England's players stand to share approximately £15 million in bonuses if they win the World Cup, with head coach Thomas Tuchel set to receive £3 million and his backroom team around £1 million, according to a bonus scheme agreed before the tournament. The Football Association (FA) would pay out roughly half of the £38 million prize money it receives from Fifa, with the remainder retained by the governing body. The agreement was reached with the squad's leadership group ahead of the competition, which has seen England reach the quarter-finals, where they face Norway.
The bonus structure reflects the high stakes of the tournament, with England aiming to secure their first World Cup title since 1966. The players' potential earnings from the competition are not limited to the bonus pot; they also receive match fees for each appearance. For the group stage, each player earns a basic match fee of around £2,000 per game, with additional performance-related bonuses that can increase their take-home pay significantly. For the quarter-final clash against Norway, players will receive their standard match fee plus a share of the tournament bonus if they progress further.
The FA's decision to allocate half of the prize money to the squad and staff is consistent with previous major tournaments, where a similar percentage has been distributed. In the 2022 World Cup, for example, the FA paid out around £13 million to the squad and coaching staff after England reached the quarter-finals. The current bonus scheme, however, is tied specifically to winning the tournament, meaning the full £19 million pot for players and staff will only be triggered if Harry Kane lifts the trophy in New York next weekend.
England's preparations for the quarter-final have been boosted by a visit to David Beckham's Inter Miami training base, where the squad trained ahead of the match. Beckham, a former England captain, welcomed the team and watched training alongside his sons Romeo and Cruz. The session was designed to help the players acclimatise to the conditions and maintain focus ahead of the crucial fixture. Tuchel, meanwhile, has urged his players to be «brave» in the match, emphasising the need to take risks and play with confidence against a strong Norwegian side.
The quarter-final against Norway represents a significant test for England, who have progressed through the group stage and round of 16 without conceding a goal. Norway, led by star striker Erling Haaland, have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament, scoring 12 goals in their four matches. Tuchel has acknowledged the challenge, but stressed that England's defensive solidity and attacking firepower give them a strong chance of advancing. The match is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a capacity crowd expected.
Off the pitch, the England squad has received support from high-profile fans, including actor Tom Holland, who described Jude Bellingham as a «phenomenal talent» and Harry Kane as an «absolute legend». Holland, a well-known football enthusiast, has been following the team's progress and expressed his excitement ahead of the quarter-final. The squad has also been buoyed by the presence of family members and friends, who have travelled to the United States to support the team.
The bonus scheme has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits, with some questioning whether the financial incentives could distract players from their focus on the pitch. However, Tuchel has dismissed such concerns, stating that the players are motivated by the desire to win the World Cup for their country, not by money. The FA has also emphasised that the bonus structure is standard practice for major tournaments and is designed to reward success without placing undue pressure on the squad.
As England prepare for the quarter-final, the focus remains firmly on the football. The team has trained intensively, with Tuchel fine-tuning tactics and set-piece routines. The manager has also had to deal with the absence of defender Jarell Quansah, who is serving a two-match ban imposed by Fifa. Tuchel revealed that he has received «no explanation» from the governing body for the suspension, which has limited his defensive options. Despite this setback, the squad remains confident and determined to overcome Norway and keep their World Cup dream alive.
