The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be packed with superstar talent, and a lot of those players are earning truly ridiculous amounts of money, not that we’ll care if they knock in the winning goal for our nation. But the list is curiously skewed to a certain part of the world, and not solely fixed on Europe’s big leagues that had previously dominated.

Some headline names are cashing giant paychecks thanks to the push to be relevant in the game over recent years in Saudi Arabia. Others are pulling in millions through sponsorships, streaming deals, fashion campaigns and social media. Put it all together and the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico could feature the richest collection of soccer stars ever assembled.

And yes, Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 years old, is still sitting comfortably at the top.

Which countries have qualified for World Cup 2026?

The tournament field includes global powers like Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain and Germany – not Italy, though – but there are also some fresh faces and surprise qualifiers.

Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA

AFC: Australia, Iraq, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan

CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

CONCACAF: Curaçao, Haiti, Panama

CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

OFC: New Zealand

UEFA: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye

That means stars including Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Haaland, Salah, Yamal and Bellingham are all currently on course for the tournament.

Who are the highest-paid players at World Cup 2026?

Based on recent Forbes estimates combining salary, bonuses and endorsements, these are the biggest earners connected to qualified nations:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – around $280 million per year
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – c. $135 million
3. Kylian Mbappé (France) – c. $95 million
4. Erling Haaland (Norway) – c. $80 million
5. Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – c. $60 million
6. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – c. $55 million
7. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – c. $52 million
8. Jude Bellingham (England) – c. $50 million
9. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – c. $40 million
10. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – c. $35 million

The numbers shift constantly because endorsement deals move fast, especially around a World Cup year.

Ronaldo and Messi are still cash machines

Ronaldo remains on another financial level thanks to his massive Al Nassr contract in Saudi Arabia, while Messi continues to rake in millions through Inter Miami, Adidas, Apple and other commercial partnerships.

Even in their late 30s and early 40s, they are still soccer’s two biggest global brands. Oh, and they could face off in one last global dance.

Benzema could still crash the party

Karim Benzema did not make the top 10 here because his place at World Cup 2026 is far from certain, but financially he would absolutely belong near the top. He’s said to be on around $104 million.

The former Ballon d’Or winner is still earning huge money in Saudi Arabia and could become an emergency France call-up if injuries hit Didier Deschamps’ squad before the tournament.

Young blood rising the pay ranks

What makes this World Cup especially fascinating is the mix of generations.

It could be the final World Cup appearance for legends like Ronaldo and Messi, while younger stars such as Mbappé, Haaland, Bellingham and Yamal fully take over the sport’s spotlight.

And judging by the salaries already flying around the game, the next era of soccer superstars is not going to come cheap.

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