How Much USMNT Players Could Earn at the 2026 World Cup

USMNT's Potential Earnings for the 2026 World Cup

The players on the U.S. men’s national team are set to receive substantial payments no matter how far they advance in the upcoming tournament.

FIFA recently boosted the financial payouts for the 2026 World Cup, granting each of the 48 participating nations a total of $12.5 million. This includes $10 million simply for qualifying—up from an initial $9 million—and $2.5 million allocated for preparations, increased from $1.5 million. Even teams eliminated early still walk away with millions.

Prize Money Breakdown by World Cup Placement

These payments go directly to each country’s federation. The U.S. Soccer Federation struck historic collective bargaining agreements in 2022 with both the men's and women's national teams, ensuring equal pay through 2028. This deal covers all income sources, including FIFA World Cup prize money.

The players’ unions decided to pool prize money from the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s World Cups, splitting 80% evenly among the combined 52 players (26 men and 26 women), while 20% goes to the federation itself.

Projected Earnings Per USMNT Player in 2026

If we include the guaranteed $12.5 million plus any performance bonus, the total sum shared between men’s and women’s teams can reach impressive heights.

Even if the USMNT exits during the group stage—a scenario becoming less likely after their 4–1 win over Paraguay—the collective payout would be $21.5 million. From that, each player on both teams would earn approximately $330,500.

A loss in the round of 32 would mean around $361,500 per player. Should the USMNT reach the round of 16, a common outcome historically, individual earnings rise to roughly $423,000.

Advancing to the quarterfinals, a milestone only achieved once recently, each player could pocket about $484,500.

Winning the whole thing would grant nearly $1 million per player, making the prize money as thrilling as the championship itself.

Besides prize money, each USMNT player on the roster receives $10,000 per match, adding up to $30,000 just for group stage participation.

Both men’s and women’s teams also share a percentage of U.S. Soccer’s revenue from World Cup merchandise and sponsorship deals. If revenue falls between $55 million and $75 million, players collectively get 10%. For revenues above $75 million, this share rises to 15%, split equally between both teams.

This payout structure can transform the careers of many players. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, earning $480,000 annually with MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps, could more than double his yearly income. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who makes $795,833 with New York City FC, stands to benefit greatly as well.