​The USMNT’s struggles persist even after their embarrassing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Belgium handed the hosts a 4-1 defeat in the Round of 16 and laid bare several notable weaknesses within the current squad. Despite that painful elimination, the team will still receive a $16 million FIFA payout for advancing to the knockout stage in 2026. However, the actual earnings for the players will be reduced because the US Soccer Women’s National Team will claim half of the prize money.
Before any player receives a cent, the US Soccer Federation deducts 20% of the total $16 million, amounting to $3.2 million. According to The Athletic, the remaining $12.8 million will be split evenly between the USMNT and USWNT players, a division dictated by the two teams’ collective bargaining agreement. In practical terms, this means the USWNT players will each receive roughly $246,153, even though they did not participate in the 2026 World Cup.
It’s important to note that this arrangement is two-sided: the USMNT stands to gain from the CBA in the lead-up to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, even as the USWNT benefits from the financial structure during this period. At present, the USWNT’s portion of the $12.8 million prize money is being held in an interest-bearing account and will be paid out to the players at the conclusion of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.