FIFA will distribute $355 million to clubs for releasing players to the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This represents a significant increase from the $209m paid during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The compensation, part of FIFA's Club Benefit Programme, acknowledges the financial impact clubs face when players join national teams for extended periods while representing their countries on the world stage.

Players earn their clubs $5,000 per day during the tournament, with qualifying matches bringing $2,362 per matchday squad. Clubs with players reaching the final could collect $285,000 per player. The minimum compensation for a player exiting after the group stage is $160,000. FIFA's mandatory player release date was May 25, with payments continuing until the day after a team's final match regardless of elimination status.

Transfer scenarios affect compensation distribution. If a player moves after contract expiration, payments split between old and new clubs. Free agents receive no compensation. FIFA introduced this program following the 2010 World Cup, recognizing clubs' investment in developing international players. The expanded 48-team tournament increases both the financial stakes and administrative complexity of the compensation system.