Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are poised to receive at least R51.2 million each from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme after contributing eight players apiece to Bafana Bafana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Brazilians and their Soweto rivals are among the biggest beneficiaries of the tournament’s compensation scheme, which rewards clubs for every player released to participate in the global showpiece. Payments are calculated daily from the official preparation period beginning 25 May until each team’s elimination, meaning the current minimum figure could climb significantly depending on South Africa’s performance in the group stage.
FIFA’s payout structure