USMNT Will Receive Only Half of FIFA World Cup Payout

Christian Pulisic and the USMNT couldn't get the job done in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, falling 4-1 to Charles De Ketelaere and Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Despite controlling 56% of the possession, the United States committed too many turnovers, helping lead to four Belgium goals and seven shots on target.

The USMNT opened the World Cup with back-to-back wins in group play before resting a majority of its starters in a 3-2 loss to Turkey. After defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 and having Folarin Balogun's red card rescinded, the United States couldn't overcome No. 8-ranked Belgium in the Round of 16.

But the USMNT, along with the seven other teams that exited in the opening knockout round, didn't go home empty-handed, receiving $16 million from FIFA for making the round of 16. But had the USA gone on a miraculous championship run, the prize money would have been $50 million.

But under the CBA reached back in May 2022, 80% of the $16 million prize ($12.8 million) went to the national team players, while 20% ($3.2 million) went to U.S. Soccer. However, the men's players will have to split their share with the women's players who make next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, with both the USMNT and USWNT getting $6.4 million apiece.

On the flip side, the USWNT will have to give up 50% of its share to the USMNT after next year's World Cup. And with the USA a favorite in 2027, the women will aim to bring home the grand prize.

"Following years of advocacy and a class action lawsuit by USWNT players, the USMNT and USWNT equally share World Cup prize money ," espnW wrote on X.

Following years of advocacy and a class action lawsuit by USWNT players, the USMNT and USWNT equally share World Cup prize money



Read more on how the landmark CBA ratified in 2022 works here: https://t.co/IdocHB3f3spic.twitter.com/tE8Iw0wc8o

— espnW (@espnW) July 8, 2026

After the USMNT's Round of 16 run on home soil, each player on the men's team will receive $246,153.85 in prize money. In addition, FIFA awarded each player $10,000 per World Cup match, receiving $50,000 total for five matches.

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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 4:46 PM.