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Manchester United is poised to secure a remarkable financial gain from FIFA thanks to its significant player contribution to the 2026 World Cup.

The club, famously nicknamed the Red Devils, is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of FIFA’s compensation programme.

This comes as Manchester United has a large number of players likely to represent their respective national teams in the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United could earn as much as £263.6 million, equivalent to over IDR 6.3 trillion, if all the players projected to be called up for the 2026 World Cup actually make the final squads.

The total could increase even further depending on how far these players progress with their national teams in the tournament.

The longer a player stays in the World Cup, the greater the compensation received by the club.

Through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme, clubs receive daily payments for every player participating in the competition.

Interestingly, players don’t actually have to appear on the pitch for their club to receive compensation.

The payments are calculated from the day a player is released to join their national team until their country’s final match in the tournament.

FIFA has yet to disclose the daily rate for the 2026 World Cup.

However, as a reference, during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, clubs were paid £8,131 per day for each released player.

This figure serves as a benchmark to estimate Manchester United’s potential earnings in the upcoming edition.

The compensation fund comes from the FIFA Club Benefits Programme, which is designed to reward clubs that release their players to represent their countries at the World Cup.

For the 2026 edition, FIFA has allocated a total fund of 355 million US dollars to be distributed among clubs worldwide.

The exact amount each club receives will depend on the number of players released and how long they remain with their national teams throughout the tournament.

Manchester United Players at the 2026 World Cup

Manchester United is projected to be represented by at least 13 players at the 2026 World Cup.

The presence of these players is expected to significantly boost the club’s earnings from FIFA’s compensation programme.

The following players are expected to feature in the tournament:

1. Matheus Cunha (Brazil)
2. Casemiro (Brazil)
3. Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
4. Tyler Fletcher (Scotland)
5. Altay Bayindir (Turkey)
6. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
7. Senne Lammens (Belgium)
8. Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)
9. Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
10. Diogo Dalot (Portugal)
11. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
12. Marcus Rashford (England)
13. Kobbie Mainoo (England)

Beyond the significant financial benefit, this potential revenue from FIFA also reflects Manchester United’s major contribution to global football.

Few clubs can boast of sending players to as many different national teams across multiple continents.

This demonstrates that the current Manchester United squad is filled with world-class talent trusted to perform on the biggest football stage.

With the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League and an increasing number of players competing at the highest level, Manchester United hopes this momentum will serve as a foundation to rebuild their glory days under Michael Carrick’s leadership.

If everything goes as predicted, the Red Devils will not only gain prestige from their players’ participation in the 2026 World Cup but also receive a substantial financial boost worth trillions of rupiah, which could help strengthen their squad in the coming seasons.

Support for Portugal

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is among the most talked-about players in Portugal’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

His outstanding performances throughout the 2025/2026 season have solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top players.

Besides helping Manchester United secure a top-three finish, Bruno also made history as the first player in Premier League history to record 21 assists in a single season.

Following a stellar season with the Red Devils, Bruno is now shifting his focus to leading Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal has been drawn into Group K and will open their campaign against DR Congo on June 18.

They are scheduled to face Uzbekistan on June 24 before concluding the group stage against Colombia on June 28.

As the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches, Portugal has continued to receive waves of support from around the world, including Indonesia.

Syahrul Fauzi, President of Pena Real Madrid de Indonesia (PRMI), revealed that Portugal is his favourite team to win the world title this year.

Although known as a Real Madrid supporter and a Lionel Messi admirer, Syahrul believes that Portugal possesses the quality needed to go deep in the tournament.

“I’m backing Portugal. Even though I’m a fan of Real Madrid and Lionel Messi, when it comes to national teams, I choose Portugal,” said Syahrul.

Similar support also came from PSM Makassar midfielder Muhammad Arfan, who expressed his excitement to watch Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming World Cup.

According to Arfan, Portugal has a very competitive squad thanks to a perfect blend of experienced veterans and talented young players.

He also believes Ronaldo’s leadership as captain remains a key factor that can help Portugal compete with top-tier nations for the 2026 World Cup trophy.

With their experience, squad depth, and the presence of Ronaldo in the dressing room, Portugal is seen as one of the strongest contenders to challenge favourites like Argentina, France, Brazil, and Spain for the world title.

“Portugal has experienced and quality players. Their key player is Ronaldo,” said Arfan.

“I’m optimistic Portugal will win their first World Cup title this year,” he added confidently.