Title: Women’s World Cup Players guaranteed minimum of $30,000 for the first time
For the first time in history, every player participating in the Women’s World Cup will receive a minimum payment of $30,000, marking a significant milestone in achieving equality in the sport. Last year, a group of players from around the world came together to appeal to FIFA to increase the prize money for the upcoming tournament. Their request not only sought equal prize pools with the men’s World Cup but also the assurance that a portion of the funds would go directly to the players themselves. In response, FIFA not only tripled the prize pool for the Women’s World Cup but also agreed to distribute a portion of the funds directly to all 732 players.
This development is particularly significant for many of the players, who often do not receive salaries from their clubs and are either semi-professionals or amateurs. According to a FIFA report released last year, the average salary for female players was a mere $14,000 annually. The increased funding means that players now have the opportunity to earn a substantial amount of money, with the potential to change their lives. The prize money will also be progressive, with amounts increasing as teams progress further in the tournament. For instance, each player in the title-winning squad will receive $270,000.
In addition to the financial support, the conditions for the players during the tournament in Australia and New Zealand will be on par with those provided to the men. This includes equal treatment in terms of travel arrangements and accommodations. U.S. forward Alex Morgan described the direct payment to players as a life-changing thing for many participants, highlighting that the money usually goes to federations, leaving players with little or no share.
To ensure greater parity, FIFA established a $152 million fund for this edition of the Women’s World Cup, covering prize money, team preparation, and payments to players’ clubs. This is a significant increase compared to the $40 million fund in the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. In comparison, the prize money pool for the men’s World Cup in 2022 was a staggering $440 million, with even the teams exiting after the group stage earning $9 million apiece.
The push for more equitable terms was backed by FIFPRO, the global players union, and 150 players from 25 nations, including the United States, Japan, and Germany. Their joint efforts culminated in a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino last October, advocating for positive change and a sustainable future for women’s soccer.
FIFA has expressed its commitment to achieving gender equity in the sport by the time of the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Currently, the United States is the only country to have a ratified agreement for equal pay between its male and female players. However, for many teams in the World Cup, achieving such equality remains a challenging objective. Therefore, the minimum payment of $30,000 can make a significant difference in players’ lives, potentially enabling them to pursue higher education or invest in property. It is particularly impactful for those who are not well-paid or not paid at all by their clubs, as it allows them to focus solely on their passion for the sport without the burden of additional employment.
The increased prize money not only benefits the players but also extends to the teams and federations that have often been overlooked. Each participating team is receiving nearly $1 million in preparation funds, providing crucial support to less established programs. U.S. defender Crystal Dunn emphasized that this development represents a collective triumph, reflecting the ongoing fight for a better future for women’s soccer.
The substantial increase in prize money for the Women’s World Cup, along with the guarantee of direct payments to players, signals a significant step forward in bridging the gender gap in the sport. It not only recognizes the dedication, talent, and hard work of these athletes but also paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for women in soccer. As we eagerly await the start of the Women’s World Cup, this positive change is a testament to the players’ unified efforts to elevate the women’s game and create lasting legacies for generations to come.
