USMNT Player Earnings for the 2026 World Cup Explained
The players of the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) will receive significant payouts, no matter how far they advance in the upcoming tournament.
FIFA recently raised its financial support for the 2026 World Cup, granting each federation $12.5 million. This includes $10 million for qualifying and $2.5 million for preparations, a boost from previous amounts of $9 million and $1.5 million respectively.
Besides this guaranteed amount, teams earn prize money based on their final standing. The champions take home $50 million, runners-up get $33 million, and even teams knocked out in the group stage receive $9 million. These sums are paid directly to federations.
The distribution of money to players depends on each federation's rules. In 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) signed landmark collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with both the men’s and women’s national teams that ensure equal pay through 2028. This agreement covers earnings from the men’s 2026 World Cup and equalizes compensation between genders.
The CBAs specify that World Cup prize money from the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s tournaments will be pooled. Out of this total, 20% goes to the federation, while 80% is split equally among 52 players (26 men and 26 women).
Estimated Earnings per USMNT Player Based on Performance
If we count the $12.5 million guaranteed sum plus performance bonuses, the players on both teams stand to make a solid amount. For example, if the USMNT exits at the group stage, the combined payout totals $21.5 million, which divided among players results in about $330,500 each.
Advancing further increases individual shares. A loss in the round of 32 would yield roughly $361,500 per player. Historically common, reaching the round of 16 would give players about $423,000 each.
A quarterfinal appearance—something only achieved once recently—would mean around $484,500 per player.
Should the USMNT win the World Cup, each player could pocket close to $1 million, making the victory not only historic but highly rewarding financially.
According to the CBA, each USMNT player named on the World Cup roster receives an additional $10,000 per match, totaling $30,000 over the group stage.
Players also share revenue from U.S. Soccer’s World Cup apparel and sponsorship deals. If these revenues fall between $55 and $75 million, players get 10%. Above $75 million, that share rises to 15%, split evenly between men’s and women’s teams.
This level of income can change lives. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter earns $480,000 annually with MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps, so his World Cup earnings might double his yearly salary. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, with New York City FC, has a guaranteed MLS salary of $795,833.
Whatever happens on the field, the USMNT players have strong financial incentives tied to their World Cup journey.
