World Cup stars drive $3.3 billion in transfer fees as global spending hits record highs

Zurich: Players who featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated more than $3.3 billion in international transfer fees during the recently concluded mid-year transfer window, according to FIFA. The governing body said more than 260 World Cup players representing 47 nationalities changed clubs during the transfer period, accounting for over a third of the record $9.89 billion spent on international transfer fees in men's football. FIFA reported that more than 12,500 international transfers were completed worldwide during the mid-year window, setting a new record for the number of international transfers. The spending surge followed Spain's World Cup triumph in July and highlighted the impact of performances on football's biggest stage in driving transfer activity across the global market. Among the high-profile moves involving World Cup players were Spain midfielder Rodri's transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona and France winger Bradley Barcola's move from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool. Women's football also recorded new highs during the transfer window. According to FIFA, international transfer spending in the women's game more than doubled from 2025 levels to reach $28.6 million. A record 1,406 international transfers were registered in women's professional football, representing a 19.2 per cent increase on the previous record. English clubs led spending in both the men's and women's international transfer markets, accounting for $3.02 billion in men's transfer fees and $8 million in the women's game. FIFA said the figures underline the continued growth of the global transfer market across both men's and women's football.