'As much as 240 thousand won' split equally between men's and women's national teams... U.S. confirms distribution of North American World Cup prize money

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The U.S. men's and women's soccer national teams will receive equal shares of the prize money secured through the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup. This outcome results from an agreement reached following a long-standing lawsuit led by the Yeo Ja-chuk-gu (CEO) team.

U.S. media outlet 'ESPN' reported on the 8th (Korean time) that "the $16 million (approximately 240 thousand won) in prize money awarded to the U.S. Soccer Federation for the men's national team reaching the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup will be distributed equally—half each—to the 26th male players on this tournament's roster and the 26th female players who will appear on next year's 2027 Women's World Cup roster."

This equal distribution policy stems from collective bargaining agreements signed in 2022 between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Nam Nyeo (CEO) team separately. At that time, the U.S. Yeo Ja (CEO) team pursued legal action and public advocacy for about six years, demanding equal treatment and pay, ultimately securing this agreement.

According to the agreement terms, the U.S. Soccer Federation must retain 20% of the World Cup prize money received from FIFA and distribute the remaining 80% equally among the Nam Nyeo (CEO) team players. Consequently, out of the $16 million total, 80%—amounting to $12.8 million—will be allocated as $6.4 million (approximately 9.6 billion won) each to the men's and women's teams. The amount per player is $246,153 (approximately 370 million won).

This regulation will also apply equally to the prize money for the 2027 Women's World Cup scheduled for next year. However, there are conditions. First, the U.S. Yeo Ja (CEO) team, which has won four championships, must secure a spot in the tournament by defeating El Salvador in the CONCACAF Round of 16 match on November 27.

There are also differences in payment timing. Under the collective bargaining agreement, male players will receive their share within 31 days after the federation collects the prize money from FIFA. In contrast, the women's team's $6.4 million share—since their tournament qualification and final roster remain undetermined—will be deposited into a separate account. The interest accrued on this amount, combined with the total prize money earned at the 2027 Women's World Cup, will ultimately be distributed equally among all 52 male and female players.

The total prize pool for the 2027 Women's World Cup has not yet been finalized. Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged to equalize men's and women's World Cup prize money, the significant increase in the total prize amount for this 2026 Men's World Cup—driven by expanded participation—makes narrowing the gap inevitable. The total prize money for the 2023 Women's World Cup was $110 million, a substantial rise from the 0.3 billion won awarded in 2019.

According to 'ESPN', the final distribution of North American World Cup prize money by ranking is: champion $51 million, runner-up $34 million, third place 0.3 billion won, and fourth place $28 million. Teams reaching the Round of 16 receive $20 million, those advancing to the Round of 16 get $16 million, and teams eliminated in the group stage receive between 0.1 billion won and $12 million depending on their final standing.

Separately, the U.S. Soccer Federation pays all players—both men and women—a participation allowance of $10,000 (approximately 110 million won) per World Cup match, regardless of the result.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original