How Much Will USMNT Players Earn at the 2026 World Cup?
USMNT Earnings for the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. men’s national team is set to earn significant prize money during the 2026 World Cup, no matter how far they progress in the tournament.
FIFA has recently raised its financial distributions for the 2026 World Cup, granting each of the 48 participating nations a total of $12.5 million. This amount includes $10 million for qualifying and $2.5 million for preparations, an increase from the previous allocations of $9 million and $1.5 million respectively.
Beyond this guaranteed payout, teams receive additional funds based on their performance. The champions take home $50 million, runners-up $33 million, and payouts decrease through the ranks, with even group stage eliminations earning $9 million. According to USA Today, here is the breakdown:
FIFA pays these sums directly to each federation, which then decide how to distribute funds to players. The U.S. Soccer Federation made history in 2022 by signing collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with both the men’s and women’s national teams that guarantee equal pay. These contracts run through 2028 and cover all earnings, including World Cup prize money.
The USMNT and USWNT players agreed to pool World Cup prize money from the 2026 and 2027 tournaments. Twenty percent goes to the federation, while the remaining 80% is split evenly among the 52 players—26 men and 26 women.
What Each USMNT Player Could Earn
Assuming "World Cup prize money" includes both the guaranteed $12.5 million and performance-based rewards, players could walk away with impressive checks. For example, if the USMNT is eliminated in the group stage—which seems less likely after their strong 4–1 win over Paraguay—they would collectively earn $21.5 million ($12.5 million plus the $9 million consolation).
Since 80% of that total is shared equally between men’s and women’s teams, each of the 52 players would get about $330,500.
Here’s how the numbers shift depending on the USMNT’s finish:
If the USMNT reaches the round of 32 but loses, each player would earn roughly $361,500. A round of 16 exit, historically the team's most common, would boost individual earnings to about $423,000. Advancing to the quarterfinals, achieved only once by the USMNT in recent memory, would bring nearly $485,000 per player.
Should the team defy expectations and claim the championship on July 19, every player would take home close to $1 million, on top of the glory.
Additionally, the CBA guarantees $10,000 to each USMNT rostered player for every World Cup match they are part of, totaling $30,000 for the group stage.
Both men’s and women’s teams will also share a portion of revenue from World Cup merchandise and sponsorship deals. If U.S. Soccer earns between $55 million and $75 million, players get 10%. If revenue exceeds $75 million, their share rises to 15%. This amount is split evenly between the two teams.
These figures represent life-changing sums for many USMNT players. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, for instance, earns $480,000 annually with MLS's Vancouver Whitecaps, so his World Cup earnings could more than double his yearly salary. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who makes $795,833 with New York City FC, stands to benefit similarly.
