gets $33 million. The prize money decreases through the ranks, but even teams exiting at the group stage get $9 million. Here’s a breakdown:

FIFA pays the federations directly, leaving it to them how to distribute funds to players. In 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) signed landmark collective bargaining agreements with both the men’s and women’s national teams, equalizing pay between the sexes through 2028. This includes the money earned from the men’s 2026 World Cup.

Both unions agreed to combine World Cup prize money from the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s tournaments. Of this combined pool, 20% goes to the federation, and 80% is split equally among 52 players—26 men and 26 women.

This means USMNT players will share their 2026 World Cup earnings with USWNT players. The same sharing principle applies to the 2027 Women’s World Cup prize money.

Estimated Earnings Per USMNT Player

If “World Cup prize money” includes the initial $12.5 million plus performance-based bonuses, the total payout could be large, especially if the USMNT advances far. Even if eliminated early, say in the group stage, the combined prize money totals $21.5 million. Dividing 80% of this among 52 players results in about $330,500 per player.

Here are estimated earnings per player based on how far the USMNT progresses:

The CBA also guarantees $10,000 to each USMNT player listed on the matchday roster, which adds up to $30,000 over the group stage.

Both teams also share a portion of revenue from World Cup merchandise and sponsorships. If the revenue falls between $55 million and $75 million, players get 10%; if it exceeds $75 million, they receive 15%. This amount is split evenly between men’s and women’s players.

This income can transform careers. For example, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter earns about $480,000 annually with Vancouver Whitecaps, so this bonus could more than double his yearly pay. Goalkeeper Matt Freese of New York City FC makes roughly $795,833 guaranteed, so the prize money would add substantially.