SOCCER clubs that release players to Sihlangu for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers stand to benefit from a share of FIFA’s USD 355 million (about E6.159 billion) payment to clubs.
FIFA has expanded its Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 World Cup, allocating a record fund to reward clubs not only for the final tournament but, for the first time, for qualifying matches.
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This marks a major policy shift, significantly increasing the number of clubs eligible for financial benefits. Now, any club releasing a player for qualifiers is eligible for compensation, ending the previous practice of limiting payments to players reaching the finals.
FINANCIAL RECOGNITION FOR CLUBS
The decision follows a memorandum of understanding with the European Club Association and is designed to acknowledge the financial and logistical support clubs provide when their players are called up for international duty.
Compensation will be calculated per player, per day of official duty, and funds will be distributed proportionally to all clubs the player has been registered with over the past two years.
BENEFITS FOR ESWATINI CLUBS
Eswatini clubs stand to benefit directly, as the scheme applies to Sihlangu players involved in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Although Eswatini currently sits at the bottom of Group D, the expanded programme ensures that clubs releasing players for national duty are not overlooked.
For local teams operating on tight budgets, the compensation could support youth development, strengthen infrastructure, and ease the burden of losing key players to national assignments.
Sihlangu’s remaining qualifying matches are scheduled between October 6 and 14, fully covered by FIFA’s programme, guaranteeing participating clubs will be financially rewarded.
GLOBAL FOOTBALL LANDMARK
The 2026 World Cup finals will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While qualification remains a challenging task for Sihlangu, the expanded Club Benefits Programme ensures their clubs will share in FIFA’s E6.1 billion windfall, marking a landmark recognition of the vital role clubs play in developing players for national representation.
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