FIFA says World Cup players generated $3.3 billion in record $9.89 billion window

What FIFA counted

FIFA's International Transfer Snapshot covered 1 June to 2 September 2026. It counted 267 players from 47 nationalities who featured at the World Cup and changed clubs in that period. Reuters, citing FIFA, reported more than 260 players from 47 nationalities.

FIFA registered more than 12,500 international transfers worldwide, a record for a mid-year window. The $9.89 billion men's total was the highest ever registered during a mid-year window.

The spending came after Spain lifted the World Cup in July, during the window. The tournament was held in North America. FIFA said the 2026 World Cup helped drive the summer's transfer activity, with performances on football's biggest stage lifting record spending across the global market.

FIFA counts the World Cup cohort separately, so the $3.3 billion sits inside the $9.89 billion men's total rather than on top of it.

Who paid

English clubs spent $3.02 billion on men's international fees, the largest share of the $9.89 billion market, FIFA said. They also completed the highest number of incoming deals.

The snapshot put Italy next on $1.1 billion, then Spain on $940 million, Germany on $904 million and France on $641 million. France collected about $1.7 billion in fees, the most of any market.

England's men's bill was more than double Italy's $1.1 billion and more than three times Spain's $940 million. Reuters reported that Rodri left Manchester City for Barcelona and Bradley Barcola left Paris Saint-Germain for Liverpool, two high-profile World Cup moves in the window.

The women's record

Women's international transfer spending reached $28.6 million, more than double the 2025 figure, FIFA said. The $28.6 million was an all-time high for the women's mid-year window. FIFA registered 1,406 women's international transfers, a record and a 19.2% increase on the previous record.

The snapshot put English clubs top of women's spending at $8.0 million. Spain followed on $6.6 million, Germany on $4.9 million, the United States on $2.9 million and Italy on $2.1 million. Swedish clubs received $4.2 million, the most of any women's selling market.

The women's total compares with $9.89 billion in the men's international market. English clubs led spending in both markets, with $3.02 billion in men's fees and $8.0 million in the women's game, FIFA said.

The men's window set records for spending and transfer volume, and the women's window set records for spending and transfer volume. The men's total was $9.89 billion and the women's $28.6 million.