Players who participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup were involved in more than $3.3 billion worth of international transfer fees during the mid-year transfer window, FIFA reported [1, 2, 3, 4]. A total of 267 World Cup players from 47 nationalities changed clubs during this period, according to FIFA's September 4 report [4], slightly higher than previous reports of more than 260 players [1, 2, 3].

Overall, the total spent on men's international football transfers reached a record $9.89 billion in the mid-2026 window, marking the highest figure ever recorded for that period [1, 2, 3, 4]. More than 12,500 international transfers were registered globally, another mid-year record, with FIFA stating, "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" [1].

Women's professional football also saw significant growth, with 1,406 international transfers registered in 2026, a 19.2% increase over the previous record [1, 2, 3, 4]. International spending in women's transfers more than doubled to $28.6 million compared to 2025. FIFA described this as "the highest number ever recorded" for women's transfers [1].

English clubs led the market in spending, committing $3.02 billion in men's international transfer fees and $8 million in women's fees [1, 2, 3, 4]. Other leading countries in women's transfer spending included Spain at $6.6 million, Germany $4.9 million, the US $2.9 million, and Italy $2.1 million [4]. Swedish clubs were the biggest recipients of women's transfer fees at $4.2 million, followed by England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands [4].

In men's transfers, English clubs ranked highest in spending, followed by clubs from Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. Meanwhile, French clubs reportedly received the largest total transfer fees at $1.7 billion [4].

Several high-profile players featured in notable moves after the World Cup. Spain midfielder Rodri transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona, and French winger Bradley Barcola moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool [1, 2, 3].

The 2026 World Cup victory by Spain in July spurred increased activity and spending in the transfer market, according to FIFA's September 3 and 4 reports [1, 2, 3, 4]. FIFA’s next extensive update on transfer market activity is expected after the close of the winter transfer window later this year.