US Men's Soccer Team to Split $12.8M World Cup Prize After Belgium Loss

The United States men’s national soccer team was eliminated by Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, prompting the distribution of its FIFA prize money under a collective bargaining agreement. The $16 million pool, after a 20 % deduction for the U.S. Men’s Soccer organization, leaves $12.8 million to be shared equally with the women’s national team, giving each side $6.4 million. With 26 players on each roster, the estimated individual payout is about $246,000, though the women’s disbursement remains in escrow until their final squad is named.

The loss, which drew over 45 million U.S. television viewers, also sparked political commentary, including remarks about President Donald Trump’s involvement in a red‑card dispute. The prize‑sharing arrangement has been criticized as undermining market‑based compensation, while supporters cite it as a step toward gender pay equity in U.S. soccer.