More than 260 FIFA World Cup 2026™ players have moved clubs during the mid-year transfer window, with their transfers representing over USD 3.3 billion in combined fees
Women's football sets new transfer records, with spending more than doubled compared to 2025, reaching USD 28.6 million and over 1,400 transfers registered
Men's football hits new heights, with more than USD 9.89 billion spent on transfer fees and above 12,500 international transfers registered
FIFA today released its International Transfer Snapshot (1 June - 2 September 2026), providing an analysis of international player transfer activity during the 2026 mid-year transfer window. The figures reveal the significant impact of the FIFA World Cup™ on transfers in the men's game, alongside a series of record-breaking numbers in women's football.
On top of being the pinnacle of international men's football, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has consolidated itself as a significant global spotlight helping to create new opportunities for players in the transfer market. In total, 267 players from 47 nationalities who featured at the FIFA World Cup 2026 have moved clubs during the mid-year transfer window, with their transfers representing more than USD 3.3 billion in combined fees. From established stars confirming their status at the highest level to emerging talents making their mark on the world stage, a number of players who featured at the tournament have subsequently made significant moves to new clubs.
Record growth in women's football
Women's professional football continued its rapid growth, with new records being set for both the number of international transfers and transfer fees. A total of 1,406 international transfers were registered in women's professional football - the highest number ever recorded and a 19.2% increase compared with the previous record. Transfer fees also reached an all-time high, with USD 28.6 million spent on international transfers, more than double the amount recorded during the previous mid-year window.
English clubs led the spending with USD 8.0 million, followed by those in Spain (USD 6.6 million), Germany (USD 4.9 million), the United States (USD 2.9 million) and Italy (USD 2.1 million). Swedish clubs were the biggest recipients of transfer fees, receiving USD 4.2 million, ahead of those in England (USD 4.0 million), France (USD 3.6 million), Germany (USD 3.6 million) and the Netherlands (USD 2.9 million).
Men's market continues to reach new heights
The men's professional game also saw another landmark window, with more than USD 9.89 billion spent on transfer fees, the highest amount ever recorded. More than 12,500 international transfers were registered around the world, also setting a new record for the number of transfers during a mid-year window.
English clubs led global spending, with more than USD 3.02 billion invested in transfer fees. Those in Italy followed with USD 1.1 billion, ahead of Spain (USD 940 million), Germany (USD 904 million) and France (USD 641 million). Clubs from England also completed the highest number of incoming transfers, followed by clubs from Spain and Portugal.
French clubs received the highest total value in transfer fees, with USD 1.7 billion, followed by those in England (USD 1.43 billion), Germany (USD 1.02 billion), Spain (USD 773 million) and Portugal (USD 642 million).
The figures underline the continued scale and global reach of the international transfer market and, following a FIFA World Cup that brought the world's leading players together on football's biggest stage, demonstrate how performances at the global showpiece can translate into new opportunities at club level.
All transfer data is presented on FIFA's interactive platform , allowing detailed comparisons to be made between all FIFA Member Associations and over time.
TMS Help Centre opened to wider football community
Beyond the headline figures, the International Transfer Snapshot also highlights the importance of clear and accessible guidance for stakeholders navigating the transfer system. In this context, FIFA has recently provided public access to the TMS Help Centre (previously available only to TMS users), a newly redesigned online resource bringing together information, guidance and regulatory updates on player transfers, TMS and FIFA Clearing House processes.
