FIFA Club Benefits Programme: African clubs set for major windfall ahead of 2026 World Cup

Clubs across Africa are set to earn significant financial rewards from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme (CBP) during the 2026 World Cup, with payments structured around player participation and match involvement throughout the tournament.

Under the updated scheme, each club will receive $5,000 per day per player selected for the World Cup squad, beginning from June 1, with payments continuing until the end of the group stage.

The financial rewards are expected to increase further if national teams advance beyond the first round.

In addition, clubs will earn $2,360 per match per player for those who featured in the World Cup qualifying campaign, further boosting compensation for teams that contributed heavily during the road to qualification.

Among the notable beneficiaries, Egyptian giants Al Ahly are projected to earn approximately $135,000 per player called up to the Egypt national team squad, with the total rising if the team progresses beyond the group stage. The final figure will depend on how far Egypt advances in the tournament.

South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns are also expected to gain substantially, with eight players representing South Africa at the World Cup.

The club stands to earn around $40,000 per day, based on the $5,000 daily payment per player, with earnings set to continue through the group stage and potentially beyond if South Africa advance further.

Similarly, Orlando Pirates, also contributing eight players to the South African national team squad, are projected to receive about $40,000 per day under the same structure. Like Sundowns, their total earnings will rise if South Africa enjoy a longer run in the tournament.

In Ghana, Hearts of Oak will be represented by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, with the club expected to earn approximately $130,000 through the group stage period alone under the CBP framework. That figure could increase if Ghana progress to the knockout rounds.

The programme is designed by FIFA as a reward mechanism to compensate clubs for their role in developing and releasing players for international duty, particularly during major tournaments such as the World Cup.

Payments are tied directly to participation, ensuring clubs benefit financially from their contribution to national team success.

With the 2026 World Cup set to expand its global footprint, the Club Benefits Programme is expected to deliver record payouts, particularly for African clubs supplying multiple players to national squads.