U.S. Men's Soccer Team to Share $12.8M World Cup Payout with Women

The U.S. men’s national soccer team earned a $16 million prize after reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Under the 2022 equal‑pay collective bargaining agreement, U.S. Soccer retains 20 % of the payout ($3.2 million) and splits the remaining 80 % equally between the men’s and women’s player pools. Each team will receive about $6.4 million, which translates to roughly $246,000 per player on a 26‑member roster.

The women’s national team, which will not compete in the 2026 tournament, will not receive the funds immediately. The money will be held in an interest‑bearing account until the U.S. women qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, after which the interest and principal will be distributed. The arrangement stems from a landmark equal‑pay settlement reached in 2022 and is unique in world soccer, aiming to close the historic gap between men’s and women’s World Cup prize pools.

Overall, FIFA has allocated $655 million in prize money for the 2026 tournament, with each participating nation receiving a baseline participation fee of $1.5 million.