Celtic could be set to benefit from FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A report from Scotland’s Coefficient Substack has detailed how FIFA will distribute money to clubs whose players are involved in international football during the World Cup cycle.
However, there is an important change.
For the first time, FIFA’s payment system will include World Cup qualifiers as well as the tournament itself. That means the money will be spread across more clubs, more matches and more players.
For Celtic, that could still be good news.
The club have a squad packed with internationals. Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda, Kieran Tierney, and Auston Trusty are among those who could be involved with their countries during the World Cup.
The exact payment Celtic receive will depend on selections, minutes and how far each nation goes. But previous UEFA figures show why the Hoops are usually well placed in these schemes.
Scotland’s Coefficient highlighted that Celtic received just over €1million from UEFA’s latest Club Benefits Programme. That was the largest payment to any Scottish club and almost double the amount received by Rangers.
That reflects Celtic’s number of international players and the level they are playing at.
The new FIFA model means more clubs will receive money, so individual payments for tournament involvement may not rise as much as the overall fund suggests. But clubs like Celtic, who regularly release players for qualifiers and finals, should still be among the main Scottish beneficiaries.
It will not transform Celtic’s finances. But it is another reminder that having international players in the squad brings value beyond the pitch.
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