Orlando Pirates are in line for a significant financial boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Soweto giants set to earn a minimum of R51.2 million through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme.
The Buccaneers have eight players in Hugo Broos‘ final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad, making them one of the biggest beneficiaries of the global tournament.
HOW WILL ORLANDO PIRATES EARN THE MONEY?
FIFA compensates clubs for every player released to compete at the World Cup, with payments calculated on a daily basis from the start of the official preparation period on 25 May until a team’s elimination.
With South Africa guaranteed to remain in the tournament until at least their final Group A fixture against South Korea on 25 June, each Orlando Pirates player is expected to generate approximately R6.4 million.
That places the club’s minimum payout at R51.2 million, although the figure could increase substantially if Bafana Bafana progress beyond the group stage.
WHICH ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS ARE INVOLVED?
The eight Orlando Pirates players selected for the World Cup are:
- Sipho Chaine – Goalkeeper
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Central defender
- Thalente Mbatha – Midfielder
- Tshepang Moremi – Winger
- Oswin Appollis – Winger
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Attacking midfielder
- Kamogelo Sebelebele – Defender/Winger
- Evidence Makgopa – Striker
Under FIFA’s compensation rules, payments may be shared with former clubs if a player has changed teams within the designated two-year calculation period.
Orlando Pirates are tied with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly as the most represented African clubs at the tournament, with Sundowns also expected to earn at least R51.2 million through the programme.
Combined, South Africa’s two biggest clubs could receive more than R102 million from the World Cup alone.
BAFANA BAFANA FIXTURES
Thursday, 11 June 2026
- Match: Mexico vs South Africa
- Time: 21h00 SAST
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Thursday, 18 June 2026
- Match: Czechia vs South Africa
- Time: 18h00 SAST
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 / Early Thursday, 25 June
- Match: South Africa vs South Korea
- Time: 03h00 SAST (on 25 June)
- Venue: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe/Monterrey, Mexico.