Shamrock Rovers and St Patricks Athletic could earn as little as $250k for their players participation in the upcoming World Cup.
Latin American media outlet Marketing Regestrado are reporting that clubs will receive $11,000 USD per day for each player released to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
During the most recent international break, League of Ireland players Pico Lopes and Joseph Anang were selected for their respective national team squads. If they were to receive a call-up for the tournament across North America, both their clubs could receive a significant windfall.
La FIFA le pagará 11.000 DÓLARES POR DÍA a los clubes por CADA JUGADOR que cedan al MUNDIAL 2026
Esto está dentro del Programa de apoyo a los clubes: si un club tiene un jugador CONVOCADO al Mundial, en el peor de los casos (eliminado en grupos) recibiría alrededor de… pic.twitter.com/GtzyLIH7HB
— Marketing Registrado (@MktRegistrado) May 11, 2026
Even if Cape Verde or Ghana were to be knocked out in the group stages, the Irish clubs would receive a compensation of roughly $250k.
Due to the LOI’s Summer calendar, the World Cup would overlap with a handful of fixtures. Shamrock Rovers will be equipped to deal with the loss of their captain, former Irish international Enda Stevens has slotted in at centre back in recent weeks.
Replacing Anang won’t be as easy for Stephen Kenny’s side, the former West Ham player kept more clean sheets than anyone in the Premier Division last campaign.
The upcoming World Cup could be the opportunity of a lifetime for Lopes and Anang. With the added boost of an incentive for their clubs, the eagerness to make the final 26 man squad will be at an all time high.
Cape Verde were drawn into Group I with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia while Gahna are in Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama.