Hearts and Kotoko Set for Major FIFA Payouts as Ghana Clubs Cash In on 355 Million USD Scheme

Accra Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, Nations FC and Medeama SC are the Ghanaian clubs poised to benefit from FIFA’s record USD 355 million Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 World Cup per details released from FIFA.

This programme, which is 70% larger than the 2022 edition, compensates clubs for releasing players to national teams during both the qualifiers and the final tournament held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Accra Hearts of Oak will receive payments from the USD 250 million final-tournament fund for goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

Nations FC will qualify for the dedicated USD 100 million qualifiers fund thanks to the release of midfielder Razak Simpson during Ghana’s successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Medeama SC will also benefit from the same qualifiers fund due to the participation of Prince Owusu, Jonathan Sowah and defender, Kamaradini Mamudu.

Asante Kotoko will likewise receive payments from the qualifiers fund for the release of Fredrick Asare.

Payments for the qualifiers portion are distributed on a “per player, per match” basis, with eligible clubs expected to receive approximately USD 2,362 per player per match (starters plus up to 12 substitutes only).

FIFA described the new model as “more inclusive and solidarity-driven,” extending benefits to clubs from emerging football nations such as Ghana.

Clubs must register via a dedicated online platform and validate player-release data by 10 September 2026 for the qualifiers portion.

Final payments, processed through the Ghana Football Association, are scheduled to reach eligible clubs by the end of 2026.