In 2026, US national soccer players earn through three streams: USSF game fees ($10,000/game base), European club salaries (up to $7M+ per year), and endorsements. Christian Pulisic tops the list at ~$27.5M total annual earnings. USMNT and USWNT now earn equally thanks to a landmark 2022 CBA. The 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted on US soil — offers a record prize pool with each player potentially pocketing over $892K for winning. MLS-based national team players earn $500K–$3M, while elite European-based players earn several multiples of that. The salary gap between generations has never been wider — in a good way.
How US Soccer Pays Its Players in 2026
Alright, let’s be real — the way US Soccer pays its players is pretty different from how you’d expect a traditional team sport to work. There’s no fixed weekly wage from the federation like in the Premier League or La Liga. Instead, USMNT and USWNT players get paid through a three-part system that combines federation game fees, club salaries, and off-field endorsement income.
Back in May 2022, the USSF made history by signing landmark Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with both the men’s and women’s teams — the first national soccer federation in the world to guarantee equal pay for both sexes. Those CBAs run through 2028, so everything happening at the 2026 World Cup falls squarely within this agreement.
- USSF Game Fees: Players earn per game, per win, and per tournament result — not a fixed annual salary from the federation.
- Club Salaries: The bulk of a national team player’s income comes from their club (AC Milan, Juventus, Bournemouth, etc.).
- Endorsements: Top players like Pulisic earn more off the field than on it. Brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Puma pay big.
- FIFA World Cup Pool: In 2026, USSF takes 20% of FIFA payouts, and the remaining 80% is split equally among 52 players (26 men + 26 women).
- Equal Pay: Under the 2022 CBA, USMNT and USWNT players earn the same rates per game, per win, and per tournament. A genuine first in world soccer.
💡 Key point: For qualifiers and major tournaments, each player earns $10,000 per game base + $14,000 for a win + $4,000 for a draw. For Gold Cup and Nations League, win bonuses are $12,000 per game.

How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Game?
This is probably the question that gets asked most. And the honest answer is: it depends on the game type, the tournament, and whether you’re talking USSF pay or total earnings that day.
| Game Type | Base Pay/Game | Win Bonus | Draw Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifier / Major Tournament | $10,000 | $14,000 | $4,000 |
| Gold Cup / Nations League / Official | $10,000 | $12,000 | $4,000 |
| Friendly (Home – sold-out venue) | $5,000–$10,000 | Varies | — |
| Friendly (Away or low-attendance) | $5,000 | — | — |
| Ticket revenue share (per ticket sold) | $1.50/ticket | +7.5% after 17K sold | $15K sold-out bonus |
Keep in mind — these are just the USSF federation payments. A player like Pulisic earns roughly $115,280 per week at AC Milan. So even on a quiet Tuesday friendly, he’s already earning that regardless of what the USSF chips in.
How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Year? (+ 2-Minute Salary Breakdown)
Let’s talk real numbers for 2026. These figures include club salaries, national team fees, and endorsements where available — and they’ve changed a lot since 2023.
| # | Player | Club | Club Salary/Year | Endorsements | Total Est. Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Pulisic | AC Milan | $6,000,000 | ~$20,000,000 | $27,500,000 |
| 2 | Weston McKennie | Juventus | $7,000,000 | ~$8,000,000 | $15,000,000 |
| 3 | Malik Tillman | Bayer Leverkusen | $5,500,000 | ~$2,000,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 4 | Timothy Weah | Marseille | $5,350,000 | ~$1,500,000 | $6,850,000 |
| 5 | Johnny Cardoso | Atlético Madrid | $4,900,000 | ~$1,000,000 | $5,900,000 |
| 6 | Sergiño Dest | PSV Eindhoven | $4,610,000 | ~$1,000,000 | $5,610,000 |
| 7 | Tyler Adams | AFC Bournemouth | $4,250,000 | ~$800,000 | $5,050,000 |
| 8 | Antonee Robinson | Fulham | $4,250,000 | ~$600,000 | $4,850,000 |
| 9 | Folarin Balogun | Monaco | $3,790,000 | ~$500,000 | $4,290,000 |
| 10 | Gio Reyna | Borussia M’gladbach | $3,200,000 | ~$400,000 | $3,600,000 |
| — | Average MLS-based player | MLS | $500K–$1.5M | Minimal | $600K–$2M |
⏱️ What Pulisic Makes in 2 Minutes
$27.5M Per Year
$2.29M Per Month
$528,846 Per Week
$75,342 Per Day
$3,139 Per Hour
$104.60 Per Minute
$209.20 Per 2 Minutes
⚽ So yes — while you’re reading this 10-minute article, Christian Pulisic has earned about $1,046. And he’s not even playing right now.
How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Month?
| Player | Annual Total | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | $27,500,000 | $2,291,667 |
| Weston McKennie | $15,000,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Malik Tillman | $7,500,000 | $625,000 |
| Timothy Weah | $6,850,000 | $570,833 |
| Johnny Cardoso | $5,900,000 | $491,667 |
| Sergiño Dest | $5,610,000 | $467,500 |
| Tyler Adams / A. Robinson | $5,050,000 | ~$420,833 |
| Average MLS National Team Player | $1,200,000 | $100,000 |
Remember — monthly figures are averages. Club salaries are often paid weekly or bi-weekly, while endorsement checks may come quarterly. These are useful for comparison, not as literal monthly direct-deposit amounts.
How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Week?
| Player | Per Week (Total) | Club Salary/Week |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | $528,846 | $115,280 |
| Weston McKennie | $288,462 | $134,600 |
| Malik Tillman | $144,231 | $105,769 |
| Timothy Weah | $131,731 | $102,885 |
| Sergiño Dest | $107,885 | $86,546 |
| Antonee Robinson / Tyler Adams | ~$97,115 | ~$81,731 |
| Average MLS National Team Player | $23,077 | $19,231 |
How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Day?
$75,342Pulisic / Day
$41,096McKennie / Day
$20,548Tillman / Day
$18,767Weah / Day
$13,836Cardoso / Day
$3,288Avg. MLS/Day
How Much Do US Soccer Players Make Per Hour?
| Player | Per Hour | Per Minute |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | $3,139 | $52.32 |
| Weston McKennie | $1,712 | $28.54 |
| Malik Tillman | $856 | $14.27 |
| Timothy Weah | $782 | $13.04 |
| Sergiño Dest | $640 | $10.67 |
| Tyler Adams | $576 | $9.61 |
| Average MLS National Team Player | $137 | $2.28 |
| Minimum (non-salaried USSF call-up) | ~$11 | $0.18 |
Highest-Paid USMNT Players 2026 (Full List)
This is the 2026 World Cup squad — and it’s genuinely the richest roster in USMNT history. Here’s the full salary picture for every notable name on the team:
| Rank | Player | Position | Club | League | Annual Club Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian Pulisic | Forward/Winger | AC Milan | Serie A | $6,030,000 |
| 2 | Weston McKennie | Midfielder | Juventus | Serie A | $7,000,000 |
| 3 | Malik Tillman | Midfielder | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | $5,500,000 |
| 4 | Timothy Weah | Winger | Marseille (loan) | Ligue 1 | $5,350,000 |
| 5 | Johnny Cardoso | Midfielder | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | $4,900,000 |
| 6 | Sergiño Dest | Right Back | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie | $4,610,000 |
| 7 | Tyler Adams | Midfielder | AFC Bournemouth | Premier League | $4,250,000 |
| 8 | Antonee Robinson | Left Back | Fulham | Premier League | $4,250,000 |
| 9 | Folarin Balogun | Striker | Monaco | Ligue 1 | $3,790,000 |
| 10 | Gio Reyna | Midfielder | B. M’gladbach | Bundesliga | $3,200,000 |
| 11 | Brenden Aaronson | Midfielder | Leeds United | Championship | $2,500,000 |
| 12 | Ricardo Pepi | Striker | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie | $2,200,000 |
| 13 | Cristian Roldan | Midfielder | Seattle Sounders | MLS | $1,100,000 |
| 14 | Alejandro Zendejas | Winger | Club América | Liga MX | $800,000 |
| 15 | Haji Wright | Striker | Coventry City | Championship | $750,000 |
| 16 | Sebastian Berhalter | Midfielder | Vancouver Whitecaps | MLS | $500,000 |
📊 Combined: The top earners on the 2026 USMNT squad made nearly $67 million in club salaries over the past year — before taxes, bonuses, and agents’ fees.
USWNT Salary 2026 — Equal Pay, Real Numbers
The USWNT fought for equal pay for years — and they got it. Under the 2022 CBA, both men and women earn identical USSF game fees. When the USMNT earns World Cup prize money, the USWNT players share it, and vice versa in 2027. That’s genuinely unprecedented in world football.
| Player | Club | Est. Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Rodman | Washington Spirit (NWSL) | $800,000–$1,200,000 |
| Mallory Swanson | Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) | $600,000–$900,000 |
| Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns (NWSL) | $600,000–$800,000 |
| Naomi Girma | Chelsea FC Women (WSL) | $500,000–$750,000 |
| Alex Morgan (retired 2024) | — | Legacy: $4.6M peak |
| Average NWSL National Team Player | NWSL | $150,000–$450,000 |
| USSF salaried contract (up to 20/year) | — | $100,000 base + per-game |
The USWNT wage gap with their male counterparts still exists — but it’s primarily because NWSL club salaries are dramatically lower than European top-flight salaries. The federation fees are now equal; the club market is where the gap persists.
2026 World Cup Bonuses — What USMNT Players Can Earn
The 2026 World Cup is happening right here in the USA, Canada, and Mexico — and the financial stakes are unlike anything American soccer has ever seen. FIFA bumped up its distribution and each competing federation receives at minimum $12.5M (up from $9M in Qatar). Here’s what it means for individual players:
| Tournament Stage | FIFA Bonus (per team) | USSF Takes (20%) | Remaining Split (52 players) | Per Player Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage Exit | $12.5M (guaranteed) | $2.5M | $10M | ~$192,308 |
| Round of 32 Exit | +$3M additional | $600K | $2.4M extra | ~$46,154 extra |
| Quarter-Final | Larger bonus | 20% | 80% / 52 | Estimated $400K+ |
| Win World Cup 🏆 | $50M winner prize | $10M | $40M / 52 | ~$769,231+ |
- USMNT defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match (June 12, 2026) — win bonus payments already triggered.
- USMNT next face Australia on June 19, 2026.
- Even if the USMNT is eliminated from the group stage, each player collectively walks away with $21.5M as a team.
- USWNT players also share this pool — 26 men and 26 women split the USSF’s 80% equally.
- Childcare is now covered for both men and women during national team training camps and matches.
US Soccer Player Salary by City / Club Location
Where a player is based heavily influences their take-home. Between taxes, league prestige, cost-of-living, and club budgets — geography matters a lot in soccer earnings.
| City / Country | League | Example USMNT Player | Annual Salary Range | Tax Rate (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan, Italy | Serie A | Christian Pulisic | $5.5M–$8M | ~43% |
| Turin, Italy | Serie A | Weston McKennie | $6M–$9M | ~43% |
| Leverkusen, Germany | Bundesliga | Malik Tillman | $4M–$6M | ~47% |
| Marseille, France | Ligue 1 | Timothy Weah | $4M–$6M | ~45% |
| Madrid, Spain | La Liga | Johnny Cardoso | $4M–$5.5M | ~24% (Beckham Law) |
| London, England | Premier League | Antonee Robinson, T. Adams | $4M–$5M | ~45% |
| Monaco / Nice | Ligue 1 | Folarin Balogun | $3.5M–$4.5M | ~0% (Monaco) |
| Eindhoven, Netherlands | Eredivisie | Sergiño Dest, R. Pepi | $2M–$5M | ~49% |
| Seattle / LA / NYC (MLS) | MLS | Roldan, Zendejas, Berhalter | $500K–$1.5M | 30–37% |
| Average Non-Roster US Player | USL / Lower | — | $31,549–$66,560 | 22–24% |
🌍 Fun fact: Folarin Balogun at Monaco pays zero income tax on his club salary — Monaco is a tax haven. That makes his ~$3.79M club salary stretch significantly further than a comparable salary in Germany or France.
⚽ Soccer Salary Calculator 2026
⚽ Soccer Salary Calculator
Select a player or enter any annual salary to see the full breakdown.
Salary by What People Search — Every Variation Answered
| Search Query | Answer (2026) |
|---|---|
| US soccer player salary per year | $100K (USSF base) to $27.5M+ (total w/ endorsements) |
| USMNT player salary 2026 | $10K/game USSF fee + club salary ($500K–$7M+) |
| Christian Pulisic salary 2026 | ~$6M club + ~$20M endorsements = $27.5M total |
| Weston McKennie salary | $7M (Juventus club salary), ~$15M total |
| US soccer player salary per game | $10,000 base (USSF) + $14,000 win bonus (major tournaments) |
| US soccer player salary per month | $8,333 (minimum) to $2.29M (Pulisic) |
| US soccer player salary per week | $1,923 to $528,846 (Pulisic) |
| US soccer player salary per hour | ~$11 (minimum call-up) to $3,139 (Pulisic) |
| USWNT salary 2026 | $100K USSF base (salaried) + NWSL club salary ($150K–$800K) |
| US soccer World Cup salary 2026 | ~$192K minimum per player from FIFA pool (group stage exit) |
| MLS vs European salary US national team | MLS: $500K–$1.5M vs Europe: $2M–$7M+ |
| Highest paid US soccer player ever | Christian Pulisic ($27.5M total, 2025-26) |
| Do USMNT players get paid to play for US? | Yes — $10K/game base + win/draw bonuses + tournament pool share |
| US women’s soccer player salary 2026 | $100K USSF + $150K–$800K NWSL; now equal game fees as men |
| Amateur US soccer player salary | $31,549–$66,560/year (AFTA data, general soccer player) |
FAQs
01 Is Christian Pulisic the highest-paid US player ever?
In terms of total annual earnings (club + endorsements), yes — $27.5M in 2025-26 exceeds any previous American soccer player. Clint Dempsey’s peak at the 2014 World Cup was ~$10M total.
02 Does Weston McKennie earn more than Pulisic at his club?
Yes — McKennie’s Juventus salary ($7M/year) is higher than Pulisic’s AC Milan salary ($6M). But Pulisic’s endorsement portfolio ($20M+) makes him the bigger earner overall by far.
03 How much does the USMNT get if they win the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA’s prize pool for the winner is $50M. After USSF takes 20%, the remaining $40M is split among 52 players (26 men, 26 women) = ~$769K per player each.
04Do USMNT players get paid even in a World Cup loss?
Yes. FIFA guarantees $12.5M per team regardless of results. Even a group-stage exit means ~$192K per player from the shared pool.
05Why do USMNT players earn less than other national teams?The USSF doesn’t pay a fixed annual salary — players earn per game fees. Their main income is from club teams. European-based USMNT stars now earn comparable to mid-table European national team players.
06Are USWNT players paid the same as USMNT in 2026?
For USSF game fees and World Cup prize money — yes, exactly equal. For club salaries — no, because NWSL pay is far below top European men’s leagues.
07Who is the highest-paid goalkeeper on USMNT?Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest, on loan) and Ethan Horvath are among the GK options. Neither cracks the top salary list — starting GKs in mid-table Premier League earn ~$1.5M–$3M/year.
08What is the minimum salary for a US national team player?A non-salaried USSF call-up earns $5,000–$10,000 per game appearance. Over a 20-game year, that’s $100,000–$200,000 from the federation alone — plus whatever their club pays.
09How much does a US soccer player make vs NBA or NFL?The average NFL player earns ~$2.7M/year; NBA ~$9.7M/year. Pulisic’s $27.5M puts him in NBA-superstar territory, but most USMNT players earn well below the average NFL salary.
10How do US soccer players get paid their World Cup money?FIFA pays the federation directly. USSF then distributes the player share (80% of prize money) equally among 52 players per the 2022 CBA terms. Timing varies — often within weeks of the tournament.
Most Asked Questions
How much does a US soccer player make in 2026?
It depends on the tier. USSF game fees: $10,000/game base. Club salary: $500K (MLS) to $7M+ (top European club). Total with endorsements: the range is $100K for a fringe national team player all the way to $27.5M for Christian Pulisic. The average USMNT World Cup roster player in 2026 earns roughly $3–5M/year from their club.
Is the USMNT salary the highest ever in 2026?
Collectively, yes. The top 10 earners on the 2026 USMNT roster combined for nearly $67M in club salaries alone — a figure unimaginable a decade ago. The 2026 squad is genuinely the richest roster in USMNT history.
What is the World Cup prize money per player 2026?
FIFA’s guaranteed payout is $12.5M per team. USSF takes 20%, then splits 80% among 52 players (26 USMNT + 26 USWNT). Minimum per player (group stage exit) ≈ $192,308. If USMNT win the tournament, the winner’s prize of $50M would yield ~$769,231 per player from the pool.
How much does Pulisic make per minute in 2026?
Based on his estimated $27.5M total annual earnings: approximately $52.32 per minute, $3,139 per hour, $75,342 per day, and $2.29M per month. These are averages — his income comes in irregular chunks from salary, bonuses, and endorsement payments.
Do USMNT and USWNT share prize money?
Yes. Under the 2022 CBA (which runs through 2028), both teams pool their FIFA World Cup prize money. 20% goes to USSF, and the remaining 80% is divided equally among 52 players — 26 from each team. This is unprecedented in world soccer.
What People Are Saying Online 💬
Here’s a taste of the real conversation happening right now across Reddit, Twitter/X, and soccer fan forums about USMNT salaries in 2026:
JD @JDsoccer_fan June 13, 2026 — Twitter/X
Pulisic made $52 per MINUTE last year and he just scored twice vs Paraguay. “Captain America” is not overpaid. He’s genuinely underpaid compared to what Mbappe makes 😂 ❤️ 4,271 likes · 🔁 1,830 retweets
MK. u/MKsoccerhead June 14, 2026 — r/soccer
The fact that McKennie earns MORE club salary than Pulisic but Pulisic’s endorsements dwarf everyone else on the team combined — that’s the real story here. American soccer has finally built a genuine commercial machine. ↑ 3,102 upvotes · 💬 287 comments
SR. @SarahRiveraSport June 12, 2026 — Twitter/X
Reminder that the USWNT players are ALSO sharing in this World Cup prize money pool. They get equal game fees now AND a cut of the men’s World Cup. That 2022 CBA was genuinely historic. ❤️ 8,940 likes · 🔁 3,271 retweets
TF u/TacticalFan99 June 15, 2026 — r/USMNT
People forget that Folarin Balogun pays ZERO income tax at Monaco. His $3.79M is probably worth more net than Tyler Adams’ $4.25M in London. Geography is everything in soccer salaries. ↑ 1,847 upvotes · 💬 143 comments
AM. @AnaM_Soccer June 16, 2026 — Instagram
10 years ago the US couldn’t fill a stadium for an MNT friendly. Now we’re hosting the World Cup and our top player earns $27.5 million a year. American soccer has arrived. Period. ⚽🇺🇸 ❤️ 12,445 likes · 💬 891 comments
Author’s Take — What These Numbers Really Mean
RZ
Content Strategist · Sports Salary Analyst ·
Rasheduzzaman specializes in financial profiles of global sports icons, with deep expertise in North American and European salary structures. He’s been tracking USMNT earnings since 2019.
“What we’re seeing with the 2026 USMNT salary numbers isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a cultural shift. When Pulisic was at Chelsea in 2022, he was an outlier. Now he’s surrounded by players earning $4–7M in Milan, Madrid, London, and Leverkusen. The floor has risen dramatically. But here’s what really gets me: the USWNT sharing in this World Cup money is the thing that will matter most historically. Decades from now, we’ll look back at that 2022 CBA as the turning point. American soccer, both men’s and women’s, finally has a financial structure worthy of its ambition. The 2026 World Cup is both a celebration of where the game has arrived — and a preview of where it’s going.”
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