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| 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. File picture. |
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.
