Ghanaian clubs set to benefit from record FIFA Club Benefits Programme for World Cup 2026

Ghanaian clubs are set to be among the beneficiaries of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP) as FIFA confirmed a record USD 355 million will be distributed to clubs worldwide for the release of players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the final tournament.

For the first time in the programme’s history, clubs releasing players for the World Cup qualifiers will also directly benefit, marking a significant shift in how solidarity funds are shared.

Previously, only clubs with players featuring in the final tournament received compensation.

This change means Ghanaian Premier League clubs such as Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, Medeama SC, Dreams FC, Nations FC and others who provide players to the Black Stars during the qualification campaign will be rewarded financially.

For instance, Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who has earned recent Black Stars appearances in the qualifiers, could represent one of several cases where Ghanaian clubs stand to benefit even if their players do not make the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The initiative provides a fairer and more inclusive redistribution of resources across global club football, directly acknowledging the role of local clubs in nurturing talent for international competitions.

With the Ghana Premier League being a vital contributor to the national team, this development is a welcome boost that could provide much-needed financial support for infrastructure, player welfare, and youth development.

In the last edition (Qatar 2022), USD 209 million was shared among 440 clubs worldwide, but the new expanded model now ensures that Ghana’s local clubs will reap even greater benefits for their role in supporting national team football.