Messi and Ronaldo Among Highest-Paid Stars Heading to 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring together the biggest names in football on one stage. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will arrive at the tournament as two of the highest-earning athletes on the planet, thanks to their club contracts and lucrative commercial deals that have turned them into global brands.

On top of their existing earnings, every player called up for the finals will receive approximately 5000 dollars per day during the competition. The incentive programme totals 355 million dollars, marking a 70 percent increase from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

While the fight for the trophy remains the primary objective, the financial figures surrounding the tournament are drawing significant attention.